Living in a different culture is not always easy, new immigrants go through many phases of adaptation from which the most difficult is isolation. Research conducted during the piloting of the adaptation program in Estonia (Rannut, 2009) revealed that the main problem for all immigrants (especially family migrants even when married to local Estonians) was the lack of social network and feeling of isolation.

At first, the newness is exciting.  Perhaps it is first time when they can feel snow. They feel eager to immerse themselves in the new culture and are intrigued by the differences they encounter. However, after a couple of weeks when the newness has worn off  they  feel bored, frustrated, isolated and  depressed. They might get tired of having to struggle to make themselves understood, and the smallest of obstacles might take on epic proportions.

The adaptation program is specifically designed for newly arrived migrants in Estonia, who are citizens of third countries, and is intended to facilitate their integration into Estonian society. The program offers a supportive environment during their stay in Estonia. Such an environment is especially necessary for people of other cultural backgrounds who come from areas outside of the European Union. In the adaptation program, they will meet people who are waiting to help them to settle in Estonia quicker. Every beginning is difficult, but it is always easier to start with a circle of supportive friends.

In October  the adaptation course for new immigrants will be started again. The adaptation program teaches the Estonian language, provides knowledge about life and society in Estonia as well as settling into Estonian society. The main focus is on the Estonian language teaching and on Estonian culture (incl.cross-cultural communication and civic education). According to the needs and wishes of the participants help and advice in socio-economic  issues is provided as well. In the sphere of socio-economic integration, knowledge is given about how to search for information, employment, find housing, social security, education, professional services, and healthcare as well as in many other areas relevant to everyday life. Language teaching is conducted communicatively during practical training with the support of the environment, and is integrated with the other activities of the main course. During the course, topics are based upon the needs of adaptees, so the language training is associated with the educational content of the main course and culture of Estonia. The course contains 300 auditory lessons and  lasts one year. The coursework is divided into 5 modules, the volume of each module is 60 lessons.