A semester abroad in Estonia is the perfect way to immerse yourself in a new culture without committing to a full academic year. You’ll get to try delicious local cuisine—Estonia’s food is hearty and comforting, made with seasonal ingredients and simple flavors. During your stay, you might enjoy “kama” (a dessert made from roasted grains and yogurt), “verivorst” (blood sausage, a winter favorite), or “karask” (barley bread). Estonians also love wild berries and mushrooms, and your host family might take you foraging if the season is right.

In your free time, you could take day trips with your host family to Tallinn’s Old Town, Saaremaa island with its peaceful nature and lighthouses, or warm up in a traditional Estonian sauna. Autumn brings vibrant fall colors, and winter transforms the country into a snowy wonderland, perfect for sledding, skating, or sipping hot drinks at a Christmas market. In just a few months, you’ll explore medieval cities, peaceful forests, and lively cultural festivals while making new friends and learning a new way of life.