Doing an engineering internship in Estonia: and why not? Why not combine a change of scenery with an internship abroad? Estonia is a country that is looking for an engineer profile and of course, the team finds your internship in Estonia in line with your expectations! Come on, a little reading 🙂
Doing an engineering internship in Estonia: why?
Estonia has a strong development potential and is very demanding in terms of engineering profiles of all types: it is the start-up nation of the East! Its economy is 99% digitalized: the e-card of vote, the e-card of digital identity, everyone can be an e-citizen of Estonia! It is now a land of developers and engineers recognized in Europe and the world (TransferWise is Estonian for example!).
- Computer engineering and information technology: Estonia is renowned for its expertise in information technology. Areas such as software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and information technology in general are highly developed in the country.
- Electronic engineering: The electronics industry is an important sector in Estonia, with companies specializing in the design and manufacture of electronic components, telecommunications equipment, medical devices and other electronic devices.
- Mechanical engineering: This field encompasses the design and manufacture of machines, equipment and mechanical systems. In Estonia, the mechanical engineering industry focuses on sectors such as automotive, aerospace, shipbuilding and industrial machinery manufacturing.
- Energy engineering: Estonia has expertise in the field of energy engineering, particularly in technologies for producing energy from fossil fuels, biomass and renewable energies. Areas such as power generation, energy distribution and energy efficiency are covered in this sector.
- Civil engineering: Civil engineering includes the design, construction and maintenance of infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, buildings, water and sewage networks, etc. In Estonia, civil engineering plays a key role in the development and modernization of the country’s infrastructure.
These are just a few examples of the major engineering fields in Estonia. The country has a strong engineering tradition and offers many opportunities in various technological sectors. The country offers a wide range of opportunities; however, you’ll generally need to have a B2 level of English. If you don’t know your level, I suggest you go directly to the European Union’s dedicated website, which estimates your level free of charge in around twenty minutes.
Doing an engineering internship in Estonia: the cost of living
During your internship in Estonia, the cost of living will be 35% lower than in France! After that, if you’re doing your internship in Tallinn, as in every capital city, the cost of living will be much higher. Doing your engineering internship in Estonia as a French student can be an enriching experience, especially as the cost of living in Estonia is generally considered affordable. As far as housing is concerned, rents vary from city to city, but in general they are lower than in many large French cities. In Tallinn, for example, you can find a studio in the city center for less than a similar one in Paris. When it comes to food, expenses are generally reasonable, with supermarkets offering a range of products at affordable prices. A meal in an average restaurant can also be cheaper than in France; for example, a moderately priced meal in Tallinn can cost around 10 euros, while in Paris it can easily exceed 20 euros.
In Tallinn, the capital, you can explore the medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its cobbled streets, historic buildings and medieval towers will immerse you in a captivating atmosphere. You can visit Toompea Castle, Alexander Nevski Cathedral and Town Hall Square. For an unusual experience, head to Tallinn’s television tower, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top, and even try your hand at walking on the outer edge of the building.
Narva, on the border with Russia, offers an interesting contrast between Estonian and Russian cultures. You can visit Narva Castle, an imposing 14th-century fortress offering magnificent views of the Narva River and Russia. Take a stroll through Kreenholm Park, where you can enjoy nature and admire the picturesque waterfalls.
Pärnu, located on the coast, is renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches. It’s a popular seaside destination in summer, where you can relax in the sun, swim in the Baltic Sea and enjoy the many cafés and restaurants along the promenade. Pärnu also offers spa and wellness facilities, with thermal spa centers where you can indulge in relaxing treatments.
Tartu, meanwhile, is a lively student city, home to Estonia’s oldest university. You can explore the old town, visit the Estonian National Museum and stroll through the green parks. An interesting activity in Tartu is a visit to the Ahhaa Museum, an interactive science museum offering fun and educational experiences for all ages.
In general, Estonian cities also offer many cultural events throughout the year, such as music festivals, art exhibitions and sporting events. You can discover Estonian culture, attend folk music concerts, sample delicious local cuisine and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Baltic countries. And if you want some tips for traveling in Estonia, or the bordering countries, we’ve made a blog for that!
To sum up, in Estonia, you’ll have the opportunity to discover historic sites, beautiful natural landscapes and take part in a variety of cultural activities, all while soaking up the atmosphere that’s unique to the Baltic countries. Whether you want to explore medieval castles, relax on sandy beaches or engage in interactive experiences, Estonia offers a diverse range of leisure activities to enrich your stay.
Doing an engineering internship in Estonia: the premises
Like most northern countries, Estonians seem cold at first glance. You’ll have to spend some time with them to make nice friendships, but it will be worth it. People are super honest! Also, almost all the young people speak English: no worries about the language on that side. If you need to go through any administrative procedures, it will be the same: all in English!
When it comes to integrating with young people in Estonia, it’s important to respect certain cultural norms. Estonians are generally reserved, but they’re also very welcoming and friendly once you’ve established a bond with them. It’s common to greet each other by shaking hands or nodding, but hugs and kisses are less common, unless you’re in a closer relationship. In social interactions, Estonians value openness and honesty. Be direct and express yourself clearly and concisely. Avoid overly exuberant behavior or demonstrative gestures, as these can be perceived as excessive or unnatural.
Punctuality is also highly valued in Estonia. It’s important to arrive on time for appointments and social events. If you’re going to be late, make sure you inform the person concerned in advance.
Be respectful of nature and the environment in Estonia. Natural areas are considered precious, so make sure you preserve them and keep them clean. Outdoor activities are very popular in Estonia, so take the opportunity to join in hikes, picnics or outdoor sports activities, which can be a great opportunity to meet like-minded young locals.
Finally, show an interest in Estonian culture, history and traditions. Learn a few basic phrases in Estonian to show your interest in the language. Respect local customs at festivals and traditional events. Estonians are proud of their cultural heritage, and showing your respect and appreciation for it will help you integrate and connect with young people in Estonia. By the way, if you want some tips on food, this is the place to find them!
So don’t hesitate about your internship in Estonia, you’ll be as surprised as we are! We guarantee you’ll have a great internship abroad. So get in touch 😉
For more general questions, visit the International Horizons Internships Abroad FAQ.