Friday, July 31, 2009
Why Estonia
I am often asked "why did I choose to go to Estonia?" I don't have any Estonian roots. The easy answer is Estonia chose me. There was this great "construction engineering" -specific opportunity on the CIES website. That's my area of experience, education and teaching. Their interest in green construction fits with my interest in teaching green construction. So it is a good fit. At that point I didn't really know much about Estonia. I started to learn about the history and culture of Estonia and I knew it would be a great experience for me and my family. I have heard nothing but good things about Estonia and Tallinn.
What will I do in Estonia?
Professionally / academically:
Teach a green construction course.
Develop curriculum in advanced building technology.
Write a conference paper comparing some aspect of Estonian construction industry to that in the USA.
Take part in other academic work in the department.
I understand there is some flexibility as to what I will do exactly, but this is the general idea.
Personally / socially / family-wise:
Learn about Estonia and the people. See the old town of Tallinn, the parks, other cities in Estonia.
See Eastern Europe.
Visit neighboring countries.
Enjoy the cultural opportunities of opera, symphony, other music, food....
Teach a green construction course.
Develop curriculum in advanced building technology.
Write a conference paper comparing some aspect of Estonian construction industry to that in the USA.
Take part in other academic work in the department.
I understand there is some flexibility as to what I will do exactly, but this is the general idea.
Personally / socially / family-wise:
Learn about Estonia and the people. See the old town of Tallinn, the parks, other cities in Estonia.
See Eastern Europe.
Visit neighboring countries.
Enjoy the cultural opportunities of opera, symphony, other music, food....
Interesting things I have learned about Estonia:
Even though it is cold, dark and damp for much of the winter (like Houghton Michigan, where I spent 6 winters) apartments don't typically have dryers. I guess we'll send towels to the laundry(?)
The seafood is reported to be excellent.
I can't seem to find a craigslist for Estonia. Maybe I should start one. I'm told they don't have anything like Goodwill or Salvation Army either. What will we do for cheap dishes?
The currency is the kroon, pegged to the Euro. right now $1 US is about 11 ro 12 Kr. They hope to go to the Euro soon.
Estonian language is extremely difficult. I have a "teach yourself" CD, and it sounds like nothing else I have ever heard. On the other hand, the people reportedly speak english well, and appreciate any attempts by Americans to speak Estonian. Tere! is hello, and I can say please and thank you, but I don't think I'll be conversing in the native tongue.
The seafood is reported to be excellent.
I can't seem to find a craigslist for Estonia. Maybe I should start one. I'm told they don't have anything like Goodwill or Salvation Army either. What will we do for cheap dishes?
The currency is the kroon, pegged to the Euro. right now $1 US is about 11 ro 12 Kr. They hope to go to the Euro soon.
Estonian language is extremely difficult. I have a "teach yourself" CD, and it sounds like nothing else I have ever heard. On the other hand, the people reportedly speak english well, and appreciate any attempts by Americans to speak Estonian. Tere! is hello, and I can say please and thank you, but I don't think I'll be conversing in the native tongue.
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