Welcome to the survey of Estonian communities abroad and diaspora members!
In the autumn of 2020, a study focusing on the research of Estonian communities abroad was launched by the three ministries – the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Culture. This research is a continuation of a pilot survey conducted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2020, which mapped, among other things, the satisfaction of communities abroad with consular services.
In this year, for the first time on such a scale, we turn to all Estonians abroad to study and understand the life, wishes and needs of Estonian communities abroad, as well as their expectations of the services offered by the Estonian state.
ABOUT THE STUDY
According to various estimates, 150 000 to 200 000 Estonians or people related to Estonia live abroad, which is 15% of the Estonian population. Everyone has their own story and their own reasons for emigration, however, the Estonian state has a desire to keep in touch with all people who are currently away from Estonia, regardless of their origin, place of residence or location.
This study started in September 2020 and will run until the end of 2021. The study is conducted by the Institute of Baltic Studies in partnership with Center for Applied Anthropology of Estonia.
The study has two main objectives. First of all, we attempt to get an overview of the Estonian diaspora members, or people identifying themselves with Estonia in one way or another. This includes their number, background, attitudes and expectations for the Estonian state, as well as their intention to return. Secondly, we seek to provide input to the Estonian policy-making, notably the development of the Global Estonian programme and other relevant measures.
The data collection is based primarily on an online survey, but according to the wishes and needs, we also collect answers by telephone and /or sending out questionnaires on paper.
METHODOLOGY
The study consists of three main stages. The activities are divided as follows:
1. Pre-mapping
2. Conducting a survey
3. Follow-up interviews
4. Analysing the results
WHO ARE INVOLVED AND BEING RESEARCHED?
- Estonians living abroad
- Estonian state institutions directly involved in developing diaspora policy and services
- Organisations or networks that carry out various activities and/or provide information
RESULTS
The results of the survey will be published by the end of 2021. They will be used for the formulation of diaspora policy, the development of various services and activities, and the development of the Global Estonian programme. In addition to the ministries, the results of the survey can also be used by organisations involved in making and implementing diaspora policies, civil society organisations, universities, private companies, as well as all diaspora experts and researchers, society and the Estonian communities abroad in general.
OUR CORE TEAM
If you have any questions or thoughts about the survey, would like to participate in it or get involvedin other way, feel free to contact us at diaspora@ibs.ee
ABOUT US
The Institute of Baltic Studies (IBS, www.ibs.ee) is an independent non-profit research and development center established in 1996, the main goal of which is to promote public policy-making in the Baltic Sea region. A large part of IBS's activities have been related to the implementation of international research projects in various fields related to public administration, social cohesion, education and research, economy, entrepreneurship, innovation and regional development, and other related social and socio-economic issues.
The Center for Applied Anthropology of Estonia (CAAE, www.antropoloogia.ee) is a research center that helps to look behind the numbers, helps to answer the questions “why” and “how” by taking into account people's experiences and perspectives. The main activity and strength of the CAAE is an insight based on ethnographic, qualitative methods, which is useful in shaping policies, designing and developing public services. By gathering the information through qualitative methods and ethnographic thinking, it is possible for CAAE to bring out people's experiences, values and attitudes in a broader context.
THE STUDY IS CONDUCTED BY
