Internship at the Estonian National Opera (Rahvusooper): Part Three

Lovely Old Town of Tallinn. (Picture taken by Aleksi Joensuu)

My work assingments during the on-the-job learning period  included a lot more than is shown in this blog's pictures, because I didn't always remember to photograph everything. Anyway for example, I did a lot of repairing the clothes, some clothes from almost the beginning to finished product or for fitting, changing zippers, sewing buttons and hooks and anything that I was asked to do. I learned to use some new techniques and to handle materials that I hadn't used much before.

The working culture and the culture in general are quite similar to Finland, so it was easy to adapt to the environment. I felt welcome at the costume department of Opera as well as in my flatmates' home in Keila. Sometimes it was challenging to communicate with co-workers because of the language barrier, but my bosses/counsellor and assistant counsellors spoke english so I had no problems understanding the tasks. I could always ask for help and there were some people who could translate in english, finnish or estonian if needed. I would recommend learning the country's language if you're considering to study or work abroad. It would make things easier. I should have done it, but I was too busy before the internship.

I'm glad that I could help the hard-working people at Opera and I feel that my work was appreciated. Despite my occasional personal diffuculties (not related to work) the period went fast and it was wistful to leave the place. Maybe I'll return there some day. :)

Some tips about Tallinn and doing internship abroad:
- Travelling: In Estonia you can buy a travel card, which is cheaper than bying single tickets. For example one month card that I had (3 zones / train, tram, bus, trollbus) cost about 50 euros. There are also day tickets and so on. You can buy it from R-kiosks, some stations and online. Travelling by public transport in Tallinn is free for it's habitants.
- Language: English is good to know, but study the language anyway! Especially if you're going to some place where people don't speak english very well.
- Accommodation: I was very lucky to live with a couple I knew before moving to Keila and I had my own room there. The downside of it were the long commutes - it took about an hour in total in one way. I'd recommend to get an apartment or room nearer to the working place if possible, because long commutes mean longer days and for some people it might be quite hard at times.
- Restaurants and shops: Pegasus - popular restaurant and good food for a moderate price, Olde Hansa - medieval restaurant, a bit pricy but the food and atmosphere are lovely!
Humana - a vintage shop, Karnaluks - the paradise of fabrics, materials and equipment, KangaDzungel and Abakhan Fabrics - fabric shops both worth checking out.

*****

I'd like to thank everyone who had been part of making this intership abroad possible!