!/~tuupola/oldimages/29.gif (ILS)!:http://www.ils.ee/ You move to foreign country. You learn the language. That is the rule. My studies are now done for this spring.
Second Estonian language course at ILS ended on wednesday. Afterwork studies two evenings (three at the begining) every week were surprisingly hard work. That made me appreciate the fact they have teached us english since third grade. For me it has always been granted I can speak english. I did not remember how much work learning a language takes. So, thank’s Finnish school system. You did a good job with me.
We even had an elementary level exam at ILS. I scored 77.5/100. It means I can not have intelligent discussions in estonian. But hey, atleast I can read the papers and manage myself in everyday life. Having five minute conversations with people is better than the monotonic Kas-te-räägite-inglise-keelt? I usually said five months ago.
So my advice to everyone moving to live in Estonia. Learn the language as soon as you can. It helps you in everyday life. It is fun. It makes you better person. It does not cure cancer or bring world peace but you will not be confused as being yet another beer tourist.
Suur aitäh Piret! See you in autumn.
Related entries: 10 Habits I Have Developed in Estonia
Tagged with: Estonia
