The School of Business hosts Copenhagen Business School to advance Nordic collaboration
The visit brought together 24 CBS colleagues from their International Relations and Careers and Project Coordination teams, reflecting the breadth of the long-standing partnership and a shared ambition to continuously learn from one another.
During the programme, Wilbert van der Meer, Director of International Programmes, and Michala Tomra, Head of Project Coordination and Careers, presented CBS’s new international strategy and vision for the future educational landscape to Aalto colleagues.
Coordinated by Saila Kurtbay, Head of International Affairs at Aalto, together with Scott Lewis Deputy Director of International Programmes at CBS, the visit combined strategic dialogue with hands-on peer learning. Discussions focused on international partnerships, the development of partner university networks, student mobility processes, and joint and double degree programmes, as well as the broader evolution of global education.
Collaboration also extended to corporate relations and career services. Sessions led by Annemari Rautio, Senior Manager, Corporate Relations, explored employer engagement and student career development, offering opportunities to exchange best practices and strengthen cooperation in these areas.
On the second day, Campus Architect Pauliina Skyttä introduced Aalto’s campus development work, highlighting the importance of student experience in designing multidisciplinary learning environments. The campus tour included the Harald Herlin Learning Centre, the Undergraduate Centre and Väre, showcasing the close integration of the School of Business with the School of Arts, Design and Architecture.
Beyond formal sessions, the programme offered opportunities to experience Finnish culture, from a visit to the historic Suomenlinna sea fortress to sauna and shared dinners in Helsinki, strengthening connections in an informal setting.
Saila Kurtbay, Head of International Relations at Aalto University School of Business‘This visit highlights the importance of close collaboration between leading Nordic institutions. CBS is a key international partner for us, and exchanges like this help us learn from each other, elevate our practices and continue developing high-quality services for our students and partners.’
Scott Lewis from CBS also emphasised the value of the visit: ‘We felt right at home, and are looking forward to forging even stronger ties with our neighbours in the north.’
The visit highlighted the strong partnership between Aalto University School of Business and Copenhagen Business School, built on shared values, trust and a joint commitment to developing international education.
Further information
Annemari Rautio
Internationalisation at the School of Business
Internationalisation is one of the three strategic focus areas of the Aalto University School of Business, alongside academic excellence and sustainability.
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