Jesse Kalwij, from Netherlands
Senior Research Fellow at the University of Tartu, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences
Can you tell a bit about your work and why you decided to pursue a scientific career in Estonia?
I am a landscape ecologist at the Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences in Tartu. After living and working in South Africa for five years, I wanted to return to Europe. Estonia gave me a great opportunity to take up an interesting position, take a step forward in my career, and to get past the post doc stage where positions are often only short-term.
How do you perceive the academic environment of Estonia and how does this environment compare to your previous country of residence?
Here there is a need and strong interest in international researchers. The Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences was able to offer me a four-year position. Because I don’t speak Estonian I am exempted from teaching obligations. In that sense it is the ultimate research job because it gives me four years of research to concentrate purely on publishing articles.
If a foreign academic considers coming to Estonia, what kind of advice would you give this person?
One has to be prepared to run into a language barrier and expect to be dependent on other people, especially in the beginning. One does not need to hesitate asking for help as Estonians are very friendly and often offer to translate or to help if necessary. They realize that their language is not the easiest in the world and they have no problem translating for you, if you ask them. If you come to Estonia, I would suggest doing a beginners course in Estonian no matter how difficult it may be in the beginning.
What research opportunities is Estonia offering?
Research opportunities in Estonia are good, because there is funding available for research and there is simply less competition then for example the Netherlands. In that sense I believe research opportunities here are good to very good.
What are your plans for your future academic career? Are you planning to continue being involved with an Estonian academic institute?
This is now the third country that I lived since I left the Netherlands. I am a bit tired of moving from country to country. If the academic opportunity offers itself, I would definitely consider staying in Estonia. Should I decide to move out of Estonia, I would definitely keep in touch with my current Estonian Institute, of course!
Please list the three things you like most about living in Estonia and why you like them?
The low population density is absolutely unique. As a result you have plenty of accommodation opportunities. For example, you can live in a farm house in the countryside and still be at close driving distance from Tartu. There are very few countries where you can live in the countryside and work at a university at the same time without having to travel too long. I think this is an absolute bonus to live in the countryside in the middle of nature, having roe deer in your garden almost every morning. I feel privileged to live where I do!
The other thing that I like about Estonia is that it has no traffic jams! I have lived in various densely populated areas and know how tiring it is to be in traffic for three-quarters of an hour one way, twice a day. It is a delight not ever being in a traffic jam anymore.
Also the cost of living in Estonia is comparatively low. Maybe wages here are not as high as those in the Netherlands or Switzerland, however the cost of living is so much lower that life quality or life standard is possibly higher than it would be in other countries. Especially because the cost of accommodation is so low.
What is the most challenging or uncomfortable part about living in Estonia?
Most challenging part is the language barrier. In the beginning and even after some months you will still find yourself struggling to communicate with regular Estonians as their English is either good or non-existing. You have to ask Estonian colleagues or friends to sometimes communicate simple things on your behalf: that can be frustrating.
Any other thoughts or experiences you would like to share?
It is a unique experience to survive the Estonian winter!
