New Year New episodes
Making Europe Real: Teaching the EU in Kuressaare
We kick off 2026 with an inspiring conversation! In this first episode of the new year, the EUClass Alliance podcast travels to Estonia to meet Reet and Maiju from Kuressaare Ametikool, who share their practical approach to teaching EU citizenship.
Adapting to Different Ages
The two educators have discovered that teaching methods must match the audience. Younger students respond well to interactive tools like Kahoot and digital games, while adult learners prefer discussions where they can explore issues independently.
"You must always give background about the main things: democracy, institutions.."
Reet explains, emphasizing the importance of foundational knowledge.
To tackle the challenging topic of EU institutions, they've developed innovative approaches, including a poster competition where design students created artwork about European freedoms. This allowed students to choose their own topics and express their understanding visually.
Both teachers have observed that students who participate in Erasmus experiences become more open-minded and engaged with European topics. For Estonian students, the EU's practical benefits—travel in the Schengen area, work opportunities abroad, and international internships—make European citizenship tangible and relevant.
- Their advice to fellow educators is simple: prepare thoroughly, understand your audience, and make Europe relevant to students' real lives.
Listen now to the full episode to discover more insights from Kuressaare and get inspired for your own classroom!
