Imagine a small country being able to develop itself that people are beginning to recognize the enormous potential it has

Vivian is a master degree student in Materials and Processes for Sustainable Energetics.

What has brought you to TalTech and Estonia?

I worked in my home country for two years and decided that I needed to get my master’s degree. My father first told me about Estonia and being the adventurous person that I am, I did some research of my own. I was very impressed with how technologically advanced the country was and decided to come here for my studies.

How long have been living in Tallinn? What do you like most about living in Tallinn?

I have been living in Tallinn for about a year and six months. I like the fact that everything works here. Imagine a small country being able to develop itself that people are beginning to recognize the enormous potential they have. Additionally, life is simple and living costs is cheap. Air is clean and Estonia is safe. Transport system is free and it works, but most importantly peace of mind which is something you cant find everywhere.

What is the most memorable thing during your studying at TalTech?

The people. They made my stay very enjoyable.

What are your favourite courses or subjects in the study program? Why?

My favorite courses were applied photo-voltaics and energy storage. This was because the lectures were taught in such a way that was practical and relevant to the energy industry.

If you need to describe Estonia in one sentence to a total stranger, what would you say?

The silicon valley of Europe where the living costs is cheap and air is clean.

Would you recommend TalTech and MSc Materials & Processes for Sustainable Energetics to other students? Why?

Absolutely. Renewable energy is the future. The world is going green. At this moment, the prospect of sustainable energetics is exciting whether in academia or industry there is an increasing demand for trained professionals in this field. Taltech is fully equipped to train and give students a platform to go whichever direction they want. As Isaac Newton said “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”

Do you have any suggestions to TalTech or your Faculty so that we could improve teaching and research quality?

My advice would be to retain and groom top international students into lecturing and research positions through financially attractive excellence fellowship programs.

What are you planning to do after graduating?

At this point, I am not sure. I already secured three fully funded PHD fellowships to the United states and also got a good job in a startup company in Estonia. So let’s see what the future holds.

Any other comments, tips, advice that you would like to share with us and potential international students?

Have a plan. The mistake most students make is that they do not have any plans and life ends up taking them in whichever direction it chooses to. It’s never too early or late to start making plans. Know what you want to do and make STRATEGIC plans. Do not give up on your dreams no matter what, be bold, step out of your comfort zone and most importantly READ.

End Note: A week later from this interview, Vivian has been offered a PhD spot in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering programme and a teaching assistant position at Tulane University of the US.

“In 2009 in cooperation with University of Tartu, TalTech launched a joint master programme Materials and Processes of Sustainable Energetics (KAYM) which teaches different sustainable energy methods. In 2017 the KAYM programme has been fully updated and renovated taking into account new directions in sustainable energy technologies and job market needs.”