Custom Programs
Experience Finland’s Cutting-Edge Education with Short-term Programs at Aalto University.
“This hands-on approach is the absolute best way to learn” – Loyola University Chicago and Aalto University partnered for the sixth time
The collaboration between Loyola University Chicago and Aalto University Summer School gives Loyola students a unique opportunity to experience the Finnish business landscape, connect with local experts, and explore Aalto University and Finnish culture at the same time.
Isabel Towghi from Michigan, USA, is currently studying economics and information systems in her final year at the Loyola University Chicago (LUC).
She found the Global Perspectives on Digital Business program by Aalto University Summer School through recommendations from friends who had participated in earlier implementations. In August 2025, she jumped on a plane from Chicago to Helsinki as one of the participants.
‘My friends’ opinions played a big role when I made the decision. When they returned from their experience in 2024, they couldn’t stop talking about how impressive the Aalto campus was and how much they enjoyed Finland as a country. I also haven’t been on any exchange during my studies, so this was a perfect opportunity for a curated short-term exchange before I graduate next year,’ says Isabel.
LUC and Aalto University partnered for the sixth time in summer 2025. The program strives to broaden young professionals’ perspectives by combining disruptive digital business concepts with real-world cases, enabling students to engage with global trends and challenges.
What was your favorite part of your stay?
I’ve never been to a medieval city, so visiting the beautiful Old Town in Tallinn, Estonia was a definite highlight. As an American, it felt surreal to step onto a ferry that felt like a mini cruise ship and find myself in another country only two hours later.
What was on your Finland bucket list?
‘My roommate and I created a list of things we wanted to do while we were here, especially after hearing how great Helsinki’s secondhand shopping scene is. We spent two full days thrifting around the city, which was a lovely experience.
Sauna was also at the top of our list, so we enjoyed an authentic public sauna experience at the beautiful Löyly, with direct access to the sea,’ says Isabel.
What stood out about the program?
The program itself is very tightly aligned with working life and real-life examples and challenges. For me, this hands-on approach is the absolute best way to learn.
I also feel that the collaborative environment and the support from teachers helped us grow and develop during the two-week program.
Would you recommend this to others and why?
I would definitely recommend this experience to others that contemplate participating in a short-term program. The program was well-balanced and extremely well run, and the program assistants were friendly, helpful, and approachable. Aalto seems like a great and highly regarded university – when we went out to the city and locals asked why we were visiting, everyone immediately recognized Aalto.
Learn more about the custom programs for groups
Custom Programs – What we offer
Memorable academic and cultural experiences. Customise a short-term program for your students at Aalto University.
Aalto University Summer School
Aalto University Summer School offers high-quality academic summer courses and programs at Aalto University during the winter and the summer.
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Aalto University and Bocconi University to launch a double degree programme in strategic and creative marketing
The first cohort, 10 students admitted through Aalto and 10 through Bocconi, will start their studies in autumn 2027
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Aalto is a member of Unite!, a European university alliance that gives students the opportunity to internationalise their degrees both online and in-person. Join the webinar to find out more.
Opinion: Finnish language learning should be integrated into degree programs
In this opinion piece, Rebekka Nylund, an expert at the University of Helsinki, and Elisa Räsänen, a university lecturer at Aalto University, reflect on what they have learned from the EU-co-funded Language-supported Knowledge Pathways project and offer suggestions on how and why learning Finnish could be integrated into the structures of higher education degree programs.