What is Teacher Job Shadowing?
Experience Estonian Education through Job Shadowing
VisitEDUestonia offers you and your staff a unique chance to learn from the world-renowned Estonian education system by job shadowing Estonian teachers. During your visit, you’ll immerse yourself in the daily life of Estonian schools and observe firsthand how local teachers implement effective educational practices in their classrooms. Before you leave, you’ll participate in a wrap-up session with an Estonian education expert to share your experiences and insights.
Why Choose Our Teacher Job Shadowing?
Choosing VisitEDUestonia for your teacher job shadowing experience offers unparalleled access to the innovative and highly successful Estonian education system. You will gain practical insights by observing experienced teachers in action, fostering new teaching methods that you can bring back to your own classrooms. Additionally, our wrap-up sessions with local education experts ensure that you leave with a deeper understanding and actionable strategies. With our support in planning a sustainable visit, you can focus on what matters most: learning and professional growth. Join us to elevate your educational practices and inspire your teaching journey!
We recommend a group of at least two people from the same school, as shared experiences can greatly enhance the implementation of new practices when you return home. Please note that while we strive to accommodate groups, we cannot guarantee that groups of three or more can visit the same school.
You and your colleagues can job shadow in various types of schools, excluding universities. Options include:
- Kindergartens (ages 1-5)
- Pre-primary (age 6)
- Primary (ages 7-12)
- Lower secondary (ages 13-15)
- High schools (ages 16-18)
- Vocational schools (ages 16-18)
Click here for more information on each educational age group.
You can select your preferred type of school during the online registration process. Most schools are located in the Tallinn metropolitan area, but we can assist you in planning your visit to other regions if you prefer.
Important Information
- Group Size: The maximum number of participants for Teacher Job Shadowing is 10. For larger groups, please contact us at info@visiteduestonia.com for a personalized quote.
- Sustainable Travel: We are committed to helping you plan your journey sustainably.
Get inspired by experiencing world-class education in Estonia! Register now and take the first step towards an enriching professional development experience.
Experience the full immersion what it is like to work as a teacher
- Introduction to the Estonian education system (1h)
- Three job shadowing days in Estonian schools
- Transportation on the first visit day from your hotel to the school, other jobs shadowing days are self-guided
- Wrap-up session with an expert from VisitEDUestonia
- Assistance for visitors when needed (timetables, transportation, cultural program, etc.)
| What is the difference? | Erasmus+ Job Shadowing | Teacher Job Shadowing | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assistance with logistics, transportation, and cultural programs | ||||||||
| For participants without an Erasmus+ grant | ||||||||
| Tailored for Erasmus+ funding with structured timelines to fit within Erasmus+ project requirements | ||||||||
| Basic fee includes 5 Job Shadowing days | ||||||||
| Briefing session and escorting to school on the first day | ||||||||
| A wrap up -meeting with our educational expert | ||||||||
| Basic fee includes 3 Job Shadowing days | ||||||||
What our clients say
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Teacher Job Shadowing?
Teacher Job Shadowing is a unique professional development opportunity where educators can observe and learn from Estonian teachers in their classrooms. This program allows you to see firsthand how the renowned Estonian education system is applied in practice, providing valuable insights and inspiration for your teaching career.
What is included in the VisitEDUestonia Teacher Job Shadowing program?
The VisitEDUestonia program includes:
- Introductory meeting with our host
- Our host will take you to the school on day one
- Observing everyday life in Estonian schools.
- Seeing how local teachers apply Estonian educational practices.
- Meeting with an Estonian education expert for a wrap-up session to share experiences.
- Recommendations for groups of at least two people from one school for shared reflection and effective implementation.
Who can participate in the Teacher Job Shadowing program?
Any education professional can participate in our Teacher Job Shadowing program! The program is also suitable for teacher students.
While we recommend groups of at least two people for a more enriching experience, we cannot guarantee that groups of three or more will be placed in the same school. This is to ensure a quality and focused learning experience for all participants.
You can register a maximum of 10 participants for the Teacher Job Shadowing. If you wish to have more than 10 participants, please contact info@visiteduestonia.com.
How long does the job shadowing last?
The duration of the job shadowing experience can be customized to fit your needs and schedule. Please specify your preferred duration during the registration process, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
The basic fee includes 3 Job Shadowing days, but for an extra fee of 100€/day per participant you can add Job Shadowing days to your experience
What is included in the program cost?
The program cost includes the arrangement of suitable teachers and schools for shadowing, assistance with logistics (e.g., timetables, finding transportation) and certificate of attendance if needed. Additional costs may apply for extended stays or extra services.
The program also includes an introduction meeting and a wrap-up meeting with our expert! Our host will also take you to the school on day one.
How do I register for the program?
Participants must complete an online registration form. Early registration is recommended (at least two months in advance) to ensure sufficient time for arrangements. Last-minute registrations incur an additional fee.
You can find the link to the registration on this page, just click the “Register”-button. If you have trouble registering, please contact info@visiteduestonia.com.
Can I choose which school level I shadow?
Yes, participants can specify their preferences for the type of school (kindergarten, primary, secondary, vocational). Efforts are made to match participants with schools that align with their backgrounds and interests.
- Kindergartens (ages 1-5)
- Pre-primary schools (age 6)
- Primary schools (ages 7-12)
- Lower secondary schools (ages 13-15)
- High schools or vocational schools (ages 16-18)
However, job shadowing is not available in universities. You can specify your preferred school type during the online registration process.
What are the benefits of participating in Teacher Job Shadowing?
Participants benefit from observing different teaching practices, enhancing their professional skills, networking with international colleagues, and gaining a deeper understanding of diverse educational environments.
Where are the schools located?
The schools are primarily located in the Tallinn metropolitan area. If you prefer a different location, we will do our best to accommodate your request and help you plan your journey in a sustainable way.
How does the wrap-up session work?
At the end of your visit, you will meet with an Estonian education expert to share your experiences and reflect on what you have learned. This session helps consolidate your learning and provides an opportunity for professional dialogue and feedback.
What should I do if I need to cancel my participation?
Cancellations must be made via email. If you are unable to attend, a substitute from the same organization can be arranged. In case of cancellation due to force majeure (e.g., COVID-19), the visit will be postponed until it is feasible.
At VisitEDUestonia, we understand the importance of choosing dates that work best for you. Therefore, our Teacher Job Shadowing is available during the most suitable times of the academic year. The dates from September 15th – December 15th and January 15th – May 15th.
Please note the following periods in 2024 when job shadowing is unavailable:
- Autumn holiday : October 21– 25
For high schools, job shadowing is not available during these times:
- Spring: January 29 – February 6; March 12 – April 5
- Autumn: September 9 – 30; November 18 – 27
Standard Program Overview
Our standard Teacher Job Shadowing program includes three days at the same kindergarten or school. Additional days or visits to more than one educational unit can be arranged for an extra fee.
Day 0:
- Briefing session and introduction (approx. 1.5 hours)
Day 1:
- School visit (approx. 5 hours) with a host taking you to the school/kindergarten
Day 2:
- Self-guided school visit (approx. 5 hours)
Day 3:
- Self-guided school visit (approx. 5 hours) with a wrap-up session (approx. 1.5 hours)
- Optional: Visit a different school
Timetable
School days typically start at 8 or 9 am and end by 3 pm. The job shadowing schedule will depend on the teachers you are shadowing. Note that primary school days are usually short, about 4-6 hours per day. If you require more working hours, we offer online courses to complement your schedule.
Networking Opportunities
Estonian teachers are eager to share their insights with you. While their schedules can be busy, there will be opportunities for Q&A and informal discussions throughout the week. To ensure you get dedicated time with an education expert, our program includes two separate meetings for in-depth discussions.
Group Size and Special Requests
You can join the program individually or with colleagues. For groups larger than five, participants will be split into different schools. We strive to match you with a school that aligns with your background and preferences (age group, subjects, special education, language immersion, etc.). Early registration increases the likelihood of finding the perfect match for your needs.
Register now to secure your spot and take the first step towards an enriching professional development experience in Estonia.
All registrations for our Teacher Job Shadowing program must be completed using the online registration form. We accept payments via credit card and bank transfer. Upon receiving your payment, we will select and book the schools for your shadowing experience.
To ensure a well-planned and rewarding experience for both visitors and host schools, we request that you register at least two months before your visit. For registrations made less than 60 days prior to arrival, an additional fee of 100€ per participant will be charged.
If you have any issues or questions about the registration process, please contact us at info@visiteduestonia.com.
Pricing
Read more about grants and other financial support options.
All prices are exclusive of VAT (25,5%). For VAT exemption, please register as a representative/employee of a company or organization and attach a tax certificate, trade register extract, or a similar document from your country during the registration process.
- One participant: 990€
- Two participants: 1290€
- Three participants: 1590€
- Each additional participant (up to 10 participants): 200€
- For groups larger than 10: Contact us at info@visiteduestonia.com for a personalized quote.
Additional options:
- Visit a different school during your stay: 100€ per participant
- Additional shadowing days (after the initial three days): 50€ per participant per day
- Guided cultural program: Contact us at info@visiteduestonia.com for details
Prices include:
- Introduction to the Estonian education system (1 hour)
- Three job shadowing days in Estonian schools
- Transportation on the first visit day from your hotel to the school (subsequent days are self-guided)
- Wrap-up session with an expert from VisitEDUestonia
- Assistance for visitors with timetables, transportation, cultural programs, etc.
Payment Options
Please select your payment method on the online registration form. The available options are:
- Online credit card payment: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
- Bank transfer: A PDF invoice with the necessary information will be sent to you with the confirmation email. Please note that the client is responsible for all bank transaction fees.
All payments must be made in advance and in euros (€).
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation by Participant:
All cancellations must be submitted via email to info@visiteduestonia.com. If you cannot attend, you may substitute someone else from the same organization by notifying us. Payments made to date will be retained as a cancellation fee.
Cancellation by VisitEDUestonia:
In case the shadowing is cancelled due to COVID-19 or similar force majeure situations, we will postpone the visit until it is possible again. VisitEDUestonia is not responsible for any damages caused by the cancellation and strongly recommends purchasing flexible flight tickets and accommodation..
Invitation Letters
Invitation letters will only be issued after full payment is received. If a participant is unable to obtain a visa and provides evidence of the rejected application, VisitEDUestonia will refund the paid amount, minus a 100€ administrative fee.
No matter your budget or taste, Tallinn has the perfect accommodation for you.
The best districts to stay in Tallinn are:
- Toompea (Old Town)
- All-Linn (Old Town)
- Kalamaja
- Kadriorg
Explore and choose your accommodation on this page.
How to Get from Tallinn Airport to the City Centre
Buses 20 and 20A provide convenient transport from Tallinn Airport to the city centre. You can purchase tickets for €2 with a contactless payment card on board or at the ticket machines located at Terminals A and D.
Estonia’s Unique Fifth Season
In addition to the traditional four seasons, some regions in Estonia experience a fifth season— the natural flood—starting in late March or early April. Water levels can rise up to five meters, offering unique opportunities for canoeing.
Weather in Tallinn
Summers in Tallinn are moderately warm, with average temperatures in July ranging from 16 to 17°C. Winters are moderately cold, with February temperatures averaging between -2.5 and -7°C. For the latest weather updates, please visit the Estonian Environment Agency’s website.
Language
The official language in Estonia is Estonian, but most people also speak basic English, especially those involved in education, who are often fluent in English.
Currency
The currency in Estonia is the Euro. Cash machines (ATMs) are available around the clock and accept all major credit cards. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in most places, including hotels, restaurants, shops, taxis, cafés, and bars.
Voltage
The electric current in Estonia is 230V, 50Hz, with two-pin continental-sized plugs.
Time
Estonia operates on Eastern European Time (GMT/UTC+2) and observes Daylight Saving Time, shifting to GMT/UTC+3 during the summer months.
Wild Orchids
Estonia boasts 38 species of blooming orchids, with the peak season in June. Saaremaa is the richest area for orchids, home to 36 species, including the unique Saaremaa dactylorhiza.
Love for Culture
Estonia is a leading country in Europe for cultural consumption. Our 1.3 million residents make approximately 3.4 million museum visits, 3.5 million cinema visits, 2 million concert visits, and 1.2 million theatre visits annually.