Donations make a difference

Challenging, developmental, colorful. Laborious, interesting, promise-stirring. Enriching, balanced, dynamic. Friendly, thorough, engaging. Comforting, life-changing, inspiring, meaningful. Collaboration. Rollercoaster. These are the words some of the students from Ukraine describe their experience so far in the Aalto community and with their studies. 

Based on the feedback, we have managed to establish and sustain a welcoming, safe atmosphere. This has been, and continues to be, a shared experience and effort in which we all – students, teachers and other staff as well as donors – have our respective roles.

Isolation is one of the most overwhelming deterrent in a foreign environment. Students from Ukraine, however, report that they have felt embraced and appreciate the social inclusion their studies and various events organized by student tutors and associations have provided them.

Several students have made a note how learning doesn't only happen in classrooms and in a teacher-centered way but also in various unexpected environments and in peer groups. Social interaction and student life activities play a significant role in the sense of belonging, one's well-being, and in the courage to be oneself and ask for help when needed. People from different cultural and educational backgrounds help you gain new perspectives on familiar matters.

The Ukrainian students have been scattered around the Otaniemi campus among a variety of study fields. They have attended classes with topics such as 3D-modelling, mechatronics, computer-aided design, circular economy, artificial intelligence, illustration, game design, marketing, communication, public speaking, economics, product development, sharing economy, and leadership.  

All in all, according to their personal accounts, when it comes to their education, the students especially value freedom of choice, flexibility in studies, and encouragement to find their own interests. Praises were also given for interdisciplinary aspects as well as courses and projects that bring students from different fields together; language courses, the practicality of teaching, and the treatment of current societal topics.

Apart from accumulating their course credits, their time at Aalto and the support shown by donors have provided the students both physical and emotional safety. Studying helps to focus on the future, and the scholarship has served as a stabilizing factor in their everyday life. It is motivating to do one's best when knowing that so many want to help.

Your support is needed

The university has decided to continue to offer non-degree study rights without fees for university students from Ukraine. Additionally students also need financial aid to ease their daily life in a foreign country, where they don't have existing safety nets.

At the moment, Aalto complements all donations given in 2024 with 20 percent of additional funding, making your donation especially significant right now.

If you are able to show your support financially, please consider donating.  

I am incredibly grateful to all donors for helping me and my Ukrainian colleagues. I have an extremely strong desire to give back to Finnish society right now and in the future. I also believe that thanks to this kind of initiative, a greater connection between Ukrainian and Finnish communities is established, and it will lead to more common values and more collaboration. 

– Anna Marushcha (School of Business)