The 2024 president of Probba, the Student organization of Aalto University School of Business, Mikkeli campus is Uy Vũ Le. He follows as the successor of Otava Tuomi.
According to Uy Vũ, Probba is a significant community for both the current 250 students and alumni of the Bachelor's Programme in International Business.
- Being the chairperson means a lot to me. Now I can do my best for the common good, says Uy Vũ, who began his studies in Mikkeli last August.
Vietnamese Uy Vũ is one of the first foreign chairpersons of Probba. But how did the young man who grew up in the metropolitan city of Ho Chi Minh end up in Mikkeli?
- I got the idea from my cousin who studied in the Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences. I wanted to enroll in the Bachelor's Programme in International Business, as I wanted to study business in English at Aalto University, which is one of the most prestigious institutions in Finland.
Reflecting on his first semester, he considers coming to Mikkeli being the best decision he has made so far.
- I get to study in an international environment, which provides multiple perspectives to my studies.
Uy Vũ emphasizes that things are done differently in Mikkeli compared to most universities. The three-week study modules allow for thorough focus on one subject at a time.
- The studies are fast-paced and efficient, also allowing for quicker graduation. The degree is completed in 2.5 years instead of the usual three, which is one of the strengths of Mikkeli's programme.
The goal of Uy Vũ, who fluently speaks English, is to learn Finnish and settle in Finland or another Nordic country, where he sees opportunities for a good life.
- Finland has met my expectations. I hope that in the future I can work in the business sector.
The new chairperson of Probba has enjoyed his time in Mikkeli. He says that you can reach everywhere by walking, the nature is beautiful, and the people are helpful and friendly.
As the chairperson, Uy Vũ Le follows Otava Tuomi, who is originally from Nurmijärvi. After completing high school, Otava wanted to study in an international environment and specifically in English.
He heard about the programme in Mikkeli on the second year of high school, when the student marketing team visited his high school to tell about the Bachelor’s Programme in International Business.
- Based on my previous visit to Mikkeli, I also had a positive impression of the city.
Otava’s experiences are similar to Uy Vũ’s.
- I have been very satisfied with the study place in terms of studies, community, and the city as well. Mikkeli is a suitable sized city that has everything you need.
He considers the quality of education excellent, and according to him, the student community is really tight-knit.
- The programme's professors come from various prestigious universities around the world, providing insights from different perspectives. Additionally, the mandatory exchange period of the programme allows students to explore the culture of another country.
Otava says that he has had a great year as the chairperson of Probba. He has learned a lot about leadership, teamwork and event organization.
- Probba has given me many new networks as well as good friends. I have gotten to know the alumni of the programme who still share the same sense of belongingness in the community.
The international perspective brought by the new chairperson aligns well with Probba's diverse student body, which respects over 20 nationalities.
- I want to show with my example that with hard work, anything is possible. Language barriers are not obstacles to achieving dreams, Uy Vũ assures.
Supporting Uy Vũ, Otava says that an international chairperson is an excellent opportunity for Probba to further improve the integration of international students into the community.
- We want everyone to feel at home, regardless of their mother tongue.
More about Probba: https://www.probba.org/
The Bachelor’s Programme in International Business provides students with a comprehensive range of skills and knowledge to build, develop and lead companies on a global scale. A bachelor’s degree in business with an international focus opens up a wide variety of career opportunities across all industries and continents.
Elli Jauhiainen, a second-year student of the Bachelor's Program in International Business says the best thing about the program is the opportunity to learn how to work in a multicultural environment: “It is fascinating to get to know the etiquette and customs of other business cultures.”