Estonia has a fascinating mix of deep-rooted traditions and a reputation for being on the cutting-edge of innovation. With its buzzing tech scene and rich cultural vibe, it’s no wonder more and more international professionals are calling it home.
Playtech Estonia, also known as the second unicorn in Estonia, is a company that truly embraces diversity. Around 14% of its team are from abroad and the workforce represents an impressive 37 different nationalities! That kind of inclusivity is an example of how global talent is blending into the Estonian community.
From Ukraine to Estonia
A bit about my background – I am from Ukraine and moved to Estonia to study at the University of Tartu after finishing my high school. As a teenager, at first, it was challenging to adjust to living in a new country. But after five years of studying and a few more years of working here, I can definitely call Estonia my lovely home. Playtech has played a big role in my journey — The company offered relocation options and strong support for me and other expats . This support made a huge difference for me.
Let’s be honest — settling into a new country isn’t always as easy as might seem. Even in a welcoming place like Estonia, getting fully integrated can take a bit of time and effort. So, I’ve put together some tips from my personal experience to help make that journey a little smoother.
Getting to Know Estonian Culture
Estonians are known for being a bit reserved at first. They might not dive into small talk right away, but don’t take it personally! They value sincerity and meaningful connections over superficial chatter. Once you break the ice, you’ll find that Estonians are incredibly loyal, thoughtful, and genuine friends.
That was exactly my experience when I first joined Playtech. I had a warm and professional introduction to my colleagues, responsibilities, and workflows. Everything felt very structured and straight to the point, which stood out to me compared to my previous experience in more international environments.
But on a more interpersonal level, I felt a bit „outside the group“ . However, I came to understand that this is completely normal in the beginning. With each passing day and with every friendly “Tere!” (“Hello!” in Estonian), I felt myself becoming more and more part of the Playtech family. Connections started to form naturally. You just need to give people time to get used to you and to start building lasting friendships.
Tips for Tackling the First Hurdles
At first, it’s totally normal to feel a bit out of place. But with a little curiosity and a positive mindset, you’ll start to feel more at home. Here are a few things that really helped me:
1. Learn the Language
This one’s a game-changer. Picking up Estonian not only helps with everyday life, but it also shows locals that you’re making an effort. I started learning at the University of Tartu and have kept at it for five years now — through classes, apps, and even Estonian music and movies. There are also free group courses provided by Settle in Estonia, which are a great place to start. Group classes can be especially fun and motivating!
At Playtech, a very international company, English is the language used for conducting business. . However, in situations where everyone in the room speaks Estonian, I take the opportunity to practice and improve my Estonian. My team has been really supportive with this — they encourage me, help me out when I get stuck, and make the whole learning process feel much more enjoyable.
2. Join a Hobby Group
Once you’ve got a few basics down, try joining a hobby group or club where Estonian is spoken. Whether it’s sports, crafts, or something else entirely, it’s a great way to meet people in a relaxed setting. I personally found that playing sports helped me connect with others and improve my language skills without even realizing it.
Luckily for me, there are different clubs of interest in Playtech that you can join – from cake club to basketball, football, disc golf, and plenty more. Personally, I’m more into the active sports side of things.
And the best part? If you’ve got a cool idea, at Playtech, you’re totally welcome to start your own club! It’s an awesome way to bond with colleagues, share your hobbies, and feel even more connected to the team.
3. Dive into Local Events
Estonia has a vibrant cultural scene — music festivals, art shows, and cozy community gatherings. These events are perfect for soaking up the local vibe and meeting new people. Keep an eye on Facebook or local event pages to see what’s happening near you.
At Playtech Estonia, we also have plenty of fun events that bring people together outside of work – board games, LAN parties, handcraft workshops, office parties, celebrations of different holidays, achievements, etc.
Personally, my favorite is Playtech’s very own Playthlon sports events series — trying out sports from padel and climbing to aqua aerobics and more with colleagues. It’s been the most fun way to stay active, meet new people, and feel even more connected.
4. Stay Open and Positive
Above all, be kind to yourself. Integration doesn’t happen overnight. There will be ups and downs, but every little step counts. Keep an open mind, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. You’re growing with every experience — even the awkward ones! And if you ever feel unsure, just remember that your Estonian colleagues at Playtech are some of the kindest, most supportive people you’ll meet — I’ve felt it myself.
Playtech Played a Huge Role
Last, but not least, Playtech Estonia has definitely played a big role in helping me settle into life and feel home in Estonia. From day one, they supported me with all the necessary employment documents and created an open, friendly environment that made it easy to connect with colleagues and feel like part of the team.
Whether it’s through social events, language support, or just everyday conversations, their warm culture has helped me feel right at home. Of course, I still miss some things from Ukraine, but honestly, I don’t really feel homesick anymore.
Wrapping It Up
Becoming part of the Estonian community takes time, but it’s absolutely worth it. Thanks to the support from Playtech and the amazing people I’ve met along the way, Estonia has truely become home over time. So, take a deep breath, dive in, and enjoy the ride — you’ve got this!
“Palju edu!” (Good luck! in Estonian)
