This picture was taken at Jägala Waterfall, the widest natural waterfall in Estonia, during a sunny hike with friends. Located just a short bus ride from Tallinn, the Jägala River flows into the Gulf of Finland. We explored this area near the start of the program, in June, and were lucky to catch perfect weather with clear skies, warm air, and beaming sunshine. There are scenic walking trails surrounding the waterfall, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed hike or a picnic. It was one of our first real introductions to Estonia’s natural beauty and it set the tone for the rest of the program perfectly.
Here is the Japanese Garden on the grounds of Kadriorg Park in Tallinn. After a day of classes, this park quickly became one of my favorite places to walk around, and on sunny days, it’s especially inviting. The Japanese Garden adds a unique charm to Kadriorg Park. The Designed with traditional Japanese principles, where stones and water elements are just as valued as blooming flowers. The layout of the stones each tell a story, some about buildings in Old Town, for example. The quiet paths, peaceful pond, and carefully placed rocks create a calm, meditative atmosphere. This park is a great reminder to slow down and appreciate each moment.
I took this picture during a walk near my house here in Tallinn. As someone from Kentucky, being close to nature has always been important to me. I was pleasantly surprised to see that Tallinn offers so much greenery and outdoor space, even within the city. The area around my home is full of scenic walking trails, green open spaces, and large playgrounds. It’s been a pleasure to have nature so easily accessible, whether for a quick walk after class or a weekend spent outside. There’s something really special about how Tallinn blends natural beauty with everyday city life.
This botanical garden is located in Tartu, Estonia. I really enjoyed my weekend trip to Tartu and thought the city was beautiful, especially this botanical garden. The botanical garden is located in the center of the city, but feels like a serene green space. The bridge and gazebo are a perfect touch and I enjoyed feeling absolute serenity while sitting there for 30 minutes.
This picture shows the beautiful beach areas located in Tallinn, a good reminder that Tallinn has a lot more than just forests to explore. Tallinn's beaches offer a refreshing escape from the busy pace of the city. My friends and I have thoroughly enjoyed beach days after classes to unwind.
My mom grew up in Russia and always talked about the white birch trees in a forest near her apartment. It makes me so happy to see white birch trees everyday, as I feel a little closer to her each day from this. The white birch trees symbolize my mother’s childhood to me and are all over the city, bringing me happiness each day.
Maria Carey
Opportunity Scholarship Recipient
Advanced Russian Language and Area Studies Program (RLASP)
Tallinn University (TLU)
Tallinn, Estonia, Summer 2025