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From Thai to Global: Discovering Finland and New Confidence in English

Published: 16.9.2026

Ceramic artist and content creator Natcha Kiattanavith joined three Aalto University Summer School courses in 2026. During her time in Aalto, she gained a lot of confidence in public speaking in English and made many friends.

Smiling young woman on a green bench in a sunny campus park with brick buildings and tall trees. — Natcha sat at this table every day to meet and discuss her team project during one of the courses. Photo: Anni Zhao, Aalto University

After four weeks in Finland and three courses at Aalto University Summer School, we sat down with Natcha Kiattanavith from Bangkok, Thailand. Having originally graduated in printmaking for textiles, she nowadays works as a ceramic artist and content creator on Instagram and TikTok.

Why did you choose to participate in Aalto University Summer School?

Before choosing the course topics and the university, I started by choosing the country. I really love the Nordic countries and was between Denmark and Finland. But since Finland is so well-known for its education, I was curious and wanted to participate in something there.

I chose three courses in total to strengthen my skills: Nordic Design Futures, Designing Brand Strategy and English for Impact and Innovation. Particularly, I chose English for Impact and Innovation because I would love to start creating content in English as well. Currently, my social media channels are entirely in Thai, and I would like to create content for everyone, not just people in Thailand.

Two smiling women indoors, one in a light jacket holding a card, the other in a brown shirt making a peace sign — Nicole Ivarsson-Keng and Natcha Kiattanavith at the Summer School Farewell event. Photo: Weiting

What was the best part of the English for Impact and Innovation course?

I think the atmosphere in the course was very good because our teacher Nicole Ivarsson-Keng created a safe environment and encouraged us to have the confidence to speak in English. Even if you made mistakes, it was alright.

How will you apply what you have learned in Aalto to your life?

Before coming to Aalto, I did not have much confidence speaking English in public. But after the course, I have gained a lot of confidence, and I am fine with making mistakes.

Now that my new friends and I are going back home, my goal is to make all my social media content in English. I want my friends from abroad to understand what I say.

Group posing playfully on a wooden lakeside pier, green forest behind and two rowboats by the dock

I made some twenty new friends, so coming to Aalto was the best decision I made this year.

Natcha Kiattanavith

Person in a light jacket holding a toasted marshmallow on a stick in a sunny forest — Natcha roasted marshmallows in one of the public campfire sites in Nuuksio National Park.

Where Nature Meets Town

Finally, Natcha sums up her experience: “I think the summer school is a very good place to study and to experience Finland in the very best weather.”

She joined the Summer School evening trip to the nearby Nuuksio National Park twice and mentioned the trips as one of the highlights of her time in Finland.

Coming from the metropolis of Bangkok, she also appreciated the easy access to nature on campus and Helsinki area in general. “You have the nature and you have the town; it's the perfect combination. I lived in Otaniemi and there was a forest trail right behind my building.”

Person lying on grass wearing a yellow shirt with white text and a black-and-white checkered jacket.

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.