This course primarily focuses on the experience of how it feels to be an entrepreneur. The entrepreneurial mindset is not only about starting a new company but about making things happen. Instead of concentrating on knowing and doing, the course emphasizes being 鈥 being aligned, being sensitive, and being active. Teaching sessions are places for exploration, where students actively participate in creating immersive experiences designed to evoke new visions and strong emotions.
Throughout the course, we practice adapting to new situations and disrupting old habits. We delve into the principle of maximum efficiency and learn how to increase our impact while keeping both physical and emotional loads within healthy limits. We find ways to use all of our senses to gather information, filter signals from noise and recognize patterns. We practice ways to navigate an uncurated world and spot opportunities.
This course explores transdisciplinarity and fosters clarity, helping participants build a strong core to stay focused under pressure. Students uncover their true voice, master dialogue, and gain the courage to be seen and heard. Creativity is nurtured by creating mental space, while future foresight and active optimism empower individuals to take control of their lives rather than simply going along for the ride.
Finally, we add emotional connection to the mix, practising awareness and discovering ways to integrate meaningful changes into our lives.
Aalto University Summer School alum Judith Gilbrich was impressed with how Aalto University truly lives up to its reputation as a supporter and facilitator of innovation and creativity.
Julia Zambrzycki shares how the Personal Growth and Renewal course can help us become visionary leaders in constantly changing times.
11 August 鈥 22 August 2025: Lectures and workshops on-site at Aalto University campus
This course is experiential and case-based, taking place in different locations around Helsinki, which requires walking and moving around.
During the Personal Growth and Renewal course, students learn to:
This course is centered on experiencing various exercises and reflecting on them. While the exercises in the course are rooted in the theories of pedagogy, psychology, sociology, entrepreneurship, and neuroscience, there will be limited theoretical lecturing. This course is experiential and case-based, taking place in different locations around Helsinki, which requires walking and moving around.
Course workload
Contact hours 25h
Project work 15h
Independent assignments 14h
Total workload 54h (2 ECTS)
The course is graded as pass/fail.
Please note that the undergraduate courses offered by Aalto University Summer School can not be included in Aalto degree studies.
The assignments include:
This course does not require previous experience in the topic.
Participants must have completed a high school or vocational degree or equivalent by the time the course starts. However, they do not have to be a degree student at a university to participate in our courses.
Additionally, all summer school course students must be 18 years or older, as it is the legal age in Finland.
Please include a motivation letter or video in your application. In your motivation letter or video, describe your motivation for taking this course. The recommended length for the motivation letter is 150-250 words, and 1-2 minutes for the video.
Tuition fees for Summer School courses
One course: 1170鈧 (incl. VAT 25,5%)
Social program fee
If you need a visa, we recommend applying by April 15th 2025.
Learn about the Aalto University Summer School cancellation terms. You will receive the full terms before making the payment and confirming the course participation.
Anna Dementyeva is working as an Incubation Specialist at Aalto Ventures Program. Her task is to coach and mentor students who want to turn their ideas into reality. In her coaching, Anna puts a lot of emphasis on a person鈥檚 well-being and self-awareness skills. Anna has degrees in pedagogy and business and has 15 years of experience teaching and working with entrepreneurs.
Johannes Kaira works as a teacher at Aalto University. For the past six years he has worked as coach Aalto Ventures Program, specialising in problem-solving and design. Johannes holds a master's degree in Architecture from Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture.
Get to know your coursemates and Finland through engaging extracurricular activities and social events organised by the Summer School team.
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.
Get to know the application guidelines and tuition fees.
Learn about the guidelines for visa application and budgeting for your stay during the summer course.
