It was an unknown experience for me to jump into participating in this study tour because I knew nothing about the country Estonia. Through this tour, I had a wonderful and meaningful time thinking about my own issues and ideas by learning about Estonian culture. Every day, I realized that the warmth of Estonian people from visiting schools and communicating with people was new for me.
I heard Estonia is the leading country in digital skills before so I set high expectations. We visit the local elementary school on the first day and were surprised that some of the textbooks were in the paper. I wondered about the similarity to Japan when I see a class that incorporates digital elements in classes and keeps students taking notes on paper. And, schools were positive about accepting students from Ukraine but I felt there is a need to improve the giving of different curricula on the tablet because I can't forget the student's somehow unease face from Ukraine.
A math class at Kalamaja Põhikool. Students are participating in a quiz using their tablets.
As I described above, I thought it is wonderful that schools are using digital as a tool. On the other hand, I thought that they are still struggling with the part of the education of accepting refugees (minorities). I realized that the skills of using digital elements in class are developed more than in Japan. Therewith I felt Estonia puts importance on the digital as just a tool and the attitude of working actively toward new issues every day is the same as Japan.
Also, I was nervous about communicating with the people in Estonia but I was happy that I was able to express my feelings to them as the days passed. I heard that most people in Estonia’s first language is not English but regardless of language, I was overwhelmed by their personalities such as the warm kindness and pride in their own cultures which can be seen from their attitude toward nature. When I or they didn’t know the right word to express my feeling, it was a fresh experience to explore the words each other in conversation without using translation.
In this way, every day in this 10 days study tour was a continuity of learning. In addition, there were many discoveries that I have wanted to learn about Estonia such as food, the events on Independence days, and arts in daily life. I got the impression that much artwork everywhere, so if I could visit Estonia again, I would like to pay attention more to art.
I cannot forget this tree covered by snow and ice.