Aalto University Summer School
Everything you need to know about Summer School! Make this summer unforgettable and experience the best of Aalto University and Finland under the Nordic summer sun.
English for Innovation and Impact
Become a confident English speaker this summer! Learn how to use English as a tool for shaping ideas, inspiring creativity and creating meaningful impact.
Teaching period:
-
Application period:
30.1.2026 – 31.5.2026
Course format:
Campus
Duration:
2 weeks
part-time
Course level:
Undergraduate
Field of study:
Language and Culture
Credits:
2 ECTS
Organiser:
Aalto University
Tuition fees:
1270€
Early Bird offer at Aalto University Summer School
This interactive course combines English language development with creativity, leadership, and strategic communication skills. You will enhance your confidence in English through hands-on activities that mirror real-world communication challenges.
The future of work and global communication values clear, confident, and culturally aware voices. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the ability to articulate ideas effectively across contexts is a key skill for success. This course empowers you to use English not only as a language but as a tool for influence, creativity, and impact.
This multidisciplinary course merges language learning with innovation-driven communication practice. You will engage in practical projects, discussions, and presentations designed to strengthen your fluency, clarity, and leadership presence. Drawing inspiration from Finland’s forward-thinking approach to education and sustainability, you will learn to communicate with purpose and confidence in project-based learning and collaborative settings.
10 – 21 August 2026: Lecture weeks (on-site at Aalto University campus)
- Daily lectures in the mornings between 09 and 12 (Monday-Friday)
- Group project work and workshops
| WEEK 1 | Monday 10 August | Tuesday 11 August | Wednesday 12 August | Thursday 13 August | Friday 14 August |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning (9-12) |
Course session | Course session | Course session | Course session | Course session |
| Afternoon (13-16) |
| WEEK 2 | Monday 17 August | Tuesday 18 August | Wednesday 19 August | Thursday 20 August | Friday 21 August |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning (9-12) |
Course session | Course session | Course session | Course session | Final Presentations |
| Afternoon (13-16) |
Alongside the lectures, students have independent work, either in groups or individually. Students can coordinate with their teammates to complete these assignments outside of teaching hours.
The total workload of the course includes both contact lectures and the estimated amount of independent work. Some of the courses also have pre- or post-assignments included in the independent working hours.
-> Find the total course workload here
After completing the course, students will be able to:
- Communicate with greater fluency, clarity, and confidence in a range of professional, academic, and social settings.
- Apply English communication skills in project-based and collaborative activities addressing global and innovation-related themes.
- Adapt effectively to intercultural awareness in diverse communication environments.
- Lead discussions, facilitate teamwork, and deliver engaging presentations.
- Use creativity and design thinking to plan and execute purposeful communication.
- Reflect on personal communication development and identify strategies for future development.
The course assignments include:
- Project-based learning (PBL): participants work in small teams to develop and present a communication project inspired by Finnish innovation themes.
- Innovation Labs: participants design and deliver communication artefacts (presentations, pitches, dialogues) on themes such as sustainability, entrepreneurship, global challenges, and future thinking.
- Confidence-building modules: public speaking, voice and posture training, and managing speaking anxiety.
- Experiential Learning in Finland: outdoor communication tasks, cultural visits, and interviews with local innovators to apply English in authentic contexts.
- Feedback and Reflection: continuous formative feedback from instructor and peers, with structured reflection sessions to monitor progress and set personal communication goals.
- Final Showcase: a group presentation where participants demonstrate their improved communication, collaboration, and confidence.
Course workload
Preparation exercise 2h
Contact hours 30h
Individual or team student work 22h
Total 54h (2 ECTS)
The course is graded as pass/fail.
Please note that the undergraduate courses offered by Aalto University Summer School can not be included in Aalto degree studies.
This course does not require previous experience in the topic.
Participants must have completed a high school or vocational degree or equivalent by the time the course starts. However, they do not have to be a degree student at a university to participate in our courses.
Additionally, all summer school course students must be 18 years or older, as it is the legal age in Finland.
Alongside your CV, please include a motivation letter or video in your application. In your motivation letter or video, describe your motivation for taking this course. The recommended length for the motivation letter is 150-250 words, and 1-2 minutes for the video.
Tuition fees for Summer School courses
One course: 1270€ (incl. VAT 25,5%)
- The course fee includes academic course sessions and assignments, an official digital Aalto University certificate and support from the Summer School team. The fee does not cover accommodation, daily meals, or transportation during the course
- Unfortunately, Aalto University Summer School does not offer scholarships for participants.
Social program fee
More information about the social program coming soon!
Learn about the Aalto University Summer School cancellation terms. You will receive the full terms before making the payment and confirming the course participation.
If you need a visa, we recommend applying by April 15th 2026.
- This is to ensure that we have enough time to process your application and that you have time to make the tuition fee payment, book a visa appointment and wait for the application to be processed.
- You can apply and be accepted to the courses after April 15th. In that case, we recommend that you pay at your earliest convenience so that we can deliver your invitation letter to you promptly.
- According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, the processing time for a visa application is 15 days. However, the processing time may be longer if a more detailed application examination is required.
Course structure
1. Communicating with Confidence and Clarity
Developing verbal fluency, pronunciation, and delivery through interactive speaking tasks. Emphasis on public speaking, storytelling, and spontaneous communication in professional, academic, and social settings.
2. Intercultural and Global Communication
Exploring how language, culture, and context influence communication styles. Activities include intercultural simulations and reflection on adapting communication strategies for diverse audiences.
3. Creative and Strategic Communication
Introducing techniques for persuasive and purposeful communication, integrating design thinking and creativity in real-world themes such as sustainability, innovation, or entrepreneurship.
4. Collaborative and Project-Based Interaction
Developing teamwork, leadership, and facilitation skills through group projects.
5. Reflective Practice and Personal Growth
Practising self-assessment and metacognitive awareness of communication habits. Setting personal goals, receiving and giving formative feedback, and reflecting on the growth as communicators..
Dr Nicole Ivarsson-Keng is a University Lecturer in English at Aalto University, Finland. She holds a PhD in Educational Studies from the UK, specialising in language teaching and learning. With over 15 years of teaching experience across Taiwan, China, England, and Finland, she is passionate about innovative teaching, academic communication, and learner development.
Her teaching focuses on building confidence, independence, and practical strategies that support students as engaged and autonomous lifewide learners.
Summer School Team
Information for Summer and Winter School Applicants
Get to know the application guidelines and tuition fees.
Summer School social programme and events
Get to know your coursemates and Finland through engaging extracurricular activities and social events organised by the Summer School team.
Travel arrangements for Summer and Winter School students
Learn about the guidelines for visa application and budgeting for your stay during the summer course.