The Estonian American National Council (EANC) – Eesti Rahvuskomitee Ühendriikides (ERKÜ) is pleased to announce that it will provide travel stipends (up to $1,250 each) for two Estonian American upper secondary and university students who have been accepted to participate in the Estonian Institute of Historical Memory’s (EIHM – Eesti Mälu Instituut) 2026 Summer School for Students with Estonian Roots.

From August 2–7, 2026, students of Estonian heritage from around the world will gather in Estonia to explore 20th-century Estonian history, including the Mass Flight of 1944, when many Estonians fled Soviet persecution.

The program is conducted in English and combines lectures, group discussions, and collaborative projects with study visits to museums, memorial sites, and historically significant locations. It also includes excursions that allow participants to experience Estonia’s cultural landscape and natural environment.

The summer school begins and ends in Tallinn and includes a two-day excursion to Tartu and Viljandi. This immersive program offers a meaningful opportunity to deepen historical understanding, connect with peers from around the world, and engage with Estonia in a direct and personal way.

EANC President Mai-Liis Bartling stated: “EANC is continually looking for effective ways to keep Estonian American youth connected with their roots and well-versed in Estonian history and contemporary issues. In 2024, we were able, for the first time, to support Estonian American students participating in the EIHM summer school. Their experiences were overwhelmingly positive, and we are proud to continue supporting this opportunity. We commend the Estonian Institute of Historical Memory and the outstanding students involved, and we look forward to another impactful year.”

Maiki Müürsepp, a 2024 participant, shared: “This experience was very meaningful to me as a grandchild of Estonian refugees. Throughout the program, there was a strong emphasis on individuals and their stories. It made history feel more tangible and showed the real impact that broader historical events had on people’s lives. I still find myself reflecting on what I learned. The program was both inspiring and insightful, and I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to attend.”

Participation in the summer school is free of charge. EIHM covers program costs, accommodation, meals, and in-country transportation. Participants are responsible for their travel to and from Estonia.

To help offset these travel costs, EANC will provide up to $1,250 in airfare support for two accepted Estonian American students.

Students interested in attending must submit a short application to EIHM by Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (Estonian time).

To be considered for the EANC travel stipend, applicants should email ERKUnoored@estosite.org, confirming that they have applied and briefly explaining their interest. EIHM will make all admissions decisions. Accepted students will then be notified by EANC regarding travel funding.

We strongly encourage all Estonian American students to consider this unique opportunity

Contact: Estonian American National Council: Letter of intent: ERKUnoored@estosite.org Questions and more information: erku@estosite.org

Estonian Institute of Historical Memory:
www.mnemosyne.ee
konkurss@mnemosyne.ee
Application link:
https://mnemosyne.ee/en/call-for-applications-summer-school-in-estonia-for-students-with-estonian-roots-august-2-7-2026/