Education and Science, Estonia, Forum

The president, whom African students greeted by singing the Estonian national anthem, said the fact that an increasing number of young people from different countries choose Estonia and Estonian universities as the place to study demonstrates the strength of Estonian education.

"Just like young people from Estonia who go to study elsewhere, the young people who have come to our universities from other countries value the experience offered by the world's opening up," he said.

Pondering what students from other countries could take with them from Estonia back to their own society, Ilves named, as an example, the Estonian e-success story, so-called pilot project of liberal democratic digital society of the 21st century. Ilves said that all countries need smart people and new skills, especially the smaller ones like Estonia.

Ilves encouraged Estonian universities to admit more foreign students than so far, because the more we talk among ourselves and acquire international experience – also as individuals – the more easily mistrust and prejudice will disappear.

The week of African culture will include events such as a seminar, an exhibition, and a match of football between students and members of the Riigikogu and the Tallinn city government. In all 130 students from 13 African countries are studying at Tallinn University of Technology now.

The Association of African Students in Estonia (AASE) was set up last year. Its president is Nkwusi Godswill, doctoral student at Tallinn University of Technology. AASE offers a practical support network for African students, helps them adapt to life and studies in Estonia and seeks to establish a positive image of Africans.