For the sixth year running, the Integration Foundation offered Estonian language learners the opportunity to hold conversations with mentors – volunteers who speak Estonian at a native level. This year, the Language Friends programme featured the largest number of friends of Estonian ever: 1,018 learners and 981 mentors formed 1,023 conversation pairs of language friends.

‘These language friendships show the importance of taking the time to communicate with each other – we keep finding more and more in common, in terms of both our language and our ways of thinking. This spring, 1,999 people from Estonia and beyond have found as little as an hour per week to chat in Estonian about all sorts of things – the goings-on of their families, new experiences, current news, or books they have read. Through these dialogues, the learners have become more confident in their use of the Estonian language and both language friends come to understand each other better – and this way, the ties that connect us from the shores of Peipsi to Kihnu and from Keila to Tõrva have become stronger,’ said Ave Landrat, Head of the Language Friends programme and the Head of Partnerships at the Integration Foundation.

This year, 1,018 Estonian language learners participated in the Language Friends programme, joining through public sign-ups. A total of 981 mentors who volunteered for the programme helped them practise their Estonian. Conversations took place on all kinds of topics at least once a week – online, by phone, or face to face – to practise conversational language.

“The number of language friends growing year by year confirms how necessary it is for language learners to have the opportunity to converse in Estonian. It is a pleasure that they are supported by volunteers, many of whom have been participating for several years. We see that communication often continues after the program and turns into true friendship. Through such conversations and meetings, compatriots with different mother tongues find much more in common with each other than they previously thought. A big thank you to all the volunteers who have found time to support and encourage Estonian language learners,” said Dmitri Moskovtsev, Head of the Integration Foundation.

A team of coordinators brought the language friends together and helped them find the best solutions for their conversations. In addition, they supported the mentors with relevant advice and appropriate learning materials, drawing largely on their own previous experiences of participating in the Language Friends programme.

The Integration Foundation launched the Language Friends programme in 2020 to offer language learners an opportunity to continue practising their language online, as they were unable to participate in events for conversational language practice due to the state of emergency. To date, a total of 7,364 language learners have taken part in the programme.

We are implementing the Language Friends programme with the resources of the European Union’s Cohesion and Internal Security Funds for 2021–2027 and within the framework of project No. 2021-2027.4.07.23-0006 under Order No. 80 of the Minister of Culture of 15 March 2023 ‘Conditions for granting support for the implementation of activities supporting integration, including adaptation, in Estonian society’.

Overview of the sixth season of the Language Friends programme:

The Integration Foundation is organizing information sessions in May and June to provide details about Estonian language learning and other state support available for acquiring Estonian citizenship. In the first week, over 200 people registered for the online sessions held in Russian and English, and registration is ongoing via the website integratsioon.ee/kodanik.

“The first session on May 5 took place in a very constructive and positive atmosphere, and soon after we began receiving applications for our language learning conract programme, which supports people on their path to citizenship,” said Jekaterina Gvozdeva, Head of Civic Education at the Integration Foundation. “We’re seeing the greatest interest in questions about legislation, language studies, and study leave.”

According to Gvozdeva, the first session saw the most questions about residence permits and the required duration of stay in Estonia – i.e., the legal requirements for applying for citizenship. There was also significant interest in the study leave and compensation available for employed individuals through the language learning contract programme.

“Language learning remains a crucial topic. Although many see achieving B1 level as a challenge, our experience, client success stories, and official statistics show that passing the exam is a very realistic goal for most. Our role is to provide support and encouragement throughout the process,” Gvozdeva added.

Three more sessions will take place before the beginning of summer – on May 12 and 19, and on June 2. There is no limit on the number of participants, and the sessions will be held online, allowing participants to choose a suitable time and language. Registration for the information sessions is available on the website integratsioon.ee/en/kodanik.

Ukrainian citizens who have been granted international protection in Estonia can attend free Estonian language courses and adaptation trainings provided by the national adaptation programme Settle in Estonia. Participants can start their studies only in May, June, July, or August of this year by signing up now in the programme’s self-service.

For Ukrainian citizens who have come to Estonia from the war zone, the international protection status is accompanied by the obligation to complete Estonian language courses at levels A1, A2, and B1 and adaptation trainings introducing local life, as provided for in the national adaptation programme Settle in Estonia. Completing these courses and trainings is essential for renewing the protection status. 

For Ukrainian citizens who have come to Estonia from the war zone, the international protection status is accompanied by the obligation to complete Estonian language courses at levels A1, A2, and B1 and adaptation trainings introducing local life, as provided for in the national adaptation programme Settle in Estonia. Completing these courses and trainings is essential for renewing the protection status. 

The courses being offered start in May, June, July, or August of this year, either online or on site in Keila, Tallinn, Tartu, Pärnu, Rapla, Valga, and Viljandi. 

Ukrainian citizens can choose the Estonian language course and adaptation training that is right for them from those that have places available. You can check the current status of available places in Estonian language courses on the adaptation programme Settle in Estonia (https://settleinestonia.ee/login), where you can immediately sign up for a suitable course and training. 

The Integration Foundation supports integration in Estonia through a wide range of activities. Among other things, the foundation helps new immigrants – people who have been living in Estonia for less than five years – settle in. To this end, the foundation offers Estonian language courses, adaptation trainings, and other activities, such as field trips and community events, with both state and European Union funding. Full details can be found at https://www.integratsioon.ee/en/kohanemine.  

IMPORTANT

Within the framework of the national adaptation programme Settle in Estonia, newly arrived immigrants with varying legal statuses can learn Estonian and complete adaptation training. An overview can be found at https://integratsioon.ee/en/kohanemine.

Ukrainian war refugees who have been granted temporary protection will be able to register for Estonian language courses again at the end of May. Courses at levels A1, A2, and B1 are planned.

Currently, newly arrived newcomers who have arrived in the course of conventional migration can register for courses starting in August, September, and October. 

Newly arrived newcomers can send specifying questions by email: info@settleinestonia.ee.

This May and June, the Integration Foundation will host free online information sessions for all residents interested in Estonian citizenship. The sessions will provide details about free Estonian language courses and other state-supported resources available to help people on their path to citizenship. Online information sessions will be held in Russian and English, registration is open at integratsioon.ee/kodanik.

“We are doing our best to ensure that the number of Estonian citizens continues to grow. For example, nearly 60,000 residents with undetermined citizenship live in Estonia, and a recent survey shows that many of them are interested in becoming Estonian citizens. To support them – as well as others interested in citizenship – we offer a range of services, including free language training starting this autumn. We will provide more detailed information about these services during our information sessions,” said Dmitri Moskovtsev, Head of the Integration Foundation.

The first information session will take place on May 5, followed by additional sessions on May 12, May 19, and June 2. Interested individuals can participate online by selecting the time and language that best suits them.

During the sessions, participants will learn how to complete free Estonian language courses up to the required B1 level, how to take part in training on the Constitution and Citizenship legislation, how to apply for study leave compensation, how to register for exams, submit a citizenship application, and more essential information.

“In our work, we often see that for many residents applying for citizenship, the only missing piece of a puzzle is achieving the required level of language proficiency,” explained Jekaterina Gvozdeva, Head of Civic Education at the Integration Foundation. “We support them in overcoming this hurdle by helping them learn the language, build self-confidence, and ease anxieties about the exam. The language learning contract program, funded by the Ministry of the Interior, offers this opportunity.”

More information about the Integration Foundation's services and information sessions can be found at integratsioon.ee/en/kodanik, where you can also register for the information sessions.

We offer free language courses and training courses on the Constitution and the Citizenship Act for people who wish to become Estonian citizens. This year, we will be organising information sessions to introduce our services in more detail and answer questions from interested parties.

The information sessions will take place online. Next information sessions will take place starting from August. Exact times will be published on our website and social media. 

If you are not yet a user of our self-service environment, please first create your profile at the following link:
https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/

You can learn more about language learning to apply for Estonian citizenship at:
https://integratsioon.ee/en/language-exam

You can read more about training courses on the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia and the Citizenship Act at:
https://integratsioon.ee/en/citizenship-exam

All those who sign up for the information session will receive all the information and materials also by email, whether they attended or not. 

On Saturday, 10 May, residents of Narva and other regions of Ida-Viru County are invited to a family day to discover European cultures together. Renowned people from Ida-Viru County and elsewhere, who will offer free educational and entertaining activities, help participants on the path to exciting discoveries.

The family day is organised by the Integration Foundation as part of Europe Week. The foundation has previously offered the residents and visitors of Ida-Viru County numerous opportunities for shared experiences through the unique projects of the Estonian Language House.

According to Anna Farafonova, Head of the Estonian Language House, the family day is an opportunity to celebrate how much we truly have in common. ‘Our Narva, Ida-Viru County, Estonia, and Europe are home to thousands of people and hundreds of communities. The resulting cultural diversity has become part of our daily lives. We plan to come together in the creative heart of Narva to understand our differences and similarities through shared activities and thereby become even closer – all the while having fun in a way that is common for family gatherings,’ explained Anna Farafonova.

The activities of the family day on the premises and in the outdoor area of Narva Art Residence (NART) are free of charge. From noon to 5 p.m., a range of educational and fun activities will take place to help discover European cultures with the whole family.

According to Jevgeni Timoštšuk, who is organising the family day, the event is the perfect opportunity to get together with family and friends. ‘Exciting activities and unique experiences await both younger and older members of the family. For example, renowned storyteller Polina Tšerkassova will take listeners into a world of fairy tales and stories from different European peoples. The talented performer Sylvain Oulala will teach juggling and other circus secrets. Experienced freestyle footballer Eno Lints will teach spectacular football tricks that develop your dexterity and help to win the game. The whole family can also get hands-on in the community garden and sing along with the tandem choir of the Estonian Language House. The family day will culminate with a lively concert by the beloved band Curly Strings,’ added Jevgeni Timoštšuk.

The programme and performers of the family day can be found on the website of the Integration Foundation and on the social media page of the Estonian Language House. The event is one of the regional activities organised by the Estonian Language House of the Integration Foundation in Ida-Viru County within the framework of the EU Cohesion Policy measure ‘Supporting community activities that promote integration’.

Family Day

Saturday, 10 May 2025
Narva Art Residence (NART), 18 Joala Street
 
12.00 p.m. Start of the family day
12.00–3.00 p.m. Workshops in the outdoor area and indoors
3.00–4.00 p.m. Performance of the tandem choir in the outdoor area and singing together
4.00–5.00 p.m. Concert of the headliner Curly Strings in the outdoor stage
5.00 p.m. End of the family day

Until 16 April, legal entities as well as local governments and their organisations can apply for support for organising sporting and cultural events in Ida-Viru County that promote entrepreneurship. The grants, totalling 400,000 euros, will be allocated by the Integration Foundation in cooperation with the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture.

Support is available for sporting and cultural events that take place in Ida-Viru County between 17 March 2025 and 16 March 2026, are of at least regional significance, and involve more than 1,000 people. These can be both first-time and repeated events.

Many memorable events have been supported in the region over the past six years, according to Sigrid Soomlais, Deputy Secretary General for Regional Development of the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture. ‘Over the years, thousands of people, both locals and visitors, have taken part in these events. All these events have also played an important role in stimulating the economy of the region – attendees consume local services and sell local products. Taken as a whole, this support contributes to the development of sport and culture as an economic sector in Ida-Viru County,’ comments Soomlais.

The boosting of entrepreneurship in Ida-Viru County and the development of sporting and cultural events in the region are part of the Ida-Viru County programme, which is being implemented by the Integration Foundation in the framework of the national regional policy programme in cooperation with the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture since 2019.

According to Dmitri Moskovtsev, Director of the Integration Foundation, sporting and cultural events have a multifaceted impact. ‘The support will contribute to the revitalisation of local life in Ida-Viru County and thus to the development of both the region and Estonia as a whole. It will strengthen the county’s links with other regions and boost cooperation between people and communities. Major events provide self-fulfilment opportunities for locals and encourage entrepreneurship. The popularity of these events will help to make the county a more attractive destination for tourists and investors alike. This will create ever better opportunities for operating in Ida-Viru County,’ he adds. 

Grants ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 euros can be applied for by legal entities as well as local governments and the bodies under them. The budget of the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture has earmarked a total of 400,000 euros for grants.

Applications must be submitted via the grant processing information system of the Ministry of Culture by 11.59 p.m. on 16 April 2025 at the latest. For more information on how to participate in the call for applications, please visit the website of the Integration Foundation https://integratsioon.ee/en/competitions-estonian. Further information will also be available at the information day taking place on Teams on 3 April. To participate in the information day, please register by sending an email to iris.jarv@integratsioon.ee.

Last year, 17 organisations received state support totalling 401,488 euros. The supported events can be found at https://www.integratsioon.ee/taotlusvoor-ida-virumaa-ettevotlust-edendavad-spordi-ja-kultuuriuritused-4.

The Ministry of Culture and the Integration Foundation commissioned the Institute of Baltic Studies to conduct a study on the attitudes of residents with unspecified citizenship towards Estonian citizenship and what influences the application for citizenship.

According to Kristjan Kaldur, Programme Manager for migration and integration studies at the Institute of Baltic Studies, the interest shown by residents with unspecified citizenship in the study, which started last spring, is remarkable.

‘We have seen that 65% of residents with unspecified citizenship are ready to apply for Estonian citizenship. This desire is evenly high in all age groups surveyed. We also confirmed that there are groups of residents with unspecified citizenship with different attitudes, who face different obstacles or fears that may reduce their motivation to apply for citizenship. Some groups are motivated by a sense of home or belonging, while others are encouraged by better job opportunities. The practical solutions are also different for them,’ said Kristjan Kaldur.

According to Eda Silberg, Undersecretary for Cultural Diversity at the Ministry of Culture, the study confirmed that more attention needs to be paid in the future to fostering attitudes that support citizenship.

‘Acquiring citizenship is not the terminal station on the journey of integration, but it is an important milestone on it. Many people with unspecified citizenship feel that they are part of our society and also have a strong connection to Estonia, which is very important when it comes to integration. Acquiring citizenship is the next step – it creates a legal link between a person and a country, with rights and obligations for both parties. The recent survey highlights the attitudes and other reasons that prevent people with unspecified citizenship from taking the next step, and shows what support they need to acquire Estonian citizenship,’ said Eda Silberg.

According to the Head of the Integration Foundation, Dmitri Moskovtsev, the study provided opportunities to further develop the support offered to citizenship applicants.

‘We have nearly 60,000 residents with unspecified citizenship, a large number of whom wish to become Estonian citizens. It would be important to offer our future citizens all the support that they need on this journey and to help further strengthen their ties with Estonia. The results of the study provide valuable feedback – together with specialists in the field, we can continue to develop solutions to support the application for citizenship,’ said Dmitri Moskovtsev.

In order to find out the attitudes of residents with unspecified citizenship, the Institute of Baltic Studies conducted a broad-based questionnaire survey and focus group interviews. A total of 1,991 people took part in the survey and 28 residents participated in the seven focus groups. The study started in spring 2024 and data collection took place between October and December.

The report and summary of the study can be found below.

The results of the study confirm the following:
> Residents with unspecified citizenship have strong social and cultural ties with Estonia. More than 80% say they are at least ‘quite connected’ or ‘very connected’ to their area of residence, and around 90% feel this kind of a connection to Estonia. It is also noteworthy that 70% of respondents agree with the statement that they have not acquired the citizenship of another country because Estonia is their home country.

> A significant proportion of the residents with unspecified citizenship, 65%, are ready to apply for Estonian citizenship and expect to do so within the next year (15%) or within the next two to five years (28%). Around 79% of residents with unspecified citizenship would choose Estonian citizenship if they were free to do so.

> The main motivation for applying for citizenship is to feel secure in having all the rights to live in Estonia (52%). In addition, an increased sense of belonging in Estonia (38%) and a reduction in potential discrimination (34%) are seen as important motivators. Pragmatic reasons for being a citizen of Estonia are also cited, such as improved job opportunities (32%).

> The self-identification of Estonian residents of unspecified citizenship expresses a strong attachment to Estonia: more than 60% of respondents do not choose ‘Russian’ as their identity, but rather Russian-speaking Estonian (44%) or Estonian Russian (18%).

> The main obstacle to applying for citizenship is the required level of Estonian language skill (B1) (53%). In this group, 22% of people have active Estonian language skills, 68% have passive Estonian language skills, and 7% have no Estonian language skills at all. When it comes to obstacles, language-related issue is followed by an inadequate financial situation (17%), a lack of time (16%), and being too old (13%).

> The target group of residents with unspecified citizenship is diverse and heterogeneous. Their attitudes, motivations, and obstacles to obtaining Estonian citizenship are varied. Therefore, there is no single measure or activity that would help all of them to get closer to obtaining Estonian citizenship. There are a number of people who would benefit from positive encouragement from the state, but most also need practical support.
 

Study:

• Report (PDF)
• Summary (PDF)

Visuals:

The game ‘50 Questions to Estonian Citizenship’ is intended as a tool to help you on your way to citizenship. It was created by the Integration Foundation in 2023 as a card game on paper to support the learning of those who aim to secure the necessary knowledge to pass the citizenship exam.  The game is made up of 50 questions based mainly on the Constitution and the Citizenship Act of the Republic of Estonia, but also covering topics from everyday life.

However, the newly completed online version of the game is available for everyone to broaden their horizons and enjoy a fun time.

You can choose one of three ways to play, depending on your goal:

LEARNING VERSION

The learning version allows you to move back and forth through the game, review answers, get hints for correct answers, and learn at your own pace.

GAME VERSION

This version of the game offers time-limited challenges, the possibility to play alone, with a friend, or in a team, and the chance to score points. At the end of the game, you can share your score and find out who is the smartest player.

EXAM VERSION

The exam version is the most serious of all – there is a limited time to answer each question and the results are only revealed at the end of the game. With this version, you can practise exam situations and test your knowledge.

You can play the game HERE

Invite your friends to play and put your knowledge to the test!

The programme in which Nargiza participated provides comprehensive support for learning Estonian and preparing for citizenship exams. Participants have access to language courses, materials for individual study, and counselling before the exams. Particular attention is paid to ensuring a flexible approach that allows participants to combine studies with work or family duties. The courses are held twice a year – from March to June and from September to December – and their main objective is to help each participant achieve the required level of knowledge.

Nargiza decided to study Estonian, realising that it is not just a formality for living in Estonia, but an important tool for communication and resolving everyday issues. She was motivated by the desire to communicate freely in shops, cafés, or when applying for services, as well as the opportunity to apply for a permanent residence permit and citizenship.

Having completed the B1 level courses within the programme, Nargiza successfully passed the exams on the first try. This step allowed her to feel more confident in everyday life. She notes that she already had more opportunities at this stage: “Now, I can at least explain myself if I need something, and it makes life a lot easier.”

Despite having two children, Nargiza was able to find time to study. While her youngest child was in kindergarten, Nargiza attended classes and at home, she read simple fairy tales in Estonian to her daughter. It was great practice for her. However, as Nargiza admits, it was not always easy. Working on her own turned out to be especially difficult. However, the programme provided all the necessary materials and support, which made the learning process much easier. The courses helped to structure knowledge, and consultations before the exams gave a clear understanding of the structure and requirements.

Nargiza paid particular attention to preparing for the exam on knowledge of the Constitution and legislation. She decided to study on her own and translated the texts to better understand the material and successfully pass the test.

Studying required effort and self-discipline, but Nargiza is sure that it is possible to reach a basic level of the language even with a busy schedule. “Even if you are short on time, an hour or two a week for courses and independent work is enough to master the basics,” she shares.

The programme turned out to be useful not only for learning the language but also for opening up new opportunities. Nargiza continues her studies at the B2 level to speak more fluently and discover more career prospects. She believes that the main thing is to get started, and the available courses, flexible schedules, and free materials make the learning process convenient for everyone who wants to learn Estonian.

Nargiza advises everyone who doubts their abilities or postpones learning to try, even if it seems like there is not enough time. “Start small. A well-organised programme, the support of specialists, and your desire will definitely lead to success. And most importantly, you will feel how new horizons are gradually opening up, which previously seemed unattainable.”

Nargiza was only able to undertake this journey thanks to regular practice, perseverance, and the support of the programme. Today, she continues to move forward, inspiring with her example those who are still just starting to learn Estonian.

For future Estonian citizens

The Integration Foundation, in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior, supports foreigners in applying for Estonian citizenship. To this end, the foundation offers opportunities to learn Estonian at the required level (B1) for free, prepare for the citizenship exam, and provides advice on related issues. All the interested are welcome to a consultation at first: https://integratsioon.ee/en/language-training-apply-estonian-citizenship