Learn Estonian: 10 Teachers and Content Creators Who Make it Easy
- Farera Helery
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
Do you know what one of the biggest challenges of living abroad is?
This year, I asked 76 expats across 19 countries the same question and they all said the same thing - LEARNING THE LANGUAGE.
Language affects your career opportunities, confidence, friendships and is often one of the main reasons why many foreigners feel left out or lonely.
One thing I’ve learned from living abroad is how differently locals open up when you speak their language. Sometimes they’re surprised — because they didn’t expect you to understand anything 😉. But most often, there’s that small nod of respect, a sparkle in their eyes, when you crack a joke or use an expression that shows you’re more than just a tourist.
Now, you might think - "Estonian? Hah, that's impossible to learn!" But hold your horses 🐴, because these 10 Estonian teachers and content creators can make learning Estonian not only possible, but fun, practical and motivating.
Let's go!
Everything Estonian
Do you know what Estonians mean when they say "Mul on savi" (I have clay) or "Siililegi selge" (Clear, even to a hedgehog")?
These expressions may sound wonderfully strange when translated word by word into English, but make perfect sense in Estonian. If you're curious about the stories behind them, @everything_estonian is the perfect place to start.
Who is it for?
With 10 years in tourism, language enthusiast Kaire has spent years observing the small details that make Estonia unique. She now shares these insights through short, engaging posts - ideal for ✓beginners, ✓confident learners, and ✓even native speakers who enjoy rediscovering their own language.
How it all started
While learning Spanish, Kaire enjoyed short-form teaching accounts and wished something similar existed for Estonian. When she couldn’t find it, she created it herself. Three years later, her page has grown into a friendly community that loves these “small language moments.”
⭐️Best tip for Estonian learners:
Let Estonian slip into the parts of your day when you’re not studying — that’s when it sticks most naturally.
"Thank you, it means a lot that you’re learning Estonian!" says Kaire.
Flip_estonian
Tiina, the creator behind @flip_estonian, is on a mission to prove that Estonian isn’t as impossible as people think. She teaches through humour and practical real-life examples, showing learners how Estonians actually speak, not just what textbooks say.
Who is it for
Her videos are perfect for beginners and intermediate learners - from foreigners living in Estonia to people worldwide 🌍 who share a passion for Estonian language.
Group Courses (0–B1)
Tiina runs group courses from level 0 to B1, using the flipped-learning method she researched during her master’s studies.
Courses last 4 months
2 lessons per week, each 1.5 hours
Class time is dedicated to speaking, pair work and creating dialogues
Her goal is simple: students should be able to use what they learn in real life.
"The course is very practical, which is awesome. We learn phrases in the morning, and I use them in the evening... I feel like I became a kind of Estonian language learning ambassador — maybe it's because you made it feel not so difficult."
How it all started
Surprisingly, Tiina never saw herself as creative. "At school, creativity meant drawing , and I was terrible at that!" Her first Instagram video was just a simple intro with no plan. Then she posted a reel comparing A1 vs B2 Estonian vocabulary… and it hit over 🔥100,000 views. That’s when she realised there was a real need for simple, relatable Estonian-learning content.
⭐️Best tip for Estonian learners:
Don’t wait for the “perfect moment” to start speaking. It doesn’t exist. Start with what you know right now.
"Think of Estonian like swimming. You can watch videos, read about techniques and analyse movement forever, but at some point you need to jump into the water", says Tiina.
Carolina Maasing
Carolina is a bilingual private Estonian teacher who creates content for Russian-speaking people living in Estonia. Surprisingly, she also attracts Estonians who follow her to learn Russian the other way around.
Who is it for
If you want to know how Estonians really speak — slang, idioms, everyday expressions, and common mistakes learners make, then @carolina.maasing is a must-follow. Her videos cover what textbooks rarely teach but locals use constantly, explained through Estonian–Russian parallels.
Private Lessons (C1+)
Carolina mainly teaches advanced learners, who want to polish their fluency and feel comfortable in every situation. Demand is high, and the waiting list is long, but her students say it’s worth it. One learner who had lived most of their life in Estonia told her:
“For the first time, I feel like Estonia is opening up to me. I realised I actually knew nothing about Estonia.”
Carolina says feedback like this is her ultimate goal, especially in a country fractured by language.
How it all started
Her content creation journey began accidentally. She posted 3–4 videos “just for fun,” and her channel instantly exploded🚀. Carolina then realized she had found her niche in the Estonian teaching landscape — even if it first brought some criticism.
⭐️Best tip for Estonian learners:
Stop downplaying your level. Carolina sees many learners who've worked incredibly hard, yet still underestimate themselves. Positive beliefs about your ability genuinely help you learn better - your brain believes what you tell it.
“Please praise yourself more. You’ve earned it,” says Carolina.
Estonian with Grete
If you feel like "The Hedgehog in the Fog 🦔", while navigating the mysterious language called Estonian, Grete is the guide you'll want. She creates slow Estonian videos, grammar explanations, vocabulary insights, and fun language curiosities — a perfect mix of educational and entertaining content.
Who is it for
Grete’s videos are mainly for intermediate learners, but she also keeps beginners in mind. Even Estonians enjoy her word-play videos, reminding them of the absurdity and hidden beauty of their own language.
Private Lessons (A0 to B1+)
Most of her students start from zero or early A1, but she also teaches A2–B1 learners and offers conversation practice for higher levels. Her tailored lessons focus on speaking from day one and include support with exam prep, essays and speeches. Classes last 25-45 minutes.
"I am very happy to have classes with Grete. She is very helpful and patient and the classes pass pleasantly. I am surprised that after a few lessons I can have a short conversation at the beginning of class.”
How it all started
Grete never imagined putting her face online — until a small idea sparked curiosity. With her sister’s encouragement (and help behind the camera), she posted her first simple videos - awkward at first, but improving with practice. What keeps her going is her love ❤️ for the Estonian language, and the creative process of video editing.
⭐️Best tip for Estonian learners
Grete believes the learners who succeed are those who stay curious and open.
Language learning is as much about mindset as vocabulary - you’re not just learning words, but how another culture views the world.
"Draw connections, notice similarities, accept and laugh at its strangeness, ask curious questions," recommends Grete.
Saan Targaks
If you’re learning Estonian through Russian, then Anastasia — the creator behind @saantargaks is someone you should know.
Who is it for?
Her content suits all levels, from beginners to more advanced learners — mixing simple explanations with more complex grammar tips and fun facts.
Group courses (A1-B1)
Through her language school Saan Targaks, Anastasia teaches A1-B1 groups with a strong focus on speaking and listening. She also prepares learners for the national Estonian proficiency exam.
How it all started
Anastasia began creating content over 6 years ago. For her, the biggest motivation is the positive feedback and knowing that her work genuinely helps people learn Estonian.
⭐️Best tip for Estonian learners
Don’t be afraid of mistakes! Use Estonian everywhere you can.
Liis Hertta Viks
With over 10 years of experience, Liis Hertta makes Estonian learning simple, supportive and communication-focused. Her online lessons use real‑life situations, visuals, and dialogues to help learners absorb Estonian naturally.
She aims to create a relaxed yet goal‑oriented space where students gain the courage to speak from day one.
Private lessons (all levels) + FREE Trial Class
Her classes are designed for adults and youngsters (A1-C2) who want to:
Start from zero
Improve everyday communication
Learn Estonian for work
Feel confident in an Estonian-speaking environment.
“I was extremely lucky to have my private lessons of Estonian language with Liis. She is a professional in teaching and I would highly recommend her. Most of all, I liked her attitude and ability to clearly explain difficult topics.”
She offers a FREE trial class. Find out more on her website.
⭐️Best tip for Estonian learners
Be patient with yourself and trust the process — small steps every day lead to big results.
"It’s often worth going back to what you learned earlier, reviewing and practising it again. Only then does the language really stick and start to feel natural," says Liis Hertta.
Steivi Palmet
Steivi's teaching philosophy is simple💚: The best way to learn a language is to use it — consistently, bravely, and in real-life situations.
Every lesson gives learners something they can use immediately — whether a new phrase, grammar pattern, or short daily dialogue.
Private lessons (A1-B2) + FREE Trial Class
Her classes are for adult learners and companies training employees.
A1 beginners: simple expressions, basic grammar, everyday topics.
A2–B1 learners: expanding vocabulary and communication skills.
Exam takers (A2 & B1): focused preparation for the national Estonian exam (listening, reading, writing, speaking).
"Learning Estonian with Steivi has been an absolute pleasure! Her lessons are engaging, dynamic, and so well-structured that time truly flies...I’ve gained much more confidence in using the Estonian language and feel prepared for my exam."
Steivi also offers FREE Trial class - more info on her website.
⭐️Best tip for Estonian learners
Don’t wait until you feel “ready” to speak — start speaking right away, even with very simple words.
"Estonian becomes much clearer when you actually use it, even in short sentences like: Mina olen…, Mul on…, Ma tahan…, Ma lähen…" recommends Steivi.
Regiina Allik
Regiina has been teaching Estonian for over 3 years. Her teaching style is highly practical. From the very first lesson, you’re encouraged to speak, build sentences, and use the language actively.
Group Courses (A1-B2)
Courses run from A1 - B2, each lasting about three months and completing a full level. Her main focus is on expanding vocabulary and repeating useful phrases and sentence structures, so grammar becomes clear almost effortlessly.
One student summed it up perfectly:
“Estonian is a difficult language, but you made it easier.”
Contact her via email: regiina.allik0@gmail.com
⭐️Best tip for Estonian learners:
Don’t take learning too seriously and try to learn at least one new word or phrase every day.
Ebeli Pirso
Ebeli brings over 30 years of experience as Estonian teacher and says that her classes are fun, practical and effective.
Who she teaches
All levels A1-C2. For more information check the website: www.koolituskorraldus.ee
⭐️Best tip for Estonian learners
Use the language at every opportunity — “feed” your brain with it. The brain learns a lot subconsciously.
Qiao Qiao Li
Last but definitely not least, meet Qiao Qiao Li, a Chinese master's student in Estonia who has already appeared on Estonian national TV 📺! And guess what? She's writing her thesis on Estonian grammar!
Who is it for?
Qiao Qiao creates fun videos on TikTok and Instagram about learning Estonian and experiencing Estonian culture — offering a unique perspective through the eyes of a foreigner.
How it all started
Like other content creators, also Qiao Qiao recorded just one video and the rest is history. For her, making videos is a way to practice Estonian and a chance to enjoy communication.
⭐️Best tip for Estonian learners
The best way to improve Estonian is speak and speak and then you will start to “feel right".
Well, that’s a wrap! Big thank you for reading ❤️
Feel free to share your Estonian learning experiences in the comments! And if you ever need support finding a job in a new country, just drop me a message.