Estonian Malev Summer 2026
Liina Viies writes about how young people can come to Estonia from abroad to take part in a youth work camp (malev).
To tell the whole story, the idea of joining a malev (work camp) first emerged at last year’s Mother Tongue Days in Hamburg. Teachers were discussing what else could help young people living abroad connect more closely with Estonia when the idea arose that some teenagers might be more interested in gaining their first real work experience in an Estonian-language environment. In other words, instead of a traditional language camp, they could come to Estonia to take part in a malev.
My own first summer of malev was in Year 5. It happened when my friends from the countryside invited me to Uhtna TPL (work and recreation camp). I remember standing somewhat bewildered at the edge of a cabbage field, hoe in hand, with 0.7 kilometres of cabbage plants ahead of me and a seemingly endless battle with weeds. Yes, at first it felt like quite a challenge for a city kid, but with every metre and every day my skills improved, and naturally a sense of excitement and friendly competition with more experienced weeders grew. In the evenings we learned songs, enjoyed the “wild” nature of the school park and went swimming. And it was all worth it – for those endless rows of cabbages I earned wages and was eventually able to buy the long-desired Vesna stereo. Times have changed a great deal, but in some ways the core of the malev experience remains the same: to provide young people with their first work habits in a safe and friendly environment.
Knowing how popular malevs are in Estonia, the idea continued to develop: why shouldn’t young people living all over the world experience an Estonian summer of malev? We joined forces with the Tallinn Õpilasmalev. The project is supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which in 2026 will fund up to 20 places – 10 in urban groups and 10 in rural groups.
What kind of work is done in a malev?
First of all, attending a malev is not just a job. It is a summer adventure that builds independence, offers the chance to earn pocket money and helps young people discover themselves. Participants learn how to communicate with employers and group members, take others into account and work together.
What else should you know before applying?
There are both urban and rural groups. In urban groups, work takes place within Tallinn. The camp runs from Monday to Friday, with lunch provided and an afternoon programme. Evenings are spent at home – for young people from abroad, this would typically mean staying with relatives.
In rural groups, young people travel together with group leaders to a beautiful location in Estonia, where they live together for 2–3 weeks. Work is done five days a week, with meals provided three times a day. It should be noted that during this time, parents will not be doing the laundry or making beds. Accommodation may be simple, often in school buildings or community centres. At the same time, there is plenty of space for shared evenings, activities, hikes and making new friends. Work varies from berry picking and stacking firewood to cleaning manor houses and recreational areas or helping out in stables. Depending on the group, working hours range from 4–6 hours per day in urban groups to up to 8 hours in older groups. Young people are paid the minimum wage set in Estonia.
How to apply?
In mid-April, the list of this year’s groups will be published on malev.ee. Applicants should choose two preferred groups and submit their application via the link available on the Global Estonian website. It is important to read the group descriptions carefully and consider your motivation. Young people living abroad can apply between 27 April and 4 May. A few days later, applications open for Tallinn school students, followed by the formation of groups. Those selected will receive detailed information on next steps.
It should be noted that work camps are very popular, and not all applicants will secure a place or get into their preferred group. However, even the application process itself is a valuable learning experience: completing the application and expressing motivation helps develop digital skills and Estonian-language communication.
60 years of malevs
This year marks the 60th anniversary of malevs in Estonia. Over six decades, they have brought together several generations who have shared the same experience: self-discovery through work, the joy of shared activities in the evenings and lasting friendships. Stories from six decades of malevs will be brought to the stage at a jubilee concert on 12 August at the Paunküla Heaolukeskus. All former and current participants are warmly invited.
Perhaps I am writing these lines as a former participant myself. I can confidently say that a malev summer offers much more than just a summer job in Estonia. It is an opportunity to grow, discover and learn. It helps young people become confident, proactive and independent. And most importantly – it is a summer in Estonia they will remember for a long time.
The Tallinn Õpilasmalev welcomes young people aged 13–18, offering a summer full of discovery and the joy of work. Workdays are complemented by evening activities and the opportunity to take part in a large gathering in August at Paunküla.
Applicants must be able to speak Estonian.
