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Aalto University Summer School 2024 Wrap-Up: Inspiring new learnings and opportunities for students from all over the world

Published: 11.9.2024

Summer 2024 was one for the books – with 250 students from 70 different nationalities, each summer course was a whirlwind of new meetings, learnings and connections at the Aalto University campus.

Summer School students at a welcome event in Helsinki. — Summer School students enjoying the Welcome Event in Helsinki city center. Photo: Mansi Garg

This summer contained summer courses in circular economy, Nordic product design, data visualisation, digital business, game design, personal growth, self-leadership, virtual reality, nordic biomaterials and radical creativity.

Each summer school course brought together a vibrant and diverse mix of students representing anywhere from 7 to an incredible 19 different nationalities. The Summer School classrooms were enriched by individuals with academic backgrounds spanning a broad spectrum – from Arts and Humanities, Business and Management, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences, to Mathematics and Computer Science, Engineering and Technology, Health and Medicine, and Environmental Studies.

Tommaso Astaldi at the farewell Coffee for Summer School students at Aalto University. — Tommaso Astaldi enjoying a cup of coffee at the Summer School Farewell event. Photo: Johanna Fagerström

‘The Scandinavian approach to teaching is widely appreciated from where I come from in Italy. Adding this course to my CV will certainly open up opportunities for me in my future career and enhance my academic and intellectual development.’

Tommaso Astaldi, Nordic Product Design summer 2024

Judith from the Personal Growth and Renewal summer course captured in the lobby of Aalto School of Business. — Judith Glibrich found the Personal Growth and Renewal summer course mind-opening. Photo: Johanna Fagerström

'I've taken self-development courses before, but none have been quite like this – this was truly something special. As a social worker, it's my responsibility to continually develop myself so I can better help others. The course description immediately caught my attention. I was excited by the idea of not just sitting in a lecture hall all day, but actually getting out there and pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zones.'

Judith Gilbrich, Personal Growth and Renewal summer 2024

Discovering Finnish culture and nature as part of the package

Academic and new learnings are a big part of the summer school experience, but getting to know a new country and its culture and gaining new networks and friendships are just as important.

In addition to participating in lectures, workshops, and group projects, the summer school students have experienced the best of Finnish summer through our diverse social program. From berry-picking, bonfires, and lake swimming in Nuuksio National Park to strolls through the charming streets of Porvoo’s Old Town, they’ve explored it all. Highlights also included ferry trips to the historic Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, scavenger hunts, dinners at Helsinki’s trendiest restaurants, and karaoke parties – not to mention exclusive company visits to some of Finland’s largest organisations like Kone and Supercell.

Students doing group work during th Nordic Product Design summer course. — Students materializing their designs at the Nordic Product Design summer course.

Marshmallow grilling with summer school students in Nuuksio National park. — Marshmallow grilling during an excursion to Nuuksio National Park with students from all the different summer courses. The event also included hiking, swimming and blueberry picking.

Students from the Radical Creativity summer course exploring in Suomenlinna. — The Radical Creativity summer course exploring Suomenlinna island.

A student trying out a VR headset. — Students got to showcase their VR experiments during the Intro to VR demo day.

Paige Livingston, Programme Assistant at Aalto University Summer School spent a lot of time with the summer school students during their stay at Aalto University, and has watched friendships grow between the students during the summer.

'Not only did I get to introduce our students to some of my favourite places in Helsinki, but we also got to enjoy new experiences together with a fresh perspective. Being able to see the confidence of our students grow, their friendships flourish, and having fun while learning the culture and history of Finland has been very rewarding.'

Can’t wait for next summer? Aalto University Winter School kicks off on January 13 – 24 2025. Make sure to apply and secure your place. The application period opens on 1 October 2024, including a 10% Early Bird discount on the tuition fee when paying before 21 October.