Castles and (American) Corners

A couple of my colleagues and I had the opportunity yesterday to visit the northeastern Estonian cities of Sillamäe and Narva.

While we were there, we got to visit Narva castle, and we could see Ivangorod Castle just across the Narva River in Russia.

But of course, seeing cool tourist sites was not the purpose of our trip (just an added bonus!) So in each city, APAO Menaka Nayyar and I visited students and discussed U.S. higher education opportunities. In Sillamäe, we visited Sillamäe High School and in Narva, we stopped by the American Corner at the Narva City Library, which is the first-ever established American Corner in Estonia at 10 years old.  

Also on hand were Eha Teder and Epp Kirss from EducationUSA at Tallinn Technical University, who spoke about the practical side of applying for a U.S. university, including financial aid, exams, etc.  True to their reputation, the students tended not to ask questions from the group, but rather one-on-one after the presentations. They were curious about life in a U.S. college, the different ways to pay for school and what they would need in order to be successful.

I am hopeful that some of them will take the leap and choose to study in the United States!

Post by PAS Intern Kirsten Anderson
Photos by Social Media Assistant, U.S. Embassy Tallinn

Smiles in Sillamäe

They say children are a true gift and I couldn’t agree more after today’s trip to Sillamäe! Embassy staff, interns, and Marines all visited Sillamäe in order to donate food to the “Domashnij Uyut” day center for children. The embassy ran a small food drive and collected baked goods, pasta, and canned goods to donate to the center. We have supported this center since 2007 through programs like Toys for Tots and our friendship today is stronger than ever.


“Domashnij Uyut” day center kids performing a dance 


The center’s talented children welcomed us with heartwarming musical performances and dances. You could feel how overjoyed the kids and teachers were to have us visit. We all got to know each other a little bit over a small lunch and hot cups of tea. The children were really eager to ask questions about life in the United States and the Americans’ experiences in Estonia. It was very nice to see these kids so happy and smiling and I am sure that many smiles are to be shared in the future as well! See you next time little rascals!

Post by Oleg Remizov, Public Affairs Intern