The School of Business encourages students to become internationally orientated. Almost 60 % of our students go on exchange abroad annually, and the School spends a significant sum providing a grant to each one of them. As the number of students is increasing, and we are in a situation where we can no longer only rely on government funding, we need your help in order to continue providing this support going forward.
Read more about making a donation, donor recognition and tax deduction possibilities (in Finland) here.
Below some School of Business alumni and students share their own experiences from student exchange and tell how the exchange abroad has affected their studies and career.
"My student exchange in France was important to me, and the experience has proven to be very useful in my international career. In addition to France, I learned a lot from other countries and cultures during the exchange, as there was a multicultural diversity of exchange students studying at the same time. I also created permanent friendships during that time.
The student exchange is also important for the society, as Finland lives on foreign trade and international relations are important to us. Students should learn to understand the global environment and create foreign networks already during studies. I think every Aalto student should spend at least some time abroad."
Ambassador, Embassy of Finland in Israel
School of Business alumna, class '90
"Student exchange was a great way to experience a completely different culture, language and education system in a foreign country. The exchange organized by the School of Business was an easy and safe choice to experience something new, which would not have been possible otherwise!
During the exchange, I learned to better understand the different ideologies people might have depending on their background and culture. This is a skill which I use everyday in my international sales job. Moreover, I met new people, who have become my friends for life."
Head of International, Rabbit Films
School of Business alumnus, Mikkeli class BScBA 4
"In the spring of 1951, I received a scholarship from the Foundation for Economic Education and left Helsinki for a student exchange in London.The experience was interesting, as I gained a lot of new international friends, and with some of them, the friendship has lasted through our lifetime.
My studies in London were mostly focused on learning the language, but also business studies were included. Those three months abroad were an extremely rewarding and memorable experience!"
School of Business alumna, class '49
"I completed my student exchange in Buenos Aires in autumn 2018.
I met lots of people there coming from around the world, which broadened my perspective and understanding on different cultures. It was also an excellent opportunity to enhance my language skills.
The exchange supported my business studies and gave me a clearer vision of where I want to focus on in my master's studies. I believe that the international experience will benefit me later on in my studies and in the future career, for I would like to work in a multicultural environment."
Student, Master's program in Marketing, Aalto University School of Business
"Going on exchange in Taiwan was absolutely the best decision I have made during my university career. Even though it is not a vacation, the exchange gave me the opportunity to relax for a moment. Especially in the School of Business, starting your career already during the studies is seen as very important among the students, so it was nice to put part-time jobs, student activities and job-hunting aside for awhile.
New friendships made during the exchange and the new environment have also affected my worldview – I can honestly say that it has broadened a lot! The exchange offered possibilities to undertake different courses from what I would have chosen in Finland. For example, all of my courses abroad focused on sustainability and environmental topics."
Student, Bachelor's program in Information and Service Management, Aalto University School of Business
We offer you, as a donor of the School of Business, the possibility to be recognized in our new building. By donating at least 250 euros as an individual, you will have the possibility of having your name carved into the Donors’ Wall, and by donating at least 1000 euros as an individual, you can have a lecture hall seat named after you.
All donations above 850 euros can be directly deducted from your taxes (this applies in Finland), which means that, in essence, you have a chance to direct your taxes to support your alma mater.
Read more about making a donation, donor recognition and tax deduction possibilities (in Finland) here.
More than 60% of students at the School of Business experience an international exchange every year. The School of Business gives financial support to every one of its students going on exchange abroad. As a donor, you can do the same.
At the School of Business, we work for better business and a better society by educating future talents.