aiesec estonia reception booklet 2011
TRANSCRIPT
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AIESEC Estonia
Reception Booklet
2011
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Dear Trainee
We are really happy you decided to come to our lovely little country. We
promise we will make your stay enjoyable and memorable!
We guess you have lot of questions about us – how Estonians look like,
what they eat and how they live. In the following pages you will find all
kind of information concerning the country and how to soften the
cultural shock. As Estonians like Internet very much then here will be lots
of links where you can find even more information to satisfy your
curiosity
Take some time for yourself and take a first look at the country where
people are already impatiently waiting for you!
AIESEC Estonia
AIESEC Tallinn
Reception
Booklet
2010
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CONTENTS
SS
1. About Estonia 1.1. General facts 1.2. Geography and
climate 1.3. History 1.4. Culture 1.5. National cuisine
2. Main cities 2.1. Tallinn 2.2. Tartu 2.3. Pärnu 2.4. Narva
3. Important things to know 3.1. Average price list 3.2. Bank holidays, traditions 3.3. Rules of behavior, dressing
4. Little lesson of Estonian language
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1. About Estonia
1.1 General facts
Full Name the Republic of Estonia
National Flag
Coat of Arms
Capital Tallinn
Official Language Estonian
Ethnic Groups 68.7 % Estonian
25.6 % Russian
5.7 % others
President Toomas Hendrik Ilves
Prime Minister Andrus Ansip
Land area 45 228 km2
Population 1 340 127
Density 30 / km2
GDP (in 2009) € 13.73 billion (total)
Currency Euro (EUR)
Calling code + 372
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1.2 Geography and climate
Estonia lies on the eastern
shores of the Baltic Sea
immediately across the Gulf of
Finland. Average elevation
reaches only 50 meters and the
country's highest point is the
Suur Munamägi in the
southeast at 318 meters. The
number of islands and islets is
estimated at some 1 500. Two
of them are large enough to constitute separate counties: Saaremaa and Hiiumaa.
Estonia has over 1 400 lakes. Most are very small, with the largest, Lake Peipus, (Peipsi
in Estonian) being 3 555 km2. There are many rivers in the country. The longest of
them are Võhandu (162 km) and Pärnu (144 km). There are also numerous fens and
bogs in Estonia.
Estonia is situated in the northern part of the
temperate climate zone and in the transition zone
between maritime and continental climate. Average
temperatures are 18 °C in July, the warmest month,
and −17 °C in February, the coldest month. As for rain,
then Estonia tends to be even rainier than England. It
rains constantly from October until first snow. Snow
cover, which is deepest in the south-eastern part of
Estonia, usually lasts from mid-December to late March.
Conclusion: very light clothes and sunglasses, an umbrella
and rubber boots, a jersey and a scarf are essential
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1.3 History
Estonians are one of the longest-settled European peoples and have lived along the Baltic Sea for over 5,000 years. The Estonians were an independent nation until the 13th century A.D. Due to geopolitical position (access to the sea, lies between many powerful countries), many nationalities were at numerous wars over a little piece of land called Estonia. The country was subsequently conquered by Denmark, Germany, Poland, Sweden, and finally Russia, whose defeat of Sweden in 1721 resulted in the rule over what became modern Estonia. Independence remained out of reach for Estonia until the collapse of the Russian empire during World War I. Estonia declared itself an independent democratic republic on February 24, 1918. In 1920, by the Peace Treaty of Tartu, Soviet Russia recognized Estonia's independence. The first constitution of the Republic of Estonia was adopted in 1920 and established a parliamentary form of government. Estonia's independence would last for 22 years, during which time Estonia guaranteed cultural autonomy to all minorities, including its small Jewish population. Leading up to World War II (WWII), Estonia pursued a policy of neutrality. However, the Soviet Union forcibly incorporated Estonia as a result of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact of 1939, in which Nazi Germany gave control of Baltic States to the Soviet Union in return for control of much of Poland. During World War II, between 1939 and 1945, through both the Nazi and Soviet occupations, Estonia's direct human losses reached 180,000 residents, which amounted to 17% of its total population. Soviet authorities conducted mass deportations in 1940-41, 1944 and 1949 to Siberia, land of no life. In the late 1980s, looser controls on freedom of expression under Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev reignited the Estonians' call for self-determination. By 1988, hundreds of thousands of people were gathering across Estonia to sing previously banned national songs in what became known as the "Singing Revolution." In November 1988, Estonia's
Supreme Soviet passed a declaration of sovereignty, two years later the name of the Republic of Estonia was restored, and during the August 1991 Estonia declared full independence. Lennart Meri, a writer and the first president of new Estonia, served two terms as president, implementing many reforms during his tenure. Estonia’s current president is Toomas Hendrik Ilves. Estonia became a member of the United Nations on September 17, 1991, officially became a member of NATO on March 29, 2004 and in May 2004 became a member of European Union. Estonia joined the Schengen zone in December 2007 and is the Euro zone in January 2011.
Declaration of Independence
Toomas Hendrik Ilves
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1.4 Culture
Estonians are considered as singing nation. Singing and dancing festivals have helped people to overcome pressure which was caused by the rule of strangers. The first big all-Estonian song and dance festival was held in 1869 and is organised regularly ever since. Last great Song and Dance Celebration was held in July 2009.
Skiing has played an important role in Estonian culture, especially since 2002 when Andrus Veerpalu won first golden medal for Estonia. Later there have been many victories in World Championship and Olympic Games by other skiers. During greater skiing competitions lessons at schools are cancelled, work is postponed and people watch collectively TV. Estonians love skiing so much that they even call summer as „3 months of bad skiing weather“.
As for religion, then Estonia's constitution guarantees freedom of religion, separation of church and state. Nevertheless, Estonia has one of the highest level of irreligious individuals in the world; nearly three-quarters of the population stating no specific religious affiliation. The largest religious faith in the country is Evangelical Lutheranism (14.8% of the population), followed by Eastern Orthodox, practised mainly by the Russian minority.
A typical Estonian can be characterised as calm, quiet and shy. The biggest fear of an Estonian is that his neighbour will see something which may harm the Estonian’s reputation... no matter how important this person in society is. Estonians are absolutely hopeless in small talks. So, the best advice to follow in Estonia is: just smile and be quiet. However, young people are greatly influenced by American culture, so the exception is within people up to 25 years, especially those in Tallinn. NB! Not applicable to AIESECers. We are crazy and outgoing at every age!
No Estonian will start talking unless has consumed at least two beers/ciders.
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1.5 National Cuisine
The traditional cuisine of Estonia uses meat and potato varieties, but nowadays it includes many typical international foods. The most typical foods in Estonia are black bread, pork, potatoes and dairy products. Hunting and fishing have also been very common, although currently hunting and fishing are enjoyed mostly as hobbies. Today it is also very popular to grill outside in summer.
Kama is traditional Estonian and Finnish finely milled flour mixture, mostly enjoyed for breakfast mixed with milk, buttermilk or kefir as mash.
Verivorst (or black pudding in English) is a type of sausage made by cooking blood or dried blood with a filler until it is thick enough to congeal when cooled.
Kali, sometimes called a bread drink in English, is a non-alcoholic fermented beverage made from black or regular rye bread.
Hapukapsas (“sour cabbage”) is made by a process of pickling called lacto-fermentation that is analogous to how traditional (not heat-treated) pickled cucumbers are made. It has a long shelf-life and a distinctive sour flavor. At Christmas it is fried with meat or other ingredients to make it more nutritious, and served with blood sausages and potatoes.
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2. Main Cities
2.1 Tallinn
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Tallinn is the capital and the largest city of Estonia. It occupies an area of 159.2 km2
with a population of 409,661. It is situated on the northern coast of the country, on the
banks of the Gulf of Finland, 80 km south of Helsinki. During the history, Tallinn has
always played a great role.
Its history dates back to 3000 BC. In 1050 the first fortress was built on Tallinn
Toompea and in 1154 it was put on the world map for the first time. As an important
port for trade between Russia and Scandinavia, it became a target for the expansion of
the Teutonic Knights and the Kingdom of Denmark in the beginning of the 13th century.
Danish rule over Tallinn and Northern Estonia started in 1219. In 1285 the city became
the northernmost member of the Hanseatic League – a merchantile and military
alliance of German-dominated cities in Northern Europe. In 1561 Tallinn politically
became a dominion of Sweden and in 1710 was given over to Russian Empire.
Nowadays, Tallinn has become the only metropolis in Estonia and the face of Estonia.
The entrepreneurship centre, tourism centre, cultural centre, shopping centre – this all
is Tallinn.
Public transportation
In Tallinn people use trams, trolleys, buses and taxis. The
transportation system is well-organised and effective. Every
bus/trolley/tram route comes usually every 8-13 minutes in
the weekdays and with longer intervals during the weekend.
So, in the most crowded stops, there is a constant flow of
transport means.
There is one common ticket for all transport means and the ticket can be purchased
almost in every kiosk. Tickets bought from a kiosk are almost twice cheaper than tickets
gotten from a transport mean.
NB! There is a strict control over “free-riders”! If police catch you, they
may be really harsh.
More information regarding timetables, bus stops etc can be found on
http://soiduplaan.tallinn.ee/?a=p.routes&transport_id=bus&t=xhtml&l=en
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2.2 Tartu
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Tartu is the second largest city of Estonia with population of around 100 000 people.
On the other hand, it is the largest city in terms of student population - it is home to
Estonia's oldest and most renowned university - University of Tartu, founded in 1632.
Therefore, Tartu is often called the “city of students”. The fountain “Kissing students”
in the middle of Town Hall Square has become the symbol of Tartu.
The university-city is situated 186 km southeast from Tallinn, it is the centre of
southern Estonia. The Emajõgi River, which connects two largest lakes of Estonia,
flows through the city and adds colour to it.
Tartu is the oldest town in the Baltic States - the first written records of Tartu dates
back to year 1030. The first fortress is said to have been built already in the 7th century
on Dome Hill. In medieval times Tartu was an important trading city, in the 1280s it
joined the Hanseatic League.
Now it is often considered to be the intellectual and cultural centre of Estonia. In
addition to University of Tartu, it is also the home to the national theatre Vanemuine,
Estonian Supreme Court and Estonian Ministry of Education and Research. Tartu's
large student population means that it has a lively nightlife, with many bars,
restaurants, and nightclubs.
Public transportation
The main way of getting around the city is by bus.
However, since Tartu is not that big, most places can be
reached by foot. A lot of people also use bicycle for
getting around. Tartu is also well-connected to other
main Estonian cities by regular bus and train transport.
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2.3 Pärnu
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2.4 Narva
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3. Important things to know
3.1 Average price list
Object Price in EUR
White bread 0.6
Bread 0.7
Milk (1 litre) 0.55
Juice (1litre) 1.0
Beer (0.5 litre) 0.9
Cigarettes (Marlboro) 3.0
Cigarettes (LM) 2.5
Coca-Cola (0.5 litre) 0.74
Sausages (1 kg) 3.0-6.0
Cheese (1 kg) 5.0-6.4
Eggs (10 pieces) 1.0
Rice (1 kg) 1.75
Spaghetti (0.5 kg) 1.0
Bar of chocolate 1.0
Cinema ticket 3.75-4.5
3.2 Bank holidays and traditions
January 1st – New Year’s Day (uusaasta). On this day no institution nor company
works.
February 24 – Independence Day (iseseisvuspäev). National holiday when the
declaration of independence in 1918 is celebrated. Probably the most important day in
the year for Estonians. During this day parades in all major cities take place, the
president holds a speech and people decorate themselves with national colours.
Moveable Friday – Good Friday (suur reede).
Moveable Sunday – Easter Sunday (lihavõtted).
May 1 – Spring Day (May Day) (kevadpüha).
Moveable Sunday – Whitsunday (nelipühade 1. püha).
June 23 – Victory Day (võidupüha). Celebrates the victory in the Battle of Võnnu
during the Estonian War of Independence.
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June 24 – St. John's Day (jaanipäev).
August 20 – Day of Restoration of Independence (taasiseseisvumispäev).
Celebrates Estonia's restoration of independence in 1991.
December 24 – Christmas Eve (jõululaupäev).
December 25 – Christmas Day (esimene jõulupüha).
December 26 – Boxing Day (teine jõulupüha).
December 31 – New Year’s Eve (vana-aastaõhtu) As a rule people spend this night
with friends or at an entertainment event and at midnight gather on the main square of
a town to watch a great firework.
3.3 Rules of behavior and dressing
As Estonia is member of EU then here are almost all the same legal issues as in other
European countries, e.g. smoking and drinking in public places is prohibited. People
dress like everywhere in Europe: some people wear clothes bought from London and
Paris, some wear second hand jeans and T-shirts. However, there are some important
differences.
First of all, alcohol in grocery stores is allowed to sell from 10 AM until 10 PM.
However, in bars and other entertainment institutions alcohol may be sold all night
round, yet for consuming indoors only.
Secondly, as already mentioned, people are not very outgoing. If you want to make
friends, approach Estonians first and start simply talking. Even if people answer you in
1 sentence
Finally, the most important, relationships between Russians and Estonians are
pretty tense. So, don’t speak with Russians about Estonians and vice versa.
Furthermore, the topic of Soviet Union and Russia overall is a sensitive topic!
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Generally, young people are tolerant. However, please don’t be abused if you are dark-
skinned and people stare at you. Dark-skinned people are simply unusual for Estonians,
yet no enemies
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4. Little lesson of Estonian Language
English Estonian English Estonian Yes Jah Monday Esmaspäev
No Ei Tuesday Teisipäev
Please Palun Wednesday Kolmapäev
Thank you Aitäh Thursday Neljapäev
Hello, hi Tere Friday Reede
Good morning Tere hommikust Saturday Laupäev
Good afternoon Tere päevast Sunday Pühapäev
Good evening Tere õhtust Yesterday Eile
Good night Head ööd Today Täna
Good bye Head aega Tomorrow Homme
Beer Õlu Day Päev
Wine Vein Week Nädal
Lunch Lõuna Month Kuu
Breakfast Hommikusöök Year Aasta
Pub Pubi Men Mees
Hospital Haigla Women Naine
Airport Lennujaam Entrance Sissepääs
Drug store Apteek Exit Väljapääs
Depart. Store Kaubamaja Open Avatud
one 1 üks Closed Suletud
Two 2 kaks First aid Esmaabi
Three 3 kolm Excuse me. Vabandage
Four 4 neli I am a foreigner. Ma olen välismaalane
Five 5 viis I don´t understand. Ma ei saa aru
Six 6 kuus I am looking for… Ma otsin ...
Seven 7 seitse What time is it? Mis kell on?
Eight 8 kaheksa How old are you? Kui vana sa oled?
Nine 9 üheksa Are you married? Kas sa oled abielus?
Ten 10 kümme How much is it? Kui palju see maksab?
One hundred 100 sada Cheers! Terviseks!
One thousand 1000 tuhat I am hungry. Ma olen näljane.
Help! Appi! I love you. Ma armastan sind
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About AIESEC Tartu
AIESEC in Estonia started its work in 1989, but officially was founded in December 1991, after Estonia regained its independence. AIESEC in Tartu is the most active local committee with AIESEC Tallinn in the Baltic States. Currently there are over 80 active members in Tartu. AIESEC Tartu office address: Narva mnt 27-028, Tartu.
Käthe-Riin Tull
VP Human Resources
Villu Uus
VP Incoming eXchange
CAN’T WAIT TO MEET YOU!!!