Introduction

In the leadup to my year abroad, like many, I was hesitant and anxious to begin this new experience. Despite moving from my hometown in France to the UK to attend university, embarking on my year abroad felt different – less predictable. Of course I was excited,  but I think that a healthy dose of insight would have greatly benefited me as I was both preparing for and living out my third year. With this unique opportunity to live somewhere different for an extended period of time, gain life skills, and work on your subject, I would encourage everyone to grasp it, in spite of and face-to-face with the difficulties you may encounter. To help you navigate the preparation and process of your year abroad, I’ve compiled my experiences and tips below to share with you! I aim to be honest and optimistic, hoping to both motivate and manage expectations.

Picking your destination(s)

Some of you may get the option to pick multiple destinations for your year abroad. While I was studying Russian for the entirety of my third year, I visited two countries. I would confidently say that two locations is the ideal structure for your year out. I found it helpful to be closer to home, in Estonia, for my first semester. This allowed me to visit the UK more frequently and affordably while I adjusted to my new and sometimes overwhelming situation. Furthermore, this allowed me to visit nearby countries like Finland and Latvia in my reading week without having to compromise on also visiting my family and friends, which I was then able to do for a long weekend at a different point in time thanks to my proximity to the UK.

Riga, Latvia

Helsinki, Finland

I found that after having completed my semester in Estonia, I was logistically and emotionally much more prepared to spend a larger stretch of time further away in Kazakhstan, where I would not be able to take longer and more expensive flights as frequently.

Additionally, picking two destinations will ensure that you get a wide range of experiences. While of course you can prosper at a single destination for the whole year, ideal for those seeking consistency, splitting your year abroad into two locations can offer a wider range of opportunities. My experiences in Kazakhstan and Estonia were both positive, but very different, and I am glad that I got to explore these different sides of Russian speaking climates, meet more students, and live in different cities. I also heard many positive things from students who have spent each of their semesters studying different languages. A friend that I made in Kazakhstan studied Spanish in Colombia during the first half of her year abroad, and she had a brilliant time in both locations, not at all regretting splitting up her year. This could also be a good way to both work and study in your year out.

In my opinion, while choosing three countries may be possible for some, this would shorten the length of time which you get to spend in each place, and increase the volume of paperwork and bookings which you would have to complete, making for a more rushed year abroad. But of course, this can still be a very ideal option for students studying three languages, or whose particular goals are travel and adventure.

It is important to take into account your personality. For example, whether strains on your mental health could be mitigated by staying closer to home. But, you must also recognise the unique nature of this opportunity and your ability to strengthen resilience and overcome challenges during your time abroad. As someone with severe food allergies and intense home sickness, I was worried about my mental health while abroad. To be frank, some of my time in Estonia was spent often worrying and feeling isolated, I almost cut my time short there due to my concerns. However, I spoke with my year abroad coordinator and parents, and am very proud to say that I stuck it out until the end of my first semester. Despite the struggles that I faced, I have become a stronger and more resilient person thanks to this, and believe that my time in Estonia was essential for personal growth and to prepare me for my time in Kazakhstan. I also greatly improved my Russian skills in my final weeks there and bonded immensely with my teacher and classmates. I found myself missing Tallinn over the winter holidays, and could not be more pleased with my decision to stay. On the back of my doubts during this period, I considered not going to Kazakhstan. With hindsight I would have deeply regretted this decision. I have spent such fruitful and valuable time in Astana which I would have missed out on had I not pushed myself. Travelling to a place which was so unfamiliar to me has also reshaped my unconscious stereotypes about countries that I had never been to, like Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia, places which I am now very fond of. In summary, you should consider going somewhere that you expect to enjoy, while also taking the initiative to push yourself and discover new things.

Visa, Packing, and Accommodation

Visa

Once you have selected your destinations, you will want to begin your visa application. It is imperative that you gather all necessary documents and have time to both submit and receive your Visa before you leave for your year abroad. While in some destinations it is possible to complete your visa application when you have already entered the country, this is by far a more stressful path to take. While some of my classmates in Tallinn were able to complete their application after their arrival in Estonia, they had to take long bus journeys in an unfamiliar place.  Meanwhile, my friend studying in Latvia had her visa rejected as she submitted documents after her arrival, and she had to cut her time there short due to these complications. Ensure that you contact the necessary people to receive a list of documents which you need to fill out and gather, and submit them well in advance. That said, while my Estonian visa was very thorough, acquiring my Kazakh visa was much more simple, processing for less time and requiring less paperwork, so this is very much a case by case basis.

Packing

When packing you will also want to ensure that you bring your essentials, dress for the weather, and avoid too many extra items that you will not often use, or that you can purchase upon your arrival. You will also want to leave space in your luggage to take home any new things that you buy. Nonetheless, I advise you to bring comforting things with you like posters, photos, jewellery and perhaps a plushie to help you feel at home once you get to your new destination. While I brought lots of makeup and my goose plushie with me, I really did not need to bring all of the trousers and art supplies that I own with me to Tallinn.

Accommodation

Lastly, you will want to carefully consider your housing. I highly recommend living with classmates from your university. This made my experience feel much less daunting, and I have become very close with the two classmates who I lived with in Tallinn and Astana. We shared many experiences together and I found it very helpful having company at home when I felt lonely or needed some support. It will also encourage you to do things together, get out the house and explore your surroundings. I also recommend finding a home which will be pleasant to live in and that you will enjoy coming back to. I used Airbnb for both Tallinn and Astana with great success.

As I did not live with a host family, my knowledge on living with a host is quite limited, and my friends’ experiences were also quite diverse, ranging from exceptional to not quite enjoyable. My recommendation would be to carefully conduct research. Read the host families’ reviews, look at photos, and get in contact with a student who has previously lived with a host that you may be considering for an honest appraisal.

Another option includes a self-service hotel stay, a very comfortable alternative that can alleviate some stresses like cleaning and security. While this may be more costly, a hotel room with a kitchenette and bathroom is sufficient for your time abroad.

Tallinn, Estonia

Travel and E-Sim

I enjoyed my time in Tallinn, a picturesque city with a gorgeous old town, large shopping malls, and bars scattered throughout. Although it may be a tenth of the size of London, I never ran out of new cafes to explore or peaceful study areas to try. The trams and buses were reasonably priced, on time and clean – a great way to get around. You can pay for these without a bus card by using the card readers exclusively at the very front of public transport vehicles. A bus card, called Ühiskaart, which you can buy at R-Kiosk shops dotted around the city and inside malls can also be purchased to pay for trams and buses, and topped up in the Pilet.ee app. It was also easy and affordable to travel cheaply to local cities like Narva, or abroad, for example taking the ferry to Helsinki and a bus to Riga or Vilnius. They also had electric scooters rentable by the minute and reliable taxis on the app Bolt to get around more quickly. I would also recommend buying a Global E-Sim (but make sure to check if your phone is compatible first) so that you can roam in Estonia and surrounding countries for a fixed price.

Weather

The city offers a wide range of bars and traditional pubs to go to, as well as museums, cathedrals, a small local market and Christmas stands in the winter time. I was in Tallinn from August to December, and found the city extremely walkable with food shops and gyms all in close proximity to the old town, where I was living, and also in the city. While the weather was often sunny and extremely pleasant in August and September, the colder months also had few daylight hours and cold temperatures which required some preparation. A thick coat and winter boots suitable for the wet and ice are highly recommended, especially if you will be there in earlier months during heavy snowfall.

Challenges: Convenience and Postal Services

While the city was clean and efficient, I found it difficult to buy things like skincare, makeup and clothes for a cheap price. There was no equivalent to Boots or Primark, where self-care products can be found at better prices, and Amazon orders had to be made from Germany, making the shipping very costly. Although the Wolt app allows for easy takeaway food, there was an overall lack of convenience in Tallinn, a privilege which I had become accustomed to in the UK. So, I found it easiest to bring refills for my skincare and makeup from England to Tallinn to avoid buying expensive products as replacements. While my mum did sweetly send me a package of treats and skincare from home, the process of collecting mail from abroad was extremely tedious, having to apply to the Estonian Tax and Customs Board with an R3 form to obtain a registration code for a non-resident natural person in Estonia. I then had to pay for shipping, visit a different office to declare my parcels, and go to different drop off points in the city to obtain multiple packages and so on.  Also, it was difficult to find very specific items like mattress toppers, limescale remover, and buckets – items which I sought out in my time there but could not easily find in the city. It was also difficult to travel to local nature and surrounding small towns without a car, so these activities were often only accessible to homestay students.

Speaking Russian in Tallinn

When I first arrived I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to practice my Russian outside of class. While in Tallinn, I noticed that many people speak Russian out and about on the street and that some Estonians also speak Russian and can help you. Even so, it is important to keep in mind the fact that Russia and Estonia have a tenuous political relationship, and in some social spaces like bars and restaurants, it is better to use English in order to be respectful. It is usually quite easy to know if the staff at a business are Russian speaking. Listening to how other customers speak to the staff and how employees talk amongst themselves are usually good indications of whether you can practice your Russian, or if you should use English instead. When in doubt, I would recommend speaking English, and using ‘Tere’ and ‘Aitäh’ (‘Hello’ and ‘Thank you’ in Estonian) to be polite, and which is often appreciated.

Recommendations

Nevertheless, the city remains beautiful all year round, and when warm weather and walks in the park become less prevalent, they are replaced by ice rinks and festive lights. Below were some of my favourite spots in Tallinn which I hope you will also get the opportunity to enjoy.

Kadriorg Park and Palace: Kadriorg Park, which you can get to from the centre via tram, is a beautiful spot containing both a lake and Japanese garden, also hosting various celebrations on its grounds throughout the year. It is also home to Kadriorg Palace, in which is found the Kadriorg Art Museum and a cafe. I definitely recommend visiting all these spots, the gardens of Kadriorg Palace and the artwork within it being some of the most beautiful I have seen. There are also cafes scattered around the park, a favourite of mine being Kooker Kadriorg selling blini and other treats.

St. Olaf’s Cathedral: A gorgeous monument offering an incredible view of the city from its highest point on a sunny day, and selling lovely postcards.

Baltijaama Turg: A large covered market selling all sorts of fresh food and trinkets.

Russian Cultural Centre: The last soviet symbol left inside the city, above the stage of the theatre inside. Next to it is Cafe Troika serving authentic Russian food.

The KGB Prison Cells: An exhibition offering moving insight into the lives of prisoners held inside this building turned jail while it was used by the KGB for almost 50 years.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral: An impressive building with a stunning interior, being the city’s largest cupola church.

Reval Cafe: A high quality chain of cafes dotted around the city with a cozy atmosphere and delicious food and coffee.

Elamus Spa: A reasonably priced and relaxing experience with swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms and a bar serving snacks and drinks in the child free zone.

Tallinn Raekoda (Town Hall): All of Tallinn’s old town is worth exploring, but this relaxing spot is surrounded by shops, bars like Hell Hunt, Sigmund Freud, and Beer House, restaurants, and hosting the Christmas market in Winter.

Rotermann: A downtown area close to the city centre with modern clothes shops, cafes and architecture to explore. Found there is some of the best food in Tallinn like sandwich shop Sanga, Georgian food at Gobi, and the Michelin recommended R14. You can also find the confectionary shop Kalev in Rotermann, run by the country’s largest sweets producer.

Astana, Kazakhstan

Travel, E-Sim and Device Verification

Astana is a large city with lots to offer. Huge malls selling everything you may need are all around the city, and impressive monuments like the Nur-Astana Mosque and The National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan are must-see destinations. I would also advise using the Turkish Airlines student discount for cheaper flights from the UK with more baggage. If you also want to get a bus pass or sign up to any other local subscription services like a gym or gaming cafe, you will need to open a Kaspi account which you can do by first visiting a Public Service Centre (PSC/ЦОН) with your passport to get an Individual Identification Number (IIN), and then going to a Kaspi bank. My school provided me with both a bus pass and gym membership, so I did not open a Kaspi account and got on just fine using my online bank with low conversion fees (Wise). Other apps I recommend are 2GIS and Yandex Maps, which are a better alternative to google maps in Kazakhstan, and YandexGo for taxis and takeaways. You may need to change the location of your account in your play store to Kazakhstan to download these.

In terms of sim cards, an E-Sim is well suited to travel to Kazakhstan, as with a Global E-Sim you can also easily travel to surrounding countries. Local Sim providers like Activ are also an easy and cheaper alternative, easy to manage in the app with 10GB of 5G for under £7.00 a month (4590 KZT)!

When you arrive in Kazakhstan, you will then have 23 days to verify your device before you risk your IP address being blocked from any sort of roaming no matter what sim you use. You will need your Kazakh phone number, IIN and passport to do this and it requires multiple trips to the ЦОН. It is a 50/50 chance that your phone is blocked, it is recommended to turn off your Kazakh phone number when you leave Kazakhstan to avoid the likelihood of your phone being blocked rising. If your phone does get blocked, you can buy a portable router to bring with you everywhere, which only one student in my year had to resort to. You can also purchase a secondary phone in Kazakhstan for around £60 as they are default verified, but do ensure that the phone is indeed verified when you buy it.

Challenges and Weather

While this city was much more vast than Tallinn, it is a very low density area which makes it difficult to walk to everyday places like shopping centres and cafes, especially in below freezing temperatures and icy conditions. Due to how cold the city gets in the winter, heating is usually on full blast in shopping centres and indoor areas, making it difficult to balance wrapping up warm for time spent outside, and being able to take off layers inside to avoid overheating. However, most malls, museums, and even my university have free cloakrooms available to the public for putting down large coats and bags before walking around the building, and it is sometimes even mandatory to use them. While I was able to get away with wearing everyday shoes and coats in Tallinn, snow boots and a substantial coat are non-negotiable for Astana in the winter. While the climate is dry making cold temperatures more bearable, keeping your feet dry and being less prone to slipping on icy pavements is very important. When the area becomes very windy, the cold also becomes much more intense, so whether you bring a heavy-duty coat or buy one upon arrival, appropriate clothing is very much necessary.

Speaking Russian in Astana

Unlike Estonia, a majority of people are bilingual in Kazakhstan speaking Kazakh and Russian, and English is less commonly used. This can be overwhelming at first, but is extremely good for Russian practice and quick improvement. That said, it definitely doesn’t hurt to learn some Kazakh greetings, ‘Сәлеметсіз бе’ (‘Selemetsiz bie’) for ‘Hello’, and ‘Рақмет’ (‘Rakmet’) for ‘Thank you’. 

Recommendations

Astana is a large city with lots to offer,  though it can be more challenging to get around on foot. So it is so worth taking advantage of the cheap taxi trips and even cheaper buses to see what the city has to offer.

The National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan: One of my favourite outings of my year abroad. This huge museum showcases the city’s rich and fascinating history, from prehistoric times to modern paintings, the museum’s T-Rex skeleton, collection of historical garments and weapons, and stunning art exhibitions were stunning, telling moving stories from the country’s past and present.

ТРЦ "Керуен", KeruenCity, MegaSilk Way, Green Mall: These are all large shopping centres. Between them you can buy anything that comes to mind, from groceries, plushies, medicine, practical items and clothes, and there are spots to eat and arcades too. It's always a joy to work my way round these amazing, and beautifully decorated malls.

Meow Cat Cafe: A spacious and welcoming cafe where guests are charged by the hour to play with well looked after cats and rabbits in the large, cozy space offering free tea and biscuits, video games, table football and comfortable chairs.

Hazrat Sultan Mosque: An incredible Friday mosque on the right bank of the Yesil river, facing the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation.

Bayterek Tower: This stunning attraction which provides a view of the city skyline was built as a symbol of an independent Kazakhstan.

Khan Shatyr Mall: The largest tent shaped building in the world housing a stunning shopping centre, standing in front of Lover’s Park and facing the Astana Opera. At its entrance is a stunning view of the Bayterek Tower standing under the Park’s arch from afar.

Astana Grand Mosque: The biggest mosque in Central Asia, its main dome being the largest of its kind in the world, which can accommodate over 200,000 people. A tower in the left wing is open to the public from which you can see a view of the city. It contains the largest handmade carpet in the world and one of the largest wooden doors in the world. Its mosaic wall consists of 25 million different colours of glass, a truly breath-taking monument and an unmissable sight. 

Summary

I hope that on your own year abroad you will be able to balance the right amount of practicality and adventure thanks to my guide, keeping in mind important logistics and looking after your wellbeing while you learn and grow. It is important not to place your expectations too highly, for amongst the great memories you will make there will surely be hard times too, as being away from home is far from easy. Even so, I think that your main goal should be to have fun and learn as much as you can during this unique time. I can’t emphasise enough how important it is to both look after yourself and socialise as much as possible on your year abroad, because ultimately it is the people around you rather than the place you chose that will determine what you make of it and the good times to come. Use this time to relax before your final year of your Bachelor’s degree, and keep an open mind to the opportunities presented to you. Enjoy!

Natasha is a Modern Languages Undergraduate at the University of Exeter, studying French, Spanish, and Russian. She spent one semester in Estonia, and a second in Kazakhstan during her year abroad. In her free time she loves to draw, dance, and go for coffee.