The cultural module activities showcasing Estonia’s cultural space aim to make those who speak languages other than Estonian more aware of the country’s cultural space and thereby to promote greater cohesion within Estonian society. Culturally immersive excursions and activities designed to support language practice foster the adaptation in Estonia’s cultural space and within its traditions of newly arrived immigrants and permanent residents of the country whose integration has been limited.
Participants learn new things about Estonia’s culture and customs, including its natural environment, history, art, music, handicrafts, industry, scientific achievements, educational system, folk culture, food and journalism as well as people involved in these fields. Participation in the cultural module helps bring people into contact with others and gives them the chance to speak and discuss cultural phenomena that have influenced Estonia. In addition, participants get the chance to introduce their own cultures and customs to one another.
The cultural module provides an overview of key issues that have had an impact on the country and those who live here and that have left their mark on the world view of people in Estonia. This introduction to Estonian culture and traditions takes place both independently and in groups by studying, reading, looking up and sharing information, attending lectures, taking part in educational programmes, visiting museums and exhibitions and discussing things that take place during get-togethers.
The excursions and get-togethers not only impart knowledge of Estonian culture but also enable participants to practise the language and use the kind of vocabulary they need in everyday life. Cultural module activities support the development of the participants’ Estonian language skills: for example, they talk about the things they experienced on visits to cultural events, read Estonian-language literature and tell others about what they have read.
The cultural module activities include:
- visits to theatres, museums and cinemas;
- excursions and/or outings;
- participation in cultural events;
- visits to national culture associations; and
- discussions and workshops dedicated to intercultural dialogue.
The volume of the cultural module is 20 academic hours per participant (getting to know culture, incl. e.g. lectures, workshops and discussions) + 5 excursions (e.g. museums or other institutions, outings, music and club nights). All of the activities are free of charge for the participants.
