Questions? Reach out!
High school exchange program in Estonia
Immerse yourself in a different way of life, living with an Estonian family and studying at a local high school.
Where forests, castles and innovation meet
Student exchange program in Estonia
Estonia is not a big country, nor a well-known place. This is exactly why it’s the perfect student exchange destination for anyone looking for a truly unique experience!
With 50% of his land covered in forests, free public transport, and modern, safe towns and cities, Estonia is extremely advanced both in terms of wellbeing and innovation.
Its enchanting landscapes and peaceful colours – think intense blue sky, luxurious green forests and a blanket of white snow for approximately six months a yer – will draw you in. Ready for long walks in nature, winter sports, and magical places hidden in every corner?
A land of myths, legends and eco-revolution
Nature
Over half of the country’s surface is covered in wild nature. That means living close to impressive lakes, forests and beaches.
What’s high school like in Estonia?
Progressive culture
Estonian schools are progressive, focusing on positive learning environments and making a wide use of technology. Estonian teachers are highly educated, schools have free Wi-Fi and offer online exams and courses.
Interactivity
Classes are lively and focus on developing social and personal skills, just as much as on academic learning. Participation is important, and the best way for you to improve your language skills quickly!
Equity
Estonian schools offer universal free lunches to students, as well as free public transport, educational materials and books, and even excursions. School staff – including psychologists – are available to students, to offer support with any challenges they may be facing.
Personalised approach
A few subjects, such as mathematics, sport and social science, are compulsory. The curriculum typically includes a wide range of subjects, from music and arts to robotics and coding. A fantastic opportunity to explore new interests!
A small country full of wonders. Let it surprise you with an exchange experience!
Choose authenticity – trust WEP and prepare to be amazed.
On a WEP Classic program, you will experience the true Estonia. You may be placed anywhere in the country, depending on the location of the host family who has chosen you to share this incredible adventure with.
Volunteer host family
Public school
Placement anywhere in Estonia
Short-term, semester or year programs available
Your host family during your exchange year
Gain a second family – they can’t wait to welcome you into their lives!
Here is why:
Estonians love to make the most of their country’s natural riches. They are curious and adventurous, and they welcome new learning opportunities.
Estonia has a dynamic society, with a mix of cultures and a fusion of traditional and modern. Locals speak Estonian as well as English, Russian, Finnish and German.
You will slide into the routine of an Estonian family and share their daily life. Outdoor activities, typical games, celebrations and foods... their customs will soon become yours.
Your school in Estonia
Find out more about your school experience in Estonia
The Estonian education system
In Estonia, pre-school education is delivered to children from 18 months of age to 7 years old. Estonian kindergartens offer, in a playful and relaxed environment, many of the educational activities that in other countries are done at primary school – as a result, most children know how to read and write when they start their first year of school at the age of 7.
Primary school lasts for six years and is then followed by another six years of secondary schooling, which are divided into lower and upper secondary school.
The Estonian education system
Subjects in Estonia
Secondary school in Estonia offers a range of interesting subjects. You will most likely study seven compulsory courses (mathematics, language and literature, science, physical education, art, social sciences and a foreign language; you will also be able to personalise your school experience by choosing optional subjects, such as business, philosophy, and other courses to help you reach your potential.
Subjects in Estonia
Estonian secondary school
In Estonia, upper secondary school (aka Gümnaasium) offers a general curriculum focusing on personal development. Gümnaasium is designed to help young people become creative, multi-talented, socially mature individuals, as well as responsible citizens.
To graduate from Gümnaasium, students must first complete a minimum of 96 individual courses (obtaining the necessary credits), including a period of practical work or study project; they then need to pass three national exams (Estonian, mathematics and a foreign language), plus an exam set by their individual school.
Estonian secondary school
Extra-curricular activities
As far as extra-curricular activities are concerned, you will be spoilt for choice. If you’re a sport and outdoors lover, you will surely enjoy the big open spaces with water activities, hiking and bike riding. If creativity and arts are more your jam, try Estonian folk dancing or singing – many schools have a choir.
Different schools may offer different extra-curricular activities, but you’ll surely find a way to express yourself and get involved!
Extra-curricular activities
The school calendar
The Estonian academic year starts in September and ends in June. The year is usually divided into four terms, with several breaks in between.
Below is a list of national holidays you will come across during your exchange program in Estonia:
New Year's Day: January 1st - get your belly ready as celebrations include 7 different meals!
February 24th: Estonia's Independence Day
Good Friday and Easter Sunday: usually in April, a long weekend to spend time with family
Kevadpüha: May 1st, to celebrate the first day of spring
Pentecost: in May, a highly observed religious holiday
Victory Day: June 23rd,commemorating Estonia's triumph at the 1919 Battle of Vonnu and marking the arrival of summer
St John's Day: June 24th, a great occasion to witness the very best of Estonian traditional dancing
Restoration of Independence Day: August 20th, a great time to celebrate Estonian identity
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: December 24th and 25th, with magical decorations all over the country
Boxing Day: December 26th, and additional day of holidays with schools and most businesses remaining closed.
The school calendar
Grades in Estonia
Most Estonian schools utilise a numerical system that ranges from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest score, 2 the minimum to pass, and 1 the lowest score (failing grade). Some schools have adopted the common college or university grading scale based on letters from A to F where A is the best score, E is the minimum to pass and F equals to a failing grade.
Grades in Estonia
Stories from students and parents who have been there
Here are the testimonials of families who have chosen WEP for their exchange experience.
Join one of our upcoming events
to learn everything there is to know
about our high school exchange programs!
Going with WEP is best
Since 1988, a wide choice of destinations and comprehensive assistance before, during and after your overseas program. WEP is the ideal partner for your adventure.
We also get to choose who we travel with: our schools, host families and overseas partner organisations are carefully selected.
We offer a custom-made insurance policy, specifically designed for our participants, and we have a solid network behind us.
Emergency assistance, overseas and from Australia, is available 7 days out of 7, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Allowing all our participants to live their desired overseas experience is a mission, a challenge we're thrilled to accept.
FAQ
Your host family, local coordinator and your host organisation will provide you with support while you are overseas. WEP Australia will remain in contact with the host organisation and your parents to coordinate and support your experience. In case of an emergency, both you and your family will be able to call an emergency phone number that is answered 24/7.
You will be advised of your placement location, host family and host school as soon as feasible. This can range from a few months prior to departure, right up until departure, as a lot needs to happen behind the scenes before each student's placement process is complete and can be communicated to you with certainty. The placement process doesn't only include sourcing a suitable host family, but also finding availability at a local school, and completing all red tape (including, for example, lenghty criminal history checks in some countries). Prior to departure from Australia, all students will receive host family, host school and local coordinator details.
Independent travel is not permissible while on exchange. However, you will be able to travel with your host family, school, host organisation and other community groups such as sporting teams or scouts. Again, the foremost aim of the program is educational, and your priority for any holiday periods must be your host family, who will be investing a lot of time, energy and money into this experience - simply in return for your frienship and positive contribution to their household.
Generally speaking, overseas schools won't issue a diploma to exchange students who are only there for a short time and don't graduate at that school. You may however be provided with a honorary certificate, as well as a WEP certificate of completion, which however don't count towards credit or graduation in Australia.
Language experience is desirable, but not necessary, for most countries. However, some countries have mandatory language requirements. You'll find the specific requirements for each country listed on its page. Intensive language courses may, in some circumstances, meet language pre-requisites. WEP strongly recommends language preparation prior to departure as language knowledge is of enormous benefit in assisting you to quickly adapt to your new family, school and life.
Of course, there are English-speaking destinations available if you are not interested in learning another language.
No, it's the host families who choose the student they wish to invite into their home. Based on the documents you will submit as part of your WEP application, one lucky family will choose to open their home and hearts to you, which is why for all Exchange Classic programs, and many Flex programs as well, there is no avenue for students to choose a specific location.
It may be possible to live with an overseas family that you already know (excluding relatives of the student). However, the family will have to be screened and approved, prepared and supported by our partner organisation in the same manner as any other host family. School enrolment must also be available.
Got more questions?