Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Tallinn, Estonia

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Tallinn

Did you receive any cross-cultural training for your move abroad? If yes, was it before or after the move?

No

Traveling MailboxTraveling Mailbox
Connect

Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Traveling MailboxTraveling Mailbox

Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

If they speak another language in your new country, do you speak the language? If yes, did you learn the language before you moved or while abroad? If no, are you planning to learn the language?

Most young people speak English, but after arriving I took courses in Estonian.

Were you worried or concerned about culture shock before you moved abroad?

Not enormously

William Russell

Learn MoreGet Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William Russell

Connect

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

How significant was the culture shock you experienced when you moved abroad?

It was basic; toilets had push buttons, door knobs were door levers, society in general looked the same; Shopping malls, downtown, the beach.

My culture shock mostly came from after being here for awhile where I experienced some of the old Russian and Estonian tension from the Post-Soviet Era. But anyone who comes here for a period of time will experience that.

Expats often talk about going through the "stages of culture shock." Examples include the honeymoon phase, the irritation-to-anger stage, the rejection of the culture stage, and the cultural adjustment phase. Do you feel like you went through these or any other stages as you settled into the new culture?

First arriving
Absolutely Great

4 Months
Kind of normal

6 Months
Well adapted, can adjust between here and US

9 Months
Some things tick you off, miss home some

12 Months
Really want a McDonalds cheeseburger

What, if any, were some of the changes you noticed in yourself that might have been caused by culture shock? These might include things such as anger, depression, anxiety, increased eating or drinking, frustration, homesickness, etc.

Estonia has caused me to be a little impatient at times because some things aren't done in a timely manner.

When I'm back home I have some discontent toward people who say (isn't that country part of Russia), and so I'm angry at the U.S. Education system Long winters will turn you introverted, because they are dark and last 8 months. I haven't gotten it yet, but they call it seasonal anxiety disorder. Its easy to get here.

What are some things you appreciate most about the new culture?

Their song festivals, Beautiful native language, Love of Nature, Long lived history, Story of survival of a culture

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

Russians vs. Estonians Post-Soviet integration

Did you "commit" any embarrassing or humorous cultural blunders? If you did and you'd like to share them, please do tell!

I went into Sauna with a towel. Everyone is supposed to go completely naked together. It's normal here. I was laughed at because I felt weird hanging out naked with a bunch of guys. Now it doesn't even phase me since it is part of the culture.

Do you have any advice or thoughts about culture shock you would like to share?

When you get here, Enjoy yourself, there is a lot more than meets the eye. The real Estonia is outside of Tallinn ;)

Traveling Mailbox
Traveling Mailbox

Traveling Mailbox lets you view your postal mail online anywhere and it's is affordable, simple, and flexible.
Learn More

Traveling MailboxTraveling Mailbox

Traveling Mailbox lets you view your postal mail online anywhere and it's is affordable, simple, and flexible.
Learn More

Contribute to Estonia Network Contribute
Help others in Estonia by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Estonia.

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal