ACA’s Estonian member, the Archimedes Foundation Education Agency, was involved in a recently released study on international students in Estonian higher education institutions (HEIs). The report, titled Learning and Teaching of International Students in Estonian Higher Education Institutions, outlines improvements and best practices on the learning and teaching of first- and second-cycle international students in Estonian HEIs and gives relevant recommendations to the institutions as well as policymakers.

The following aspects were taken into consideration during the assessment:

• launch of study programmes and admission;
• financing the studies;
• learning and teaching;
• practical training and employment of international students;
• support systems for students and teaching staff.

The number of international students in Estonia has rapidly increased over the past ten years, by also exceeding the 10% target of the total number of students set in the Estonian Lifelong Learning Strategy 2020 and the Higher Education Programme 2018–2021. The figure below shows the distribution of international students per field of study.

Source: EHIS - Estonian Education Information System, 2019

Among the main areas of improvements and recommendations, the following are highlighted: integration of international students into Estonian society; accommodation, health care, other services; support for teaching staff; preparation for traineeship and employment; and, elationship with Estonian society.

Link to the full report (in Estonian)
Link to the summary (in English)