Crossing Borders: My Journey of Cultural Discovery in Estonia

In August 2024, I Muhammad Faiq Usmani, packed my bags, said goodbye to my family, and boarded a flight to Estonia. This was it—the start of a new chapter. I was leaving Pakistan to pursue a Master’s degree in Communication Management at Tallinn University. I had imagined the challenges of academic life, but I had not anticipated how transformative my time outside the classroom would be.

The first day in my dorm was a whirlwind of introductions and settling in. I found myself surrounded by five strangers who would soon feel like family: Tony from Hong Kong, Ayushi from India, Elina from Armenia, Derya from Turkey, and Shaheer, a fellow Pakistani. As we awkwardly exchanged names and hometowns, I could not help but wonder how we’d all get along, coming from such different cultures.

The first few weeks were full of small, hesitant conversations. We talked about classes, the chilly Estonian weather, and food—lots of food. It was Ayushi who first broke the ice when she invited us to try her homemade paneer tikka. That simple act of sharing turned into a dorm tradition. Soon, we were swapping recipes, laughing over Tony’s stories of Hong Kong’s chaotic street markets, and learning about Elina’s childhood in Armenia, where community and family are everything.

Derya fascinated us with tales of Turkish bazaars, rich with the aroma of spices and the sound of bustling traders. One evening, she brewed us Turkish tea and taught us how to savor it the right way. Shaheer and I, meanwhile, could not resist sharing a taste of Pakistan. We whipped up biryani one night, much to the delight of our dorm mates, and explained the joy of Eid celebrations. Watching them light up at the spicy, aromatic dish was a proud moment for us.

Nevertheless, our connection was not just about food. We explored Estonia together, discovering its magic one adventure at a time. One of my favorite memories was our visit to Nõmme during winter. For someone who had rarely seen snow, stepping into a white wonderland was pure joy. We spent hours playing in the snow like children, having snowball fights and laughing until our cheeks hurt. Together, we built a snowman—complete with a carrot nose, scarf, and tiny stick arms. When we posed for pictures with it, I could not help but feel grateful for this group of people who had made Estonia feel like home.

Our dorm was not just a place to sleep; it became a hub of cultural exchange. One night, Tony shared the story of Hong Kong’s Mid-Autumn Festival, and we tried mooncakes for the first time. Another night, Ayushi taught us how to decorate our dorm for Diwali, lighting diyas and sharing sweets. Elina showed us traditional Armenian dances, and we even tried (and failed) to follow her graceful steps.

Shaheer and I often found ourselves reminiscing about Pakistan, whether it was the warmth of chai stalls or the chaotic charm of Lahore’s streets. Sharing those stories brought us closer as friends and made me realize how much I valued my cultural roots.

In the midst of all this, my studies in Communication Management started to make more sense. Learning about how culture shapes communication felt less like theory and more like something I lived every day. For one project, we discussed conflict resolution across cultures. I shared Pakistan’s collectivist approach, where decisions often involve family and community, while Tony explained how Hong Kong’s individualistic culture values efficiency and quick results. These discussions enriched not only my academic work but also my understanding of the world.

As I look back, living in Estonia has been more than just an academic pursuit—it has been a life-changing experience. My dorm mates, with their unique backgrounds and stories, have taught me the true meaning of intercultural competence. It is not about knowing everything or always getting it right; it is about being curious, open, and willing to learn.

The memories we have created—whether building a snowman in Nõmme, celebrating Diwali and Christmas, or sharing late-night conversations—will stay with me forever. Estonia might be thousands of miles from Pakistan, but thanks to Tony, Ayushi, Elina, Derya, and Shaheer, it feels like I have found a second home.