About rfamily

Status:

Expatriate  

Gender:

Female

Currently Lives:

Estonia

Citizen Of:

United States

Some Forum Posts:

Estonia: Estonian language:

Bill, you can try an extensive text and tape set A BASIC COURSE IN ESTONIAN by Felix Oinas and printed by Indiana University. I got the tapes throught interlibrary loan in the States and the textbook from one of the language services, but I think you might consider paying an elementary school teacher to tutor you. You will have questions that need a ive human to explain. I paid 75 eek/hour for this arrangement here in Parnu. Good luck! Toni

Estonia: Filmmaker moving to Estonia:

Faser, I wish you the best of luck in Tallinn and truly hope you get something going. I'd love to do voiceovers, but an American in Pärnu has slim chance of getting to know any of that crowd and frankly, I've got my hands full learning the ropes of simply being here! I asked an actor about improv in the country and was met with blank looks. Guess I'll have to master the language...George anyone? Toni

Estonia: how is 20k per month salary?:

It's quite a good salary by Estonian standards, but you'll have to live frugally. I live supporting a family of six on that amount, but don't have to pay for housing, and, frankly, any travelling on that budget is out of the question for me. Where do you think you'll live? Tallinn is more expensive than the rest of the country. Clothing and electronics are quite expensive, but food is okay. Heating runs me about 4-6,000 eek monthly in the winter. Children's health insurance is covered, but anything serious will probably need to be checked outside the country. On the bright side, there is a lot to do here if you want to explore this country and enjoy what is available. The people are lovely, if not so swift on customer service. Do your homework.

Estonia: Ready or not here I come:

Not to worry-I've lived in Pärnu for about six months and have been able to get things done. Almost every business has at least one English-speaker and I find people quite happy to go out of their way to help. We have an expat community here which has been most helpful. Also, I have relatives who know people who know people... I have found that Estonia runs on "mañana" time and that if you don't like an answer, keep pursuing it, rephrase questions, ask different people, until you're happy. Patience pays. Schools are very good here, I think, but the kids are rougher than we were used to. Unless you're in Tartu or Tallinn there is no teaching in english, but the older kids speak English (as do many teachers) and I have found my kids are picking things up pretty quicky. I'm not working at the moment, but there are opportunities, although the salaries here are quite low. Foreign work might be best. Mostly, relax and enjoy the country. It's lovely as are its people.

Estonia: Living in Estonia (Expats):

Why haven't I met you yet, Peter? I'm living in Pärnu and like it just fine. Getting internet to my house was something of a nightmare, but never accept a no answer. There is usually a way. Most places have connections already, but I suppose you already know. I'd be happy to meet and share info and experiences.

Date Joined:

9/11/2006

Total Posts:

7

Posts/Day:

0.00