The Importance of Preserving Princeton's Russian Program in Estonia

By William Aepli ’26 and Astor Lu ’26

Published: March 7, 2025

In a recent opinion piece, Veronika Kitsul called for the discontinuation of Princeton University’s Russian language program in Estonia, suggesting that the university should refrain from sponsoring any initiatives in post-Soviet states. As students who participated in this program, we strongly disagree and believe it plays a crucial role in both cultural understanding and language acquisition.

Understanding Estonian Culture

Kitsul emphasizes the uniqueness of Estonia’s national identity, and we wholeheartedly agree. However, the perception of Estonia as solely its own entity overlooks the complex historical context surrounding its culture. For many Americans without an Eastern European background, the intricacies of Estonia’s cultural identity can be challenging to grasp. Our firsthand experiences during the Russian Summer Program in Tallinn provided insights that extend far beyond basic historical knowledge.

The program, run in partnership with Tallinn University, goes beyond just language instruction. It includes cultural immersion activities such as Estonian movie nights, food workshops, and excursions to other significant cultural sites in the region, including Tartu, Estonia, and Riga, Latvia. These experiences offer deeper learning opportunities about the vibrant and diverse society of Estonia.

Debunking Misconceptions About Language and Culture

Kitsul argues that emphasizing Estonia's ties to Russian culture diminishes its independent identity. However, Estonian culture has evolved through a history of conquests and occupations, including centuries under German, Swedish, and Russian rule. To understand modern Estonia, one must appreciate this complex historical narrative—removing the Russian element entirely would be an oversimplification.

Princeton’s Russian program is vital, especially given that the U.S. Department of State classifies Russian as critical for national security. The need for individuals who are proficient in Russian and knowledgeable about its cultural implications has never been greater, especially in light of current global events.

Cultural and Linguistic Learning

Approximately 44% of Tallinn’s population speaks Russian as a native language. Engaging with this community enriches students’ language skills and offers authentic insights into Estonia’s society. We contend that the so-called “linguistic colonialism” characterized by some critics is, for many locals, a reflection of real-life interaction among diverse cultures that enriches the Estonian identity.

Kitsul suggests replacing Russian language courses with instruction in Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian. While we support the promotion of these languages, it is impractical, given the current enrollment in these courses at Princeton. Students from the Slavic Department can reach a wider audience through the larger Russian language program, thus enhancing awareness and appreciation for Baltic cultures.

The Broader Implications

Canceling Princeton’s program in Estonia could have detrimental effects on access to both Baltic culture and Russian language studies. The pursuit of an idealized cultural purity should not impede the valuable learning experiences available through this program. By maintaining the program, we can foster greater understanding and peace in the region, paving the way for informed dialogues and respectful engagement with the complexities of the past.

In conclusion, Princeton's partnership in Estonia is not merely an academic project—it is an essential pathway to cultural understanding and engagement in a region shaped by a tumultuous history. The aim should be to learn from this history and broaden our comprehension of global cultures, rather than to isolate learning experiences based on past conflicts. We urge the university community to support the continuation of the Russian language program in Estonia for the betterment of education and cultural exchange.

William Aepli and Astor Lu are students who participated in Princeton's Russian Summer Program in Tallinn in the Summer of 2023. They can be reached via email at willaepli[at]princeton.edu and al6058[at]princeton.edu.