Coming of Age

Finishing School

There is no standard coming-of-age-ceremony in Estonia. Christians may regard a child’s confirmation as an important rite of passage. Other families may consider a high school or college graduation to mark their child’s transition from childhood to adulthood.

Work Later

Estonians are usually considered adults at age 18, when they have completed high school and are old enough to work. Young Estonians may actually start work at 15 if their parents allow it, but it’s relatively unusual for them to be asked to contribute to the family income at a young age. Estonian families generally expect their teens to finish their compulsory education, so most young Estonians finish high school and go on to higher education.