Estonia: Shiashe Vang

Program: UW Global Gateway in Estonia, Summer

Major: Sociology

What is your most memorable experience from your program?

There isn’t an experience in particular, but what makes my program memorable are my classmates. As a small cohort, we were able to get close and hang out throughout the program. It was always a fun time, and I gained many perspectives from each of them. The same goes for my professor, who in this case, was from Estonia. Because of this, she was knowledgeable about her homeland and educated us in its history.

A student smiles at the camera while wearing a white and pink dress. She is standing in front of a large fire pit in a field. — A picture of myself in front of the traditional bonfire for Midsummer’s Eve.

How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?

They were different in that we only had three weeks to cover the material. For reference, our class revolved around Estonia’s history and how it developed into an eco-digital society. I’m sure that if this program occurred during the Fall or Spring semester, there would be more time to cover things. Because of this, we mainly had 3-5 days minimum of history to digital advancements and such. Despite this, I felt I learned a lot and am able to explain what Estonia is to people who don’t know about it.

As a small cohort, we were able to get close and hang out throughout the program.

How did your identities impact your experience? What advice would you give to students with similar identities who are considering a similar experience?

As an autistic person, I felt that social interaction would be difficult for me, especially in a place I was unfamiliar with. However, understanding that the people in Estonia are equally as reserved as me reassured me I wasn’t doing anything wrong. Because of that, I felt comfortable being myself, and having made sure to communicate with everyone in the program helped, too. By communicating my needs, I was accommodated for and didn’t find myself feeling uncomfortable or shut out for my disability. I hope that people like me can find the courage to do the same.

A group of students hold hands and walk in a circle. They are standing on grass with a parking lot visible off to the side. — My cohort along with CIEE’s high school cohort learning Estonian folk dances.

What is a custom, food or tradition from your host country that you are taking forward?

Estonia has an emphasis on sustainability, and I plan to take those practices seriously. Whether it be reducing water and electrical use or making sure to dispose of my waste properly, my intention is to make a difference for the environment. As climate change affects us, I hope my small actions mean something.