International Relations and Regional Studies

Alumni Insights – Willi Stieger

I graduated from the International Relations and Regional Studies programme at the University of Tartu in 2023. My connection to the Baltic region began earlier, during a European Voluntary Service in Latvia. A short visit to Tartu at that time left a strong impression, the city’s student atmosphere and Estonia’s digital mindset stayed with me. When I later discovered that Tartu offered a programme combining my interests, it felt like a logical next step.

Image

The studies allowed me to bring together my main interests in EU neighbourhood policy, digital transformation and regional security, and to sharpen my academic profile. I appreciated the combination of theoretical and regional perspectives and the close interaction with students and professors at the Skytte Institute. The flexibility of the programme made it possible to follow my curiosity while building expertise in the Eastern Partnership and Western Balkans. During my studies, I interned at the Council of the Baltic Sea States, where I experienced regional cooperation from a practical angle.

Today, I work as a Policy Officer at the European Commission, focusing on digital policies in the EU’s neighbourhood and enlargement regions. The background and skills gained in Tartu are highly relevant in this field. Studying in Estonia, a frontrunner in digital governance, offered a first-hand understanding of how digital transformation can shape public policy.

Beyond academics, Tartu offered a great international student community. It’s a compact, student-driven city where learning and social life naturally blend. Playing football in the Estonian league was a memorable part of my experience. It allowed me to see much of the country and connect with people beyond the university.

My time in Tartu also coincided with major global developments: Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine and the rapid rise of AI technologies. The university adapted quickly, integrating these events into discussions and teaching. This responsiveness made the studies feel directly connected to real-world challenges.

Looking back, I value Tartu for its academic focus, supportive environment, and European outlook. It’s a place where you can develop your ideas, find your direction, and learn from others who share your curiosity.