Overview of learning opportunities

Language cafés

How do we support learning Estonian?

In language cafés, it is possible to practice speaking Estonian, acquire everyday vocabulary, and receive support for independent language learning.

The language café takes place in a friendly atmosphere and abides by the following principles:

• The language café is not a language course: this is not a place for in-depth grammar studies or writing exercises. Instead, you can enjoy free conversation and fun company, which will help you quickly improve your language skills.
• Everyone gets a chance to speak: we focus on speaking and understanding the language. This is a good place to build courage and confidence in communicating in Estonian.
• We talk all the time: no writing or long texts. The entire focus is on oral communication so that you can practice using the Estonian language as much as possible.
• Mistakes are perfectly acceptable: there is no need to worry about imperfect pronunciation or word usage. Practise makes perfect!
• The conversation topics are engaging: we will be talking about ourselves, travel, hobbies, work, and family.

Who can participate?

All adult Estonian language learners, i.e. long-term residents, returnees, and newly arrived immigrants, whose language proficiency level is A2 or B1.

How to participate?

We open the cafés a few times a year across Estonia, for example in Tallinn, Tartu, and Pärnu. This year (in 2025), we will open the language cafés in autumn. Language learners can choose one of these cafés based on their preferences in terms of time and place.

After registering for the café, you must attend its regular meetings in person or online over a period of four months. The activity consists of 30 academic hours of learning. Participation can be cancelled 24 hours before the first café meeting in the self-service environment.

How is it organised?

We organise the café activities in cooperation with partners, whom we involve through public procurement. Our cooperation partners follow the corresponding methodological guide ‘Language café – friendly communication in an open atmosphere’.

Where can I find more information?

We publish detailed information about the café activities in the calendar.

How to register?

You can choose a suitable café and register for it in the self-service environment.