In Episode 40 of Tiksu to UniTartu, Vincent talks to Baiba from Latvia, a two-time University of Tartu alumna who completed both her master’s in Biomedicine and PhD in Biomedical Engineering in Tartu. Baiba shares why she chose the University of Tartu, how her master’s studies led naturally into a PhD and how she is now using the skills from her doctoral research in a biotech startup. She also reflects on Tartu’s research environment, the city’s walkability and university atmosphere, cultural differences between Latvia and Estonia and why, after eight years, Tartu feels like home.

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In Episode 39 of Tiksu to UniTartu, Vincent talks to Kyrylo, a Business Administration student from Ukraine and a young entrepreneur building defence technology companies in Estonia. Kyrylo shares why he chose the University of Tartu, how studying business has supported his entrepreneurial journey and what it is like to build a company while still a student. He also reflects on leadership, Tartu’s startup environment, working across Estonian and Ukrainian cultures and life as an international student in Estonia.

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In Episode 38 of Tiksu to UniTartu, Vincent talks to Yaroslav, a doctoral student and junior research fellow from Ukraine who studies educational sciences at the University of Tartu. Yaroslav shares how his background in psychology, an Erasmus exchange and the support of his supervisors led him to begin a PhD in Tartu, where he now researches how students use interactive digital learning materials.

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In Episode 37 of Tiksu to UniTartu, Vincent talks to Tyna, a master’s student from Czechia who studies Politics and Governance in the Digital Age and leads the International Students Working Group of the University of Tartu Student Union. Tyna shares how her background in statistics and data science, together with her experience working for the Czech government, inspired her to move into public policy and continue her studies in Tartu.

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In Episode 36 of Tiksu to UniTartu, Vincent talks to Merce, a researcher from Spain who first came to Tartu during her PhD and later returned for a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Tartu. Merce shares how her first research visit introduced her to Estonia and inspired her to come back and continue building both her life and academic career here. Along the way, she reflects on researching gravity and black hole images, collaborating with colleagues from around the world, adapting to Estonian culture, and appreciating the personal space, peaceful atmosphere and close connection to nature that make Tartu feel like the right place for her.

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In Episode 35 of Tiksu to UniTartu, Vincent talks to Hugo, a student from Mexico who first came to Tartu for a summer school and later returned to study Environmental Governance and Adaptation to Climate Change at the University of Tartu. Hugo shares how that first experience introduced him to Estonia and eventually inspired him to build a new chapter of his life here. Along the way, he reflects on studying in an international environment, adapting to a different culture and climate, experiencing Estonia’s changing seasons, and discovering the peaceful atmosphere and close connection to nature that make Tartu feel special.

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In Episode 34 of Tiksu to UniTartu, Vincent talks to Kārlis, a student from Latvia who came to Tartu to study Science and Technology and stayed to continue his master’s in Biology and Bioengineering at the University of Tartu. Kārlis shares what it has been like to spend his entire adult life in Tartu, from following his longing for adventure to finding his place in an international study environment. Along the way, he reflects on hands-on research with plants, life in the lab, Estonian pastries, working as a baker, adapting to a new culture, and why studying abroad has been such a rewarding part of his story.

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In Episode 33 of Tiksu to UniTartu, Vincent talks to Logan, a researcher from Canada who first became interested in Estonia through cybersecurity and e-governance, and later came to Tartu to pursue her PhD at the University of Tartu.

Logan shares what it has been like to study, research, and build a life in Estonia, from working on cybersecurity governance in a highly digitalised society to finding community in Tartu. Along the way, she reflects on adapting to Estonian communication styles, exploring South Estonia, learning the accordion, and realising that Tartu has become much more than just a place to study.

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In Episode 32 of Tiksu to UniTartu, Vincent talks to Ana, a student from Croatia who came to Tartu to study semiotics and has since built a life in Estonia.

Ana shares what it has been like to study at the University of Tartu, learn Estonian, and discover the country through its language, culture, and nature. Along the way, she reflects on becoming a teacher in Estonia, exploring small towns and forests, and the moments that made her realise that Estonia had become much more than just a place to study.

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In Episode 31 of Tiksu to UniTartu, Vincent talks to Ben, an American student in the Erasmus Mundus Excellence in Analytical Chemistry programme, who moved from Michigan to Tartu for a unique international study experience.

Ben shares what it has been like to study chemistry at the University of Tartu, adapt to life in Estonia, and explore a country he knew very little about before arriving. Along the way, he reflects on Erasmus opportunities, cultural differences, and the experiences that have made Estonia feel like a second home.

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