Finland & Estonia
Hey there! I'm going to be studying abroad in Finland (either Helsinki or Tampere) January through May, and I have a lot of things I'm wondering about.
1. So, either before I arrive in Finland or after I've left and am returning to the US, I want to spend at least a day or two in Estonia (Tartu in particular). I'm going to be studying in Finland on a residence permit, and I'm aware of the 90 days of visa-free travel in the Schengen area, but I'm still not clear whether my Finnish residence permit will affect the 90 days. Can I still travel after the academic term is finished (no pun intended), or do I have to leave the Schengen area after it's done? Or can I travel in the Schengen area before my Finnish residence permit takes effect? If all else fails, I can settle for a day trip to Tallinn if I'm studying in Helsinki, but I would really like to be able to go to Tartu.
Also, can anyone recommend things to do in Tartu or Tallinn? I want to see the University of Tartu in particular, but I was curious as to what exactly I can see or do at the university and in the rest of the town. And how good does my Estonian need to be? (It's at a beginner level with a lot of interference from my Finnish, and I cannot speak Russian.)
2. I want to get a European cell phone, since I'm on an extended stay as a student (and also because I don't plan on this being my only time in Europe). As far as I know, I just need a GSM phone and I need to buy a SIM card once I arrive in Finland. (Is that correct?) Is there any particular phone that has worked well for anyone studying in Europe in the past?
3. Does anyone know where I could find a list of private music teachers in the Helsinki or Tampere areas? I'm a music student, but since I'm not studying at the Sibelius Academy I probably won't have private instruction available, and I definitely need to keep up my skills. If this would be easier to find in another place (like Oulu, for example), I'd even be willing to consider studying there. (I play oboe and bassoon, if that is helpful.)
This is all I can think to ask right now, but I'm sure I will need more help as I get later into the planning process. I'm so glad this community exists; I've already found lots of helpful info just looking through the tags!
1. So, either before I arrive in Finland or after I've left and am returning to the US, I want to spend at least a day or two in Estonia (Tartu in particular). I'm going to be studying in Finland on a residence permit, and I'm aware of the 90 days of visa-free travel in the Schengen area, but I'm still not clear whether my Finnish residence permit will affect the 90 days. Can I still travel after the academic term is finished (no pun intended), or do I have to leave the Schengen area after it's done? Or can I travel in the Schengen area before my Finnish residence permit takes effect? If all else fails, I can settle for a day trip to Tallinn if I'm studying in Helsinki, but I would really like to be able to go to Tartu.
Also, can anyone recommend things to do in Tartu or Tallinn? I want to see the University of Tartu in particular, but I was curious as to what exactly I can see or do at the university and in the rest of the town. And how good does my Estonian need to be? (It's at a beginner level with a lot of interference from my Finnish, and I cannot speak Russian.)
2. I want to get a European cell phone, since I'm on an extended stay as a student (and also because I don't plan on this being my only time in Europe). As far as I know, I just need a GSM phone and I need to buy a SIM card once I arrive in Finland. (Is that correct?) Is there any particular phone that has worked well for anyone studying in Europe in the past?
3. Does anyone know where I could find a list of private music teachers in the Helsinki or Tampere areas? I'm a music student, but since I'm not studying at the Sibelius Academy I probably won't have private instruction available, and I definitely need to keep up my skills. If this would be easier to find in another place (like Oulu, for example), I'd even be willing to consider studying there. (I play oboe and bassoon, if that is helpful.)
This is all I can think to ask right now, but I'm sure I will need more help as I get later into the planning process. I'm so glad this community exists; I've already found lots of helpful info just looking through the tags!