International studies with the support of donors

International student exchange is an essential part of the studies at the Aalto University School of Business. Every year, about 60 percent of students go on exchange abroad. The School of Business encourages its students to study abroad and supports everyone who leaves with a grant. This would not be possible without donors’ support.

‘Over the years, we have received many kinds of donations for student exchange, such as Einar and Hanna Haapala's bequest, a donation from Kauppatieteiden kandidaattiyhdistys and the long-term support of the Gesellius Foundation (Stiftelsen Emilie och Rudolf Gesellius fond),’ says Timo Korkeamäki, Dean of the School of Business. 'The experience from international exchange helps students operate in international environment and thereby supports Finnish society and business.’ 

The School of Business has about 160 partner universities around the world. After the pandemic, a record number of 543 students applied for international exchange for the academic year 2022–2023. The unstable geopolitical situation has significantly increased the demand for European destinations.

Most of the donations earmarked for student exchange are invested in a capitalizing fund, the income of which is used for foreign exchange grants. ‘A warm thank you to every organisation and individual donor who has supported our international student exchange programme. Together we have helped our students internationalise and enabled them to have memorable experiences around the world,’ Timo Korkeamäki says.

Text: Helena Salminen

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