Custom Programs
Experience Finland’s Cutting-Edge Education with Short-term Programs at Aalto University.
Example custom program
What does a customised short-term program at Aalto University entail? Check out our example program for more insight.
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We help you to create an intensive short-term program that delves into essential topics across design, business, and engineering. Tailored to fit your students’ needs, our custom programs offer a chance to study high-demand subjects while experiencing Finnish culture in a unique educational setting.
Below you can find an example schedule of a programme. If you wish to gain some inspiration before choosing a topic, you can visit our list of example topics. You can also suggest your own topic idea.
Example schedule
Week 1
During the first week, the group gets acquainted with the Aalto University campus and explores Finland while learning the basics of the subject. The project work also begins, allowing students to address real-life challenges and apply the knowledge they have gained from lectures and workshops.
| Schedule for Week 1 | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Welcome session and guided Aalto campus tour | Lecture or workshop | Lecture or workshop | Lecture or workshop | Lecture or workshop |
| Lunch break | Lunch break | ||||
| Afternoon | Lecture or workshop | Introduction to individual or team projects | Walking tour of Helsinki | Trip to Suomenlinna | Independent project work |
Trip to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
Discover the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a significant part of Finland's heritage and one of the country’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This 18th-century fortress, accessible via a short ferry ride from Helsinki, features historical military architecture, scenic cobblestone pathways, and preserved fortifications that offer insight into Finnish and Nordic maritime defense history.
Visitors can explore Suomenlinna’s unique buildings and grounds while appreciating its role in Finland's cultural landscape.
Week 2
The second week begins with a project workshop, facilitating students to finalise their projects in time. The lectures and workshops explore the course topic in greater depth, providing students with new perspectives. Additionally, a presentation skills workshop helps students prepare for their final presentations.
| Schedule for Week 2 | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Guided project workshop | Lecture or workshop | Lecture or workshop | Lecture or workshop | Final project presentations |
| Lunch break | Lunch break | ||||
| Afternoon | Lecture or workshop | Trip to Porvoo | Presentation skills workshop | Independent project work | Wrap-up, reflection and feedback discussion |
Trip to Porvoo
Porvoo, founded almost 800 years ago, is a historically significant and scenic destination known for its well-preserved Old Town. This area features iconic red riverside warehouses and narrow, cobbled streets lined with colourful wooden houses.
A walk through Porvoo’s historic squares, 15th-century cathedral, and artisan shops provides insight into Finland’s past and architectural heritage. The town’s riverside area is also among Finland’s most photographed landscapes, making it a meaningful and picturesque addition to any visit.
Trips and events
We always decide on events and trips in collaboration with you. The suggested walking tour of Helsinki and trips to Porvoo and Suomenlinna above can be swapped out or complemented with additional destinations. See below some of the other events and trips we have organised for student groups in the past.
Evenings and weekends
We recommend dedicating some of the evenings and the weekends to free time. Often, students wish to have free time to explore the area, do sports, go shopping or enjoy the culture according to their own preferences. Also, students usually spend some time in the evenings preparing for lectures or working on their group projects.
Contact us to get started
We invite you to bring your students É«É«À² University for a unique short-term program. Our engaging teaching methods offer a memorable academic and cultural experience in Finland's capital area.
Contact us to discuss how we can collaborate to create a program that aligns with your institution’s goals for internationalisation and provides an unforgettable learning opportunity for your students.
Summer School team
Individual students, other questions about Aalto University Summer School
Read more about custom programs
Custom Programs – What we offer
Memorable academic and cultural experiences. Customise a short-term program for your students at Aalto University.
Examples of custom program topics
Design a short-term program with us in various design, business, and engineering topics.