"I participated in one of the first years, where the program had even another name. It was 2003," Meelis recalls. Studying abroad was not common at that time, but for Meelis, it was a dream come true. "I wanted to have international experiences and learn more about forestry. After graduating with my Bachelor's, I had no other plan than Euroforester, and I was lucky enough to be chosen for the program. It clearly changed the course of my life."
Lessons Learned: The Foundation for Success
Reflecting on the most valuable aspects of the Euroforester program, Meelis highlights the teaching environment. "Motivating, nice, and pedagogically strong lecturers led us to work hard, be open and tolerant, and work together," he says. "Balanced study and private life, along with an English learning environment, elevated my language skills a lot."
A key takeaway for Meelis was the focus on presentation and communication skills. "Lots of training for public speaking and presenting," he notes, adding that this has been invaluable in his current role. "Learning to give clear and captivating presentations is something that I do often now."
Advice for Future Euroforester Students
Looking back, Meelis offers valuable advice to prospective Euroforester students: "Come with an open mind and readiness to work. Leave your prejudices behind. Be ready to be surprised!" The importance of having a flexible and open mindset is something Meelis learned firsthand. His advice speaks to the diverse and international nature of the Euroforester program, which challenges students to engage with a broad range of forestry practices and perspectives.
A Lifelong Impact on Career Trajectory
The Euroforester Master’s program didn’t just influence Meelis’s early career—it set him on a path of continuous learning. "Since the program was such a good experience, I got very motivated to continue in the international forestry studies path for many years," he says. His dedication to learning kept him in academia as a full-time university student for 14 years, deepening his knowledge of forestry and leading to a successful career as a forest researcher before transitioning into policy-making.
Through his studies, Meelis developed a comprehensive understanding of forests. Now, as a policy leader, he applies the knowledge and experience gained from the Euroforester program to shape the future of Estonia's forestry sector.
