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  • Elections of the Student Parliament 2024

    Tallinn University of Technology Student Parliament is the highest decision-making body of students, elected at annual elections and composed of representatives of all schools. Candidates who receive the highest number of votes according to the schools' mandates will become members of the Student Parliament. Student Parliament meets regularly once a month. In addition, each member of the representative body selects a committee of their choice to participate in: the academic committee or the student life committee. The application period for the Student Parliament 2024/2025 membership is from February 5 to February 15. More information about the application process: https://taltech.ee/en/student-union/student-parliament If you're not sure whether you'd like to run for the Student Parliament, here are some thoughts from your representative. DANIEL AASORG (School of Business and Governance) Why did you choose to run for the Student Parliament? It seemed like an interesting opportunity to become more involved in student life while simultaneously representing my faculty. Why should someone from your school consider running for the Student Parliament? In my school, someone should consider running for the Student Parliament because it provides a great understanding of how the university as a whole operates, and, of course, it offers the opportunity to represent our school at a higher level. What has being a part of the Student Parliament given you? Being part of the Student Parliament has given me a better understanding of how things work at the university and how various issues are addressed and resolved. RAGNAR KRAMM (School of Information Technologies) Why did you choose to run for the Student Parliament? I ran for the Student Parliament because I felt it was my last chance to contribute to university affairs, as the final semester was about to begin. Another reason was the low participation of IT students in candidacy. I couldn't let my faculty be underrepresented. Why should someone from your school consider running for the Student Parliament? Students from the school of IT should run for the Student Parliament because it's a great opportunity to get involved and gain an overview of important matters related to student life and the university in general. The school of IT is one of the largest schools at TalTech and needs proactive representatives! What has being a part of the Student Parliament given you? Being in the Student Parliament has provided a thorough understanding of TalTech's operational model, an excellent opportunity to connect with people from other schools, and a great chance to practice presentation skills and clear self-expression with fellow representatives. ANNA JÜRISSAAR (School of Science) Why did you choose to run for the Student Parliament? I wanted to be involved in making significant decisions related to student life and gain experience in being part of a decision-making body. Why should someone from your school consider running for the Student Parliament? The School of Science is small, making it particularly important to have students in the Student Parliament, who are willing to stand up for our school and express their opinions. Advocating for fellow students is a significant responsibility, but also a fantastic opportunity to create a better and more diverse learning environment for classmates. What has being a part of the Student Parliament given you? As we mostly analyze official documents, my analytical skills and functional reading ability have improved. I have gained a much better understanding of how the university operates, and my horizons have expanded. The representative body also provides opportunities for new connections, and collaborating with active students has been enjoyable and rewarding. Being in the Student Parliament is definitely more exciting when you dare to actively participate and explore more. Additionally, I liked the feeling of importance when representing my school. HELENE ARMILDE KUDRE (Estonian Maritime Academy) Why did you choose to run for the Student Parliament? I ran for the Student Parliament to represent Maritime Academy students and gain a broader understanding of the university's operations, being part of the student union and the work of the Student Parliament. Why should someone from your school consider running for the Student Parliament? Students from the Maritime Academy should consider running for the Student Parliament to stay directly informed about the main campus and the activities, plans, and goals of other faculties. It is an opportunity to be part of decision-making processes that affect all TalTech students, including those from the Maritime Academy. What has being a part of the Student Parliament given you? Being in the Student Parliament has primarily provided me with an understanding and knowledge of how our university's structure functions. Additionally, it has offered new insights and directions that are helpful for internal development work within my school. ANET MARII PAUMETS (School of Engineering) Why did you choose to run for the Student Parliament? I ran for the Student Parliament on a friend's recommendation. It seemed like a great opportunity to have a say in TalTech student life. Why should someone from your school consider running for the Student Parliament? Anyone considering candidacy should definitely go for it. You get to stand up for your school and contribute to discussions on various topics. The more diverse the people in the Student Parliament, the better the representation of students. What has being a part of the Student Parliament given you? Throughout this year, I have learned a lot, especially about how things work at TalTech. It has made me think differently about things and helps me see the bigger picture.

  • DIGITAL WASTE

    January 26th is a digital clean-up day, in which Tallinn University of Technology also participates. Imagine all the emails, photos, videos, messages, posts, and memes you've sent, saved, or shared online. Pictures that you keep on your phone or in the cloud but don't use. Or two-year-old emails or spam that there's no reason to look at. All of this quietly contributes to the atmosphere's CO2 emissions. The use of people's smart devices and the internet accounts for a whopping 3.7 percent of the world's total CO2 emissions! According to scientists, online communication could globally consume nearly 20 percent of the world's electricity by 2025. Did you know that: 11.1 tons of CO2 is the average Estonian's annual carbon footprint. 570,000,000 trees are needed to make Estonia carbon-positive. The carbon footprint of 1000 emails in your inbox is equivalent to driving from Tallinn to Rapla by car. Why bother deleting digital clutter? Benefits for the climate and your wallet - before acquiring more data volume, free up the excess. By clearing cloud and disk space, you save money and energy. Security - careless storage of data can be a security risk for you. Less confusion and noise - finding and sharing information becomes easier. Use it longer - you can use devices for a longer time, and the memory capacity won't fill up as quickly. By the beginning of the week, nearly 1500 gigabytes of data deletion had been registered on Telia's 2024 Digital Cleanup Day website. This is equivalent to about half a million photos or the data size of one and a half thousand full-length movies, but the cleanup effort is still gaining momentum. Contribute for the sake of the environment and yourself! WHERE TO START? Delete apps you don't really use. Ditch the newsletters you don't actually read. Empty the recycle bins and downloads folders of your devices and environments. Delete files you don't really need from the email server and cloud banks. Start with the biggest ones. Abandon video transmission if sound is sufficient. Drop the video in HD or 4K quality if standard quality is enough. If you know what you're looking for, go straight to the right page instead of searching the web. Organize photo albums both on your device and in the cloud where they are backed up - delete duplicate photos and pointless pics and keep only the ones you really want to see again. Think about what your social media post gives to the world. If you can't figure it out, don't post. If the image or file is available online, don't email it, just link to it. If not and you need to send it to several people, upload it yourself and link to it. Block spammers. Redirecting them to a separate folder is still a resource for your devices and email servers! Do all this regularly, not just on digital cleaning day. How does the last Friday of every month sound? In addition to digital cleaning: Shut down your computer when you are away for at least two hours. Use your devices as long as possible. Look for a repair before buying a new one. Take old electronics to the waste station, not the household waste bin. Record your cleaned-up items here, and the IT department will inform you about the extent of digital clutter we've cleared. The form is open until 02.02.2024, after which we can make summaries and compare the contributions of employees and students. More information: Digital cleanup day in TalTech Telia digikoristuspäev Let's do it! digital cleanup

  • PANEL DISCUSSION: "What can be done at the university to support students' mental health?"

    In October, Tallinn University of Technology hosted Mental Health Month. There were activities for everyone, from therapy dogs to workshops, yoga mornings to informational sessions. Three major events took place during the month: a mental health information day, a lifestyle conference called "The Power of Habits," and a panel discussion on students' mental health in university. Participants had the chance to grab Peaasi workbooks, Kadarbiku carrot juice, encouraging stickers, or smoothies. On October 19th, a panel discussion took place at the Student House titled "What can be done at the university to support students' mental health?". The panel included Karoliina Rebane, a member of the student council leadership in the field of education, Kadri Kiiskmann, a psychologist from the counseling center, Ago Luberg, the program director of the computer science curriculum, and Birgit Malken, the advocate for youth mental health from the Estonian Youth Mental Health Movement. They discussed the current support network at Tallinn University of Technology, the extent to which the mental health of students is the university's responsibility, and what changes can be implemented on this topic in the university. The conversation also touched on maintaining balance and avoiding burnout. The consensus was that students' mental health is a shared responsibility, and the university plays a crucial role in creating a supportive environment. Well-being is supported by both sports and leisure opportunities and involvement in student organizations. While student activism and sports opportunities are already at a high level, there's room to improve the learning environment and create more open spaces for group work or collaborative studying. Faculty members can contribute to students' mental health by fostering supportive attitudes and involving students in the learning process. Effective methods often support the learning process and reduce mental fatigue, overload, and stress. Involvement through asking questions, initiating discussions, and engaging in dialogue with students is an excellent example of efficient learning where performance pressure is lower when active thinking and contribution to the learning process are actively acknowledged. The mental health survey conducted at TalTech in spring 2023 revealed that many students believe that a well-organized study schedule at the beginning of the course would positively impact their mental health. Confusing course arrangements or unclear deadlines for assignments are common negative comments in feedback, indicating that clear guidelines and specific deadlines at the beginning of the semester help reduce study-related stress. Birgit Malken, who has been involved in creating mental health action plans at the University of Tartu, introduced various formats that have been tried there. The "Mental Health ABC" online course has been very popular, allowing people to listen to lectures at their own pace and place. This format is suitable for addressing sensitive topics, as it allows people to remain anonymous and removes potential barriers that may arise when seeking counseling. Roundtable discussions on learning and school-related stress have also worked well, where students with similar concerns can exchange experiences. Of course, it should be considered that the University of Tartu has a social sciences faculty, which allows for more experimentation with different formats. However, similar methods could still be applied elsewhere. While the university and faculty members have a role in preventive measures for students' mental health, individual responsibility cannot be overlooked. Consistency in taking care of basic needs, such as sufficient sleep, balanced nutrition, and an active lifestyle, forms the foundation. It's also crucial to be there for each other and notice those close to us.

  • Is feedback a tedious obligation or a student's right?

    ...the right to participate in improving and developing the quality of education, the right to express their opinion about their learning experience, the right to be involved and heard, or ...an obligation that needs to be quickly done so that more important and pressing matters can be tackled. It's a bit of a double-edged sword, but perhaps this article will help you better utilize your right and deal more easily with the imposed obligation. After all, student feedback is crucial for the university - it's the only source of information about the student experience, and students are the ones for whom lectures, seminars, practicals, field trips, and all other parts of the learning process are designed. However, feedback has raised several questions among students. Hopefully, this article will provide answers to some of them and even debunk some myths. Why is feedback collected at the university? Often, it is thought that student feedback is collected because it has to be done. In reality, it's not about obligation but desire. The university staff wants to hear the students' opinions to find ways for instructors to better support, inspire, and encourage students in their learning journey, making the time at the university meaningful and beneficial. Additionally, student feedback is essential to understand whether strategically important innovations in teaching are moving in the right direction and where there is a need for further push (e.g., development of project and problem-based learning highlighted in the development plan, alignment of evidence-based and learner-centered teaching, or improvement of curriculum coherence, etc.). Who sees student feedback in ÕIS? When feedback is received, the entire machinery starts working to calculate averages for academic management, faculties, program managers, instructors, and more. Once the feedback period is over, and ÕIS has finished all calculations, relevant parties can review the results. At TalTech, students can see average scores for courses. Instructors themselves (both averages and comments) can naturally see their results on ÕIS. Program managers can see all responses and comments for courses in their curriculum. Institute directors have access to the results of their institute's instructors, and of course, feedback can be utilized by deans and the academic affairs office staff responsible for monitoring educational quality, making improvement suggestions, and supporting instructors' development. Is giving feedback at TalTech anonymous? This is regulated by the rector's order "Regulation on the Collection and Consideration of Feedback on Educational Activities," according to which the university has an obligation to ensure the anonymity of respondents. The system separates respondent data from responses, and it cannot be traced back later. Feedback giving is anonymous, and responses are used only in generalized form. Of course, there are exceptional situations where only a few students participate in a course, making it relatively easy for the instructor to identify the feedback provider. However, this is definitely not the purpose of analyzing feedback. Feedback should be courteous, honest, and constructive, helping both the instructor in reshaping their course or teaching practices and the student in analyzing their learning experience. What is good and constructive feedback? TalTech has many active students dedicated to improving university life through enhancing educational quality. They have taken on the task of encouraging fellow students to write meaningful, well-thought-out, and useful comments. For this purpose, a set of guidelines for good feedback has been established, stating that good feedback should be: Based on self-analysis: Recognizing one's contribution is crucial when assessing teaching. Instructors can facilitate learning, but the actual learning takes place in the individual's mind. Polite: Criticism, insults, etc., do not help instructors or program managers improve course teaching and curriculum. Justified: "...because...". The points given in the questionnaire are good indicators, but for quality improvement, explanations are the best. Objective: Emotions should be left out of feedback. Sometimes it is useful to wait a bit with giving feedback and analyze one's own actions parallel to the instructor's activities to get to the essence and make meaningful observations and suggestions. Constructive: Instructors and program managers use feedback from students to enhance their work. This can be done if feedback provides opportunities, is based on observations and facts, and is precise (comments written about the chosen instructor's activities, etc.). Praising: Acknowledging an instructor's good work encourages and motivates them to put in even more effort. What is done based on student feedback? Is it even used? Incredible, cool, and useful instructors can serve as an example to others and provide an opportunity to learn how to structure and conduct their course to provide students with the best learning experience while being motivated and happy. Regarding instructors with modest feedback and comments highlighting weaknesses, the university offers various opportunities to update and develop their knowledge and skills. Various parties review all aspects brought out in feedback that caused low feedback (e.g., course structure, organization, curriculum relevance, materials, methodology, instructor's self-expression and presentation skills, e-support usage, feedback provision, and assessment), and plans are made accordingly to change or do differently. Sometimes this also means collecting additional feedback. Why don't students see changes when feedback is read and used? Often there is no quick and good solution to address arising problems, but for the purpose of improving educational quality, TalTech focuses on supporting instructors' personal development, which is preferably done by highlighting good examples and positive experiences. The culture of learning and teaching does not change overnight, but I assure you, progress is being made. For example, the recently approved Code of Good Practice in Learning and Teaching: https://taltech.ee/uudised/oppimise-ja-opetamise-hea-tava. Feedback is one part of the dialogue between students and instructors. One should not hesitate to ask instructors what previous students have suggested, noticed, and what instructors have decided to change or develop. Not all suggestions can be implemented or even reasonably applied, and one should trust the instructor, who is a specialist in their field and knows what students might need in the job market, for example. It is important to cultivate a learning culture that values feedback and strengthen the partnership between students and instructors. In the higher education landscape, the term "forward-looking feedback" has also become common, indicating a focus not so much on what was wrong and disliked but rather on what to do in the future. Can students participate in the creation of feedback questionnaires? Any feedback on the feedback collection process from students is always welcome. The ÕIS questionnaire is not set in stone, and good suggestions are always listened to. Representatives of various interest groups were involved in creating the current questionnaire, including program managers, academic deans, and students. However, there is a well-known saying that tastes differ, and even in the creation of feedback questionnaires, it was concluded that differences in preferences cannot be objectively resolved. A middle ground must be found, and changes must be approached step by step. The academic affairs office is working on a plan to modify the feedback (perhaps already called forward-looking feedback 😊) form and procedure to encourage students to analyze their learning more and direct instructors' attention more towards supporting learning.

  • Winter bucket-list inTallinn

    Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, offers a charming winter experience with its historic old town, festive markets, and numerous seasonal activities. If you're an expat or an Erasmus student on a budget, here's a must-try winter bucket list for your time in Tallinn. These activities offer a mix of outdoor and indoor experiences, allowing you to enjoy the winter wonderland of Tallinn while staying within your budget. 1. Visit Christmas Markets (Jõuluturg): The Christmas markets in Tallinn are famous for their charming and historic setting. The most renowned market is located in the heart of Tallinn's Old Town, particularly in the Town Hall Square. This market, known as "Rahva Jõuluturg," is renowned for its authenticity, featuring local handicrafts, traditional Estonian food, and an enchanting atmosphere. It will open its doors on 1st December 2023. When you visit the Christmas markets in Tallinn, make sure to try "glögi," which is a popular Scandinavian mulled wine. It's a warm and aromatic beverage made by heating red wine with various spices like cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel. It's often served with almonds and raisins. Glogi is a staple at the Tallinn Christmas markets and is a delightful way to warm up and immerse yourself in the festive spirit. See the schedule here 2. Try Traditional Estonian Food: Olde Hansa is a restaurant located in the heart of Tallinn's Old Town. It offers a unique dining experience where you can savour traditional Estonian and medieval European dishes. The ambience is designed to transport you back in time, with staff dressed in medieval attire and an interior reminiscent of the Middle Ages. While it's not the cheapest option in town, it's worth it for a special occasion or a taste of history. Kompressor: If you want a budget-friendly option, head to Kompressor. This eatery is famous for its delicious and generously sized pancakes, both sweet and savory. It's a favourite among locals and students alike due to its affordable prices. The casual atmosphere is welcoming, making it a great place to enjoy traditional Estonian cuisine without breaking the bank. Of course! Here are more details for two additional items on the winter bucket list in Tallinn: 3. Ice Skating: Harju Street Park: Harju Street Park, also known as Harju Ice Rink, is one of the popular ice skating spots in Tallinn during the winter season. What makes it even more attractive is that many outdoor ice rinks, like Harju, offer free admission. You may only need to pay a small fee for skate rentals. This makes it an affordable and enjoyable way to experience winter in Tallinn. Tondiraba Ice Hall: If you want an indoor ice skating experience, Tondiraba Ice Hall is a great option. It's the largest ice hall in Estonia and offers public skating sessions. While indoor ice skating typically involves a fee, it's a fantastic way to skate in a controlled environment, ensuring that you can enjoy this activity even when the weather is less cooperative. 4. Visit Kadriorg Park: Kadriorg Palace: Kadriorg Park is a picturesque destination in any season, but it takes on a special charm during the winter. The park is home to Kadriorg Palace, a Baroque gem built by Peter the Great. Even if you don't visit the museum inside, the exterior of the palace and its surrounding gardens are worth exploring. In winter, the park's pathways may be dusted with snow, creating a serene and scenic atmosphere. Kumu Art Museum: While in Kadriorg Park, you can also visit Kumu Art Museum, which is Estonia's largest and most impressive art museum. It houses both classical and contemporary Estonian art collections. It's an excellent place to warm up, immerse yourself in Estonian culture, and appreciate art in a cosy environment. 5. Sauna Experience: Estonian Sauna Culture: Saunas hold a special place in Estonian culture, and experiencing an Estonian sauna is a must. Many hostels and public saunas in Tallinn offer affordable sauna sessions. The tradition involves alternating between hot saunas and cold plunges, which is invigorating and healthy, especially during the colder months. Local Rituals: Sauna sessions are often accompanied by unique Estonian rituals, such as whipping yourself with birch branches (a process known as "vihtlemine") to improve circulation and relax muscles. It's a cultural experience that provides warmth, relaxation, and a deeper connection to local traditions.

  • Honestly about cheating: to whom and why?

    Make cheat sheets, but don't use them!" This is a common saying among some professors. The idea behind it is that creating a good cheat sheet requires a lot of work and effort. During this process, you go through the material from start to finish, distinguish important information from unimportant, develop a logical structure, and plan the precise layout. However, the act of going through these steps already helps in learning, and later, you might not even need the cheat sheet. Because making cheat sheets is considered a good learning strategy, using them is simply foolish. For example, in engineering studies, one wouldn't want to live in a house whose structural calculations were done by an engineer who chose to cheat instead of learning. Similarly, no one would want to have surgery performed by a doctor who isn't sure where a certain organ is because they cheated on the anatomy exam. While these examples involve more complex and responsible fields where people's lives are at stake, the responsibility exists in all other fields as well. Chemists should know how different substances react, economists should invest to make a profit instead of a loss. This requires genuinely acquiring knowledge, not copying from others. Although the examples mentioned make sense and are logical, there are also so-called "useless" knowledge. For instance, everyone has had to memorize a poem in language class. Let's be honest, at the moment, no one remembers the authors or titles of those poems. However, the purpose of learning those poems was not to remember them verbatim. Memorizing a poem aims to expand vocabulary, develop memory, create connections, and enhance the ability to deliver necessary information at the right moment. Additionally, reciting a poem from memory improves public speaking skills, pronunciation, and diction. "Statistics show that every year, students' ability to formulate theorems, let alone prove them, decreases," said a mathematics professor recently after grading exams. On one hand, it can be argued that the average student is more self-aware and doesn't memorize things they won't need in life. However, proving theorems should not be memorized; they should be logically derived from the base of previously learned material. But if that base has been neglected, and instead cheating has been done, now there are only two options left: independently learn all the necessary material or continue cheating. It's a snowball effect that keeps growing. Every person has a choice: to grow their knowledge ball bigger and more powerful or play Jenga with poorly built blocks, hoping it won't collapse at the wrong moment. Just like high school, university is actually voluntary. No one forces anyone to go and study. But once the decision has been made, and enrollment confirmed, the obligations taken must be fulfilled, and learning must happen. Perhaps high school was necessary to go to university and study something that doesn't require understanding all the subjects of the national curriculum. But in university, there are different fields, different directions. Just as aspiring conductors don't learn physics, IT specialists are not taught music. This means that all current students have made the decision to come and acquire knowledge in this specific field. So why cheat? University is meant for acquiring knowledge and later applying it. But if a diploma is obtained through dishonest means, it's not surprising that the application of those missing skills will falter. While a degree may help land a desired job, lacking real skills will eventually come to light. Therefore, that paper is worthless, and the entire university time is wasted. The recommendation is, once the decision is made to continue one's education, then one should also study. In addition to doing oneself a disservice by cheating, it is also unacceptable towards others. In the Technical University, there are a certain number of scholarships awarded only to the most diligent students. While extra money is always nice and serves as a good motivator to strive for better grades, raising grades through cheating may deprive someone who didn't cheat of that money. They may not reach the same level as the cheater, who actually lacks those skills. Moreover, instructors tend to determine students' levels based on the first tests and adjust the difficulty of subsequent tasks accordingly, requiring real effort to achieve a high grade. This makes it difficult not only for cheaters but also for honest students, and in the end, everyone is worse off. What's the point of cheating when the grade is achievable without it? In the future, it's also wise to make smart financial decisions and live in a house that doesn't threaten to collapse. This means that current students need to take charge and start using their brain's potential. Today's decisions will affect life for many decades. To become a future top achiever, effort must be put in at this very moment.

  • Winter survival kit: Expat edition

    Estonian weather is famous for its unpredictability, with locals humorously describing experiencing "four seasons in a day." Winters are long and frosty, while summers are short and mild. Spring and autumn bring various weather conditions, making it essential to stay prepared. Dressing for Estonian Weather: Layering is Key: Layering is your best defence against Estonia's capricious climate. A moisture-wicking base layer, insulation for warmth, and a waterproof, windproof outer layer are your go-to. Quality Outerwear: Invest in a high-quality winter coat that's warm and weather-resistant to combat the harsh winter temperatures. Footwear Matters: Opt for insulated, waterproof boots with excellent traction during winter and lightweight, breathable shoes for summer. Accessories: Don't forget gloves, scarves, and hats to keep warm during cold snaps. Be Ready for Rain: Be prepared for rain at any time, always carry an umbrella, and have a compact rain jacket or poncho on hand. Sun Protection: In summer, shield yourself from the sun with sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat. Vitamins: Amidst Tallinn's seasonal variations, don't forget to take your vitamins to boost your immune system and energy levels. You can find a range of vitamins and supplements at local pharmacies, health food stores, and supermarkets across Tallinn. Where to find what? Embracing sustainable shopping in Tallinn is a growing trend, and Humana is a notable thrift store championing this eco-friendly approach. From warm jackets to socks, you can find everything in there! What makes it even more exciting are Humana's monthly sales, where you can snag various items, from clothing to home goods, at unbelievably low prices, sometimes as little as 50 cents. Budget-Friendly Options Beyond Humana: While Humana is a popular choice for thrift shopping, Tallinn offers alternative options for budget-conscious shoppers, including Erasmus students. Paavli is a place to find affordable winter clothing to shield yourself from Estonian winters. This spot offers a budget-friendly selection of clothing items suitable for protecting against the cold. So, as you gear up to experience Tallinn's dynamic weather, remember to dress smartly and explore sustainable shopping options. Humana's monthly sales provide an economical way to revamp your wardrobe sustainably. Additionally, places like Pavli cater to students and those seeking cost-effective winter clothing solutions. Embrace the changing seasons, stay warm, and explore the vibrant city of Tallinn with confidence.

  • Erasmus guide to healthcare

    Getting sick in a foreign country without your friends or family nearby can be a nightmare, especially when you might not know the language or the culture. As an international student, the adventure of studying in a foreign country is incredibly exciting. But don't fret! This guide is here to help you find a family doctor in Estonia. It's about ensuring your health is in good hands so you can enjoy every moment of your journey. Choosing Your Family Doctor Explore the List: Visit this website to find a list of family doctors. Ensure they are within the same area or county as your address. You can find the list here: EHIF Doctors List. Language Flexibility: While English-speaking family doctors are available, not all of them speak English. Many do, but if you encounter one who doesn't, don't worry! You can choose another doctor or continue in Estonian, and it's an excellent chance to immerse yourself in the local culture. Registering with Your Family Doctor Get the Application: To register, submit a signed application, known as "Avaldus perearsti nimistusse registreerimiseks.” You can usually find these forms in Estonian, but you can easily complete them with Google Translate. Submitting the Application: You can sign the forms digitally via the Digidoc4 client if you plan to send them via email to the doctor or clinic. Alternatively, you can submit them in person at the nearest clinic. However, acceptance depends on the availability of slots for that specific hospital. Approval Time: After submitting the application, you'll typically receive an approval email within 7-10 days. If you applied at a hospital, expect a phone call about your application status. Alternative Health Options While you wait, consider alternative online health options such as Salu.md, a subscription-based service for consultations in English, Estonian, and Russian. Private clinics like Qvalitas and Confido are also available. Note that these services are not covered by national health insurance and require payment. Emergency Services For emergencies, dial 112 or go to the nearest emergency room. You're all set! Don’t wait until the end to get a family doctor. Be proactive and smart, unlike me! :D

  • From student to student: how to successfully apply for a scholarship?

    The purpose of this fund is to boost students' motivation to learn and support academic staff at Tallinn University of Technology. Graduates and research development workers with ambitious visions contribute significantly to the growth of the Estonian economy. You can apply for this scholarship twice a year, in spring and autumn. The deadline for applications this semester is October 24th. Here are some key points to remember when applying: Write a motivation letter for each scholarship, specifically addressing the company. When submitting your application and documents, make sure the files are named correctly. Digitally sign all documents when submitting your application. You can submit up to three different scholarship applications. Naatan Johannes Bender, who has successfully received this scholarship twice, shares a few tips based on his experience: Naatan Johannes Bender To all you students out there, here are five pieces of advice for your scholarship applications: Start the application process early. This gives you time to think about your essay topic and request your grade sheet and a letter of support from the dean's office. Remember, the letter of support doesn't have to come from a lecturer; a student organization president can write a great one too. Highlight your involvement in student life on your CV or in your motto. Being an active student is appealing to employers and can sometimes matter more than your GPA. Writing a cover letter can be challenging, but it's easier than most homework 😉. Share your work or internship experiences, involvement in student activities, workshops, and projects you've contributed to. Keep it concise. Most importantly, don't give up without trying! Choose a scholarship that aligns with your field or faculty and go for it. You can find more experience stories from scholarship sponsors and recipients on the Fund's website. The deadline for applications is October 24th. Check it out here!

  • Recognition of teaching staff

    On October 5th, on Teacher's Day, the TalTech Student Union, in cooperation with the student councils of the faculties, announced the selected teachers who have caught the eye of students. The basis for the recognition was the feedback questionnaire from graduates, input from the Education Quality Working Groups, and the 'Recognize a Teacher' survey. This year, six categories were chosen for recognizing teachers: Most Youthful Teacher - awarded to a teacher who understands the unique needs, interests, and challenges of young people and uses modern tools to make learning more understandable for them. Most Knowledgeable Teacher - awarded to a teacher with outstanding expertise in their field and the ability to effectively convey their knowledge to students. Best Feedback-Giving Teacher - awarded to a teacher who provides comprehensive and constructive feedback to students regularly, motivating them to improve their academic performance. Inclusive Teacher - awarded to a teacher who can motivate students to actively participate in the learning process. Innovative Teacher - awarded to a teacher whose lectures and teaching materials are up-to-date and who employs innovative and effective teaching methods. Teacher of the Year - awarded to a teacher who excels in multiple categories and demonstrates exceptional dedication to teaching. We would like to sincerely thank you on behalf of the students for your dedication in imparting knowledge! Faculty of Natural Sciences Most Youthful Teacher - Rutt Hints Rutt Hints can clearly and in detail convey the subject matter, making lectures informative and enjoyable. She is always helpful and available to students. Most Knowledgeable Teacher - Alar Leibak Alar Leibak has excellent command of the subjects he teaches. He employs various methods to engage students, ensuring that none of his lectures are boring. He can make even the most complex topics clear, and all questions receive answers. Most Inclusive Teacher - Riina Aav Riina Aav is a caring and inspiring teacher. She actively involves students in discussions, encouraging everyone to think more in class. She sparks interest in the subject matter and is very cheerful and helpful. Most Innovative Teacher - Maria Cecilia Sarmiento Guerin A highly motivating and knowledgeable teacher, whose classes always incorporate current information. She puts a lot of effort into finding relevant articles, presents topics effectively, and makes her lectures interesting. Teacher of the Year - Marju Laasik Marju Laasik is an excellent teacher who creates a safe learning environment. She is warm and attentive, always ready to answer any questions. Faculty of Engineering Most Youthful Teacher - Jüri Kurvits Jüri Kurvits always creates a positive atmosphere in class. His classes are well-prepared, assignments are engaging, and he is willing to review challenging topics, motivating students to put in more effort. Most Knowledgeable Teacher - Margus Müür Margus Müür is a dedicated teacher who always prepares well and makes every lesson enjoyable. He encourages students to participate actively, ask questions, and expand their knowledge. Best Feedback-Giving Teacher - Priit Luhakooder Priit Luhakooder can quickly and effectively solve complex problems and has an excellent grasp of his field. He is approachable and explains even the most confusing methods clearly in student-friendly terms. His feedback is always prompt and relevant. Inclusive Teacher - Reeli Kuhi-Thalfeldt Reeli Kuhi-Thalfeldt skillfully motivates students to participate. Her classes involve lively discussions, with students taking an active role in acquiring new knowledge together. Innovative Teacher - Airi Noppel Airi Noppel makes every class captivating, and her flexible approach allows students to freely express their thoughts and ideas. She uses innovative and inclusive methods that make the subject matter engaging. Teamwork allows for quick feedback from fellow students in addition to the teacher. Teacher of the Year - Mart Saarna Mart Saarna is enthusiastic about sharing his extensive knowledge. His lectures are comprehensive and understandable, and his practical sessions are both educational and interesting, motivating students to learn. Faculty of Economics Best Feedback-Giving Teacher - Raili Lahi Raili Lahi's feedback is always quick and thorough. She responds to students even late in the evening to encourage them to strive for excellence and reach their full potential. Inclusive Teacher - Paavo Siimann Paavo Siimann is a teacher who captivates everyone in his class. His fantastic teaching methods are engaging, and students absorb knowledge almost effortlessly. Most Knowledgeable Teacher - Kristjan Liivamägi Kristjan Liivamägi's knowledge knows no bounds, and he can answer any question without hesitation. His expertise inspires students to make the most of their learning. Most Youthful Teacher - Katrin Arvola Katrin Arvola seems to get younger with time. Her interactive teaching methods encourage students to get more involved. She is a true ambassador for her subjects, leaving no one unimpressed. Innovative Teacher - Kristo Krumm Kristo Krumm's energy warms up the entire classroom. He encourages students to participate actively and speak up. He also adapts his teaching to the changing world. Teacher of the Year - Pawan Kumar Dutt Pawan Kumar Dutt is always very passionate and inspires students from every faculty. He knows how to explain every topic and motivates students to take their education to the next level. Faculty of Information Technology Most Youthful Teacher - Andres Käver This teacher, always wearing sneakers, has more to offer in life than the scope and duration of his subjects allow. He is a master juggler, balancing work, school, and family life. Despite all this, he has time to chat with students after classes and share life advice. He has a great sense of humor that provides relief even in tense exam atmospheres. Most Knowledgeable Teacher - Erki Eessaar Erki Eessaar is very dedicated and student-centered, valuing individualized learning. His teaching materials are structured, and knowledge flows seamlessly as if pieces of a puzzle. Students have also noticed his encouraging words during project presentations. Best Feedback-Giving Teacher - Kaido Kikkas Kaido can adapt well to individuals across the entire spectrum and tailor the teaching to their needs. As a lecturer, Kaido expects independent thinking from students, not blind agreement with his assessments. He values individual feedback, and due to his personal and enthusiastic approach, every student wants him as their supervisor. Inclusive Teacher - Innar Liiv Innar is a true professional in his field, and his enthusiasm for teaching is motivating for all students. The experienced mariner is very helpful and always finds logical and simple answers to even the most complex questions, inspiring students to learn and experiment with various solutions. Innovative Teacher - Kristiina Hakk She not only loves her job but does it with passion. She always has a great mood, and her ability to make a classroom of three hundred students laugh or be quiet is remarkable. She constantly invents new methods to engage students in independent learning and achieve better results. Teacher of the Year - Ago Luberg No matter who you ask, Ago is always described as a superstar in his field. This teacher stands out across the entire university with his inspiring speeches and innovative teaching methods. He always seeks ways to improve his subjects and broadens his students' horizons by organizing various outings. According to students, Ago is 'chill,' always accessible, and incredibly helpful. Estonian Maritime Academy Most Youthful Teacher - Loreida Timberg Loreida's lectures are exciting, interactive, and linked to real life, involving top experts in her field to inspire students. Unlike most teachers who provide feedback to students, she treats students as colleagues and constantly seeks the perspective of young people on how to make lessons even better and more memorable. Most Knowledgeable Teacher - Yrjö Saarinen Yrjö Saarinen's extensive knowledge and experience surpass the entire Estonian Maritime Academy community. He not only shares nuggets of wisdom but also ensures that students understand the underlying processes, providing comprehensive answers to all questions. Best Feedback-Giving Teacher - Anna Saksa The teacher's feedback is always fast, concise, and relevant. When teaching, she approaches students according to their needs, even using multiple languages. In her classes, she not only creates a positive learning environment herself but is also accompanied by a little dog! Inclusive Teacher - Olev Tõnismaa Olev is a complete professional in his field, and his dedication to teaching is motivating for all students. The experienced seafarer is very helpful and always finds logical and simple answers to even the most complex questions, inspiring students to learn and experiment with various solutions. Innovative Teacher - Dan Heering Dan Heering's innovative and inclusive approach to the learning process encourages students to think broadly about their daily habits. Theoretical knowledge is supported by various practical tasks related to current events. He works with passion and creates a very open and pleasant communication environment for students during lectures. Teacher of the Year - Anatoli Alop Anatoli Alop is an extremely pleasant teacher who is highly regarded by both undergraduate and graduate students. This person can even make the driest cases and paragraphs exciting, and students hope to see more of him in their future studies!

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