Language immersion

Language immersion is a form of study designed for the more successful acquisition of Estonian as a second language that has been implemented as a national programme financed and supported by the Ministry of Education and Research.

A third of schools in the country with a language other than Estonian as their language of instruction have so far adopted language immersion methodology, with around 3400 children attending language immersion kindergartens and schools. In language immersion classes and groups, the volume of Estonian-language studies exceeds 50% of the total. Estonian is learnt through its active use, including studying different subjects and taking part in kindergarten activities. The goal of language immersion is to provide students with equal skills in their native language, Estonian and other foreign languages.

Studies have proven that students are successfully acquiring the skills and knowledge set out in the state curriculum, that they have an equal command of their native language to their peers participating in the Russian-language programme, and that they have an excellent command of Estonian. It has also been shown that the programme has not achieved an elite status, with children doing well in ordinary programmes also achieving good results in language immersion classes.

It is possible to join the language immersion programme in Estonia at three levels: in the final two years of kindergarten (in the case of early immersion), in Grade 1, or in Grade 6 (in the case of late immersion). Students are generally selected for the programme according to the order in which applications are received from their parents.

It is a feature of language immersion programmes that at least half of all studies will be undertaken in a second language during primary and/or high school. If language immersion begins in Grade 1, all teaching material tends to be presented throughout the year in the second language. After two years the programme quickly transforms into a 50/50 model, where one half of studies take place in the students’ native language and the other half in the second language. Language immersion programmes also provide for the teaching of general subjects such as mathematics and natural sciences in the second language.

Students who undertake these subjects in the second language are expected to gain the same level of knowledge as those who follow the ordinary programme.

Language immersion is a form of study that enriches bilingual education – one of its goals is to provide students with equal skills in their native language and the second language.

Late language immersion

Late language immersion begins in Grade 6, where one-third of studies take place in Estonian. In Grades 7 and 8 the amount of Estonian-language subjects rises to 76% of the curriculum, with the remaining 24% comprising Russian (as native language) and foreign language studies. In Grade 9, Estonian language and subjects taught in Estonian make up approximately 60% of the total volume of study.

Late language immersion represents a form of study designed to enrich bilingual education, with one of its goals being to provide students with equal skills in their native language and the second language. A wide-ranging training programme for teachers, school management and education officials was carried out during the 2004-2005 academic year in preparation for the introduction of bilingual studies. The training was supported by the EU’s Phare programme.

Late language immersion classes are now held in 20 schools around Estonia.

Parents Union of the Language Immersion Programme

According to the parents of students studying in language immersion classes, the union was established in order to promote bilingual education. Parents want to see their children as active members of Estonian society who are able to obtain a higher education in their own country and, naturally, enjoy a competitive position on the labour market.

The union works to promote language immersion as well as to raise awareness of the dangers it involves. It is led by active parents. 

Webpage of Language Immersion Centre