Black in the Baltics: A Personal Reflection
The reason for this blog?
Many people from diverse backgrounds around the world have asked me many different questions about my experiences living, studying, and traveling in the Baltic. Whether you're curious about racial dynamics, travel opportunities, art residencies, or studying in the SDSI program, this post is for you.
From over 50 questions that have been given to me, I’ve organized my answers into themes to help you better understand what life can look like for a Black person (or anyone from a diverse background) navigating Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland.
Culture Shock & Integration: A New Kind of Europe
This section is for those wondering what it feels like to experience the Baltics for the first time, particularly for individuals coming from America or the African diaspora, along with the specific needs to travel to the Baltics.
Moving to the Baltics, I felt completely different after my recent travels in Europe. Eastern Europe provided such a new experience for me, encompassing the architecture, weather, food, transportation, and social interactions with locals who may not encounter many Americans on a daily basis.
Once I engaged with communities in various areas and understood their way of life (e.g., Kuldiga, Riga, Liepaja) and embraced the language by taking courses offered by my program, along with their history and culture through dances, art, past traditions, and the different sports that people gravitate toward, it felt familiar to home, which made me feel at ease. This experience carried me forward in Estonia and Finland, although I stayed longer in Latvia due to the duration of the SDSI program.
As an African American living in the Baltic states, it has been an exciting journey learning different perspectives and systems that people follow. I don’t want to conclude without sharing that I was born in Germany and spent part of my life there before moving back to the United States. I recognize that I’m not just my color, my heritage, profession, or where I was born. I’m more than those aspects, yet they’re pieces of me.
My time living in Latvia, Estonia, and Finland has been pleasant, though I wouldn’t say I never encountered difficulties in obtaining specific services and products that I needed. However, there are pockets of communities where you can see Black people in various roles in the Baltics, such as basketball players, military personnel, and educators. I believe one important thing to learn before coming to the Baltics is to understand the people, the culture, and the history, as this will help you better comprehend social cues in various settings throughout the region.
Travel & Daily Life in the Baltics
This section is for digital nomads, tourists, and international students who want to know how easy it is to live and move around the region.
When I got here, I didn’t know what to expect when it came to the transportation systems within the Baltic region; but as far I have been in my academic career and having the previlage to move around; traveling has been the best aspect of living in Latvia, as the Riga International Airport and the Tallinn port connect to Finland and Sweden. There are many opportunities to visit other countries while studying, traveling, or starting a business in the Baltics.
Some places may require specific visas; currently, as of this statement, US citizens don’t need a visa to enter the Baltic states, but you do need a valid reason, accommodation, and the financial means to support yourself during your stay.
The food in the Baltics is typically fresh and in season. I have tried traditional dishes from the Baltic to Scandinavian countries, and the emphasis on natural foods is essential for developing your understanding of what constitutes “good” food – food that is genuinely beneficial for you internally. Although I stayed in an apartment, the accommodations feature the traditional structure of the building along with modern touches for travelers from all over, including contemporary furniture that suits any length of stay.
Studying in the Baltics (SDSI Program)
This section answers common questions from people interested in the SDSI Master's Program in Service Design, especially freelancers, creatives, or professionals wondering if they can balance work, school, and life.
The SDSI program demands effort to fully benefit from it; however, if you are willing to work, you can manage your time in the program. Everything will turn out fine if you are proficient in time management and contribute to your work.
I love the diverse information provided in the program, including the structured courses and projects I was involved in with real-world clients who genuinely need assistance within their organizations. Although there is nothing I specifically hate because I understand that the program has ways to test your social skills, technical abilities, and design skills – it highlights your weaknesses only to strengthen your practice, which can be applicable for internships, freelance opportunities, and full-time positions.
There are several ways to obtain scholarships and gain additional grants depending on your placement within SDSI. Regarding welfare, they will collaborate with you to assess your situation and propose financial opportunities; as long as you take action and request help, they will be more than willing to assist you.
Creativity in the Baltics (Art Therapy Lab)
This section is for artists and therapists (especially Black men or people from underrepresented backgrounds) who are wondering what kind of support or inclusion they’ll find in residency programs in the Baltic region.
During the summer in Latvia, I attended the Art Therapy residency in Kuldiga. Even though I was the only male there, I felt very comfortable and at home, experiencing my greatest creativity thanks to the facilitation of Linda, Maija Rudovska, Julia Volonts, and many others from various backgrounds and experiences in art therapy.
With a focus on eco art therapy, I was able to redefine and discover my interests and my relationship with nature in a natural setting where creativity and communication blended beautifully during the 3-day residency. There, I learned to deepen my understanding of art therapy while combining my existing knowledge of service design and graphic design practices.
Language & Long-Term Living in Europe
This section is for expats wondering about language barriers and choosing where to live for the long haul.
I only speak English, but I can speak a bit of German and very little Latvian. The languages are not so hard once you're around the people; however, you can get by speaking English in the larger cities. If you're considering living longer in Eastern Europe, think about your priorities when settling down for the long term.
What has helped me live in Europe is that I prioritize health, transportation, space, and food in my choices of living in different countries. Therefore, determine what you want long-term: a relationship, a different career path or education, a natural environment, or a different political system.
In my next journey, I will still be in Europe, focusing on Scandinavian and Germanic countries where I will continue to pursue my education, contribute to building new narratives for Service Design practices, and create a personal life around it.
Supporting the Community Through Design
This final section touches on the why — for those inspired to create impact through design, art, and policy.
Whether you are visiting or relocating to the Baltic region, always strive to support local communities and address the challenges they face. Through my experience working with clients, studios, and government agencies to provide better services to users, customers, and the people of the United States, I have learned that true understanding begins with looking beyond your own experiences.
Being creative isn't the only way to enjoy your time in a new area. Engaging in exploration, communicating with locals, attending events, and participating in various activities can greatly enrich your experience of living in Eastern Europe.
