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CIEE Sustainable Smart Cities in Tallinn, Estonia (Outgoing Program) Print  Save  Share
  • Locations: Tallinn, Estonia
  • Program Terms: Fall, Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: CIEE 
Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2028 02/15/2027 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA
Fall 2027 02/15/2027 02/16/2027 TBA TBA

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Language of Instruction: English Minimum GPA: 2.5
Program Description:

CIEE College Study Abroad

Sustainable Smart Cities

Tallinn, Estonia

Visit CIEE's Program Page

Program Overview

Your Sustainable Smart Cites program in Tallinn lasts a full semester and provides an in-depth look at how Estonia's capital is using innovative urban design solutions to prepare for the future. You will enroll in at least one sustainability course that explores how urban planning, technology, and public policy contribute to sustainability in Tallinn while also enrolling in your choice of business, communications, STEM, language, and other courses. This program offers a wide range of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with cross-disciplinary cultural and extracurricular activities related to sustainability. Live and learn in Tallinn!

Unique Experiences

Volunteer at a local foodbank

to gain hands-on experience in reducing food waste while helping those in need

Visit the Ministry of Climate

to observe how policymakers shape sustainability strategies, providing valuable insights into the process that drives environmental change

Visit the futuristic Telliskivi Creative City and the Smart City Lab

to explore innovative urban solutions and experience how creativity and technology are transforming sustainable city living

Learn More About Tallinn

Your Destination

Tallinn is Estonia's forward-thinking capital, renowned for its digital innovation, sustainable infrastructure, and rapidly growing tech sector. As a pioneer in e-governance and smart city solutions, Tallinn offers students firsthand insight into cutting-edge developments in digital society, green technology, and entrepreneurship. From its medieval Old Town to its buzzing startup hubs and scenic coastal views, Tallinn blends historical charm with future-focused energy. Whether you are studying environmental science, business, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Tallinn is the perfect place to study abroad.

Your Destination
Housing

Housing

CIEE Tallinn offers diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. From homestays to student residence buildings, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. Additionally, all housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and eateries. 

View CIEE's program page for additional housing information.

Program Highlights

  • Featured Courses: Choose from a set of related courses that explore how innovative cities utilize digital technologies and modern strategies to prepare for the future and impact the environment.
  • Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste management, and more.
  • Immersive Experiences: Participate in events with local sustainability initiatives, activities that address how urban planning and technology can help lessen the impact on the environment, meaningful volunteer work with local organizations, and study tours to meet local changemakers and companies driving sustainability efforts.
  • Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit internship, directed independent research project, or service-learning to develop integrated sustainable solutions that address economic, social, and environmental challenges.

Activities

CIEE's excursions and cultural activities in Tallinn will open doors for you to explore Estonia's rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.

Samples of past excursions and activities:

  • Visit the e-Estonia Briefing Centre to explore Estonia's digital transformation and see how e-governance and tech are shaping sustainable cities and global policy
  • Tour Mustjoe Tavern to experience history and sustainability through its ancient buildings, authentic smoke sauna, and locally sourced farm cuisine
  • Connect with local sustainability leaders like "Let's Do It World" and Mondo NGO, Estonian organizations advancing sustainability, environmental protection, and equal rights

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.

Academics

CIEE Tallinn: Study in Tallinn's city center at Tallinn University, CIEE's partner institution, just a 10-minute tram ride from the historic Old Town and within walking distance of Kadriorg Park, Estonia's largest urban park, as well as the harbor and key cultural landmarks. In the same building as CIEE Tallinn, you will find a modern learning environment with a library, study areas, and student lounges.

Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech): Founded in 1918, TalTech is the only technological university in Estonia. It is a research-based university offering renewed study programs that target the labor market needs to make TalTech graduates more marketable. As a leader in science, technology, and innovation, the school maintains constant interaction with universities around the world, bringing together scientists, students, and entrepreneurs. TalTech strengths include STEM and business areas of study. Focus is placed not only on the theoretical field of STEM, but also on putting this knowledge into practice and into business, like startups.

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.

View CIEE's program page for additional academic information, eligibility requirements, and courses.

Internships

Tallinn's work scene thrives on tech innovation, e-governance, and diverse industries like finance, engineering, and international relations. Known for the highest startups per capita in Europe, the city emphasizes sustainability, with growing sectors in manufacturing and renewable energy, fostering a forward-looking ecosystem.

Industry options include:

  • Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
  • Education and Training
  • Government and Public Administration
  • Information Technology
  • Marketing, Sales and Service
  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

1 out of 3 CIEE students receives a scholarship - get yours!

GAIN Travel Grants - Up to $1,500 toward travel costs guaranteed to students with a FAFSA SAI of $10,000 or less. Higher should still apply!

Gilman Go Global Grants - Up to $2,500/semester, $1,500/quarter, and $1,000 guaranteed to Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship applicants.

Merit-Based Scholarships - Up to $2,500/semester, $1,500/quarter, and $750/summer awarded to students deomonstrating high academic achievement.

Learn More About Scholarships

What's Included

  • Tuition
  • Housing
  • Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
  • Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
  • Orientation – an introduction to your academic program, plus practical information about living in your host city
  • Full-time program leadership and support in your host city
  • Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
  • Excursions and/or Study Tours
  • Insurance and other travel benefits, with CIEE iNext Travel Protection
  • 24/7 emergency on-site support

Why CIEE

  • 200+ study abroad programs in 40+ countries
  • $8 million in scholarships offered each year
  • 1 in 3 students receives a scholarship
  • Study tours and cultural activities included
  • Internships and volunteering opportunities
  • Rigorous academics
  • Cultural immersion
  • iNext Travel Protection included

Questions?

Our highly experienced staff have extensive knowledge of all CIEE programs and services. If you are a student with questions about completing your application, or you want to sign up to receive program updates and news, our staff are happy to help.

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