Carlson School Exchange in Finland: Aalto University School of Business
Undergraduate Global ImmersionProgram Dates:
The academic calendar at Aalto will differ from the University of Minnesota and all exchange students are expected to be at their host campus on the first day of orientation and through the last day of final exams.
| Autumn Term 2023: | Spring Term 2024: |
|---|---|
| Orientation: August 28 - September 3, 2023 | Orientation: TBD |
| Period 1: September 4 - October 22, 2023 | Period 3: January 8 - February 25, 2024 |
| Period 2: October 23 - December 10, 2023 | Period 4: February 26 - April 21, 2024 |
| Period 5: April 22 - June 9, 2024 |
The priority deadline for Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 is February 1st, 2023 at noon.
Program Details
- Successful exchange students demonstrate a high degree of independence, adaptability, and flexibility because support and services will be different from a US university
- You are enrolled as an exchange student at a host university and take business courses in English
- You take courses with students from the host university as well as other exchange students from around the world
- You attend the host university according to their term dates which differ from the University of Minnesota
- A small group of Carlson students are selected to study at each partner university per semester and are fully immersed in another country, culture, and education system
- You will work closely with both Carlson School advisers and advisers from the host university for support pre-departure and during your semester abroad
What is a Business Exchange Program?
Established in 1911, the School of Business is the largest and leading business school in Finland. Studying at the School of Business is a challenging and exciting opportunity to enrich one's academic knowledge and professional skills. Highly qualified scientific research merges with corporate connections, providing students with a combination of extensive theoretical studies and real business life experiences. Helsinki is a major urban center and the northernmost capital of the European Union. Finland is ranked among the best in OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), an internationally standardized assessment for skills in science, mathematics and reading.
Helsinki is home to SLUSH, an annual fair where startups and technology talent meet with international investors. SLUSH started in 2009 as Aalto students' initiative with 300 participants. In 2016, SLUSH brought together over 15,000 attendees, 1,700 startups, 200 speakers, 4 stages, and more than 3,500 companies for the 2-day event. There were 1,500 student volunteers working to make it happen. Excellent opportunity to an exchange student to learn about the event by volunteering. In return, students get a certificate that they have volunteered at SLUSH. The philosophy being SLUSH is to help the next generation of great, world-conquering companies forward.
- The Carlson Global Institute strongly encourages students to live in the on-campus housing options as those are affiliated with and vetted by the partner institutions.
- Students should check the host university website and fact sheet for specific accommodations information including on-campus and off-campus options, application process and deadline, and cost information.
- Students on exchange programs take a full semester course load at their host university (12 UMN credits/semester, unless the host university credit requirement is higher).
- Starting Fall 2020, courses from exchange partners transfer back as transfer credit on the official UMN transcript. Transfer credit does not affect overall GPA.
- Business courses taught in English are available to exchange students.
- Students participating in CGI semester exchange programs are strongly encouraged to enroll in the 1-credit Global Identity course for business students. This course helps you to develop your intercultural skills and articulate the value of your experience to future employers. It offers an additional layer of support through one-on-one interactions with your instructor that complements the independent structure of the exchange program.
- For information about specific courses available to exchange students please meet with an adviser.
- No host country language skills required
- UMN student who has successfully completed the I-Core curriculum or equivalent coursework
- Preference is given to Carlson School of Management students
- Preferred minimum GPA of 3.0
- Additional criteria may apply
- The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation
- All Carlson students are responsible for obtaining a passport before they participate on a study abroad program
- All students participating on an exchange program will be responsible for obtaining a visa or residence permit if required by their host country. The Carlson Global Institute does not process visa applications for students participating on exchange programs
- The Carlson Global Institute and the host university will provide resources for visa and residence permit applications if necessary, but students will need to work with the consulate and/or visa processing company directly as well
- Minnesota residents applying for the Finnish student residence permit may need to appear in person at the consulate in New York. Please see the official consulate website for more details.
- Visa and passport requirements are always subject to change by the host country and students are expected to check with the consulate for up-to-date information
To apply for an exchange program you must first apply through the Carlson Global Institute on the Apply page. You will be charged a $50 application fee for each term that you apply for a program. If you apply for two programs in Fall semester you will be charged $50. If you apply for one program in Fall semester and one in Spring semester you will be charged $100. The priority deadline for Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 is February 1, 2023 at noon. Applications will open during the Fall 2021 semester. Applications for programs that do not fill by the priority deadline will be accepted on a rolling basis until full. Applications will be reviewed and students will be informed of their status within 6 weeks of the priority deadline. Once accepted into an exchange program, you will also complete an application to the host university.
Most financial aid may be applied to study abroad. University of Minnesota students are eligible for education abroad scholarships. Please visit "Financial Aid" and "Scholarships" for more information.
Cost Estimate (Summary)
Expenses are based on a 5 month semester. These estimates will vary based on student preference and exchange rates. All details subject to change based on economic and international factors. Most financial aid may be applied to study abroad programs. Students should also maintain their U.S.-based health insurance plan while abroad. Visa and passport costs are subject to change. Please verify current documentation costs with the host country consulate. Carlson School tuition costs based on rates for MN residents registered for 12+ credits.
The Program Fee includes program administration costs, maintaining student status at the UMN for the exchange semester, and international travel, health and security insurance.
| Estimated Expenses 2022-2023 | Global Immersion Exchange (CGI Semester) | UMTC On-Campus Costs (Carlson Semester) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlson School MN Resident Tuition (charged to UMN student account) | $7,003 | $7,003 | ||
| Carlson School Tuition Surcharge (charged to UMN student account) | $1,250 | $1,250 | ||
| Program Fee (charged to UMN student account) | $2,500 | N/A | ||
| One credit online UMN Global Identity Course (optional) (charged to UMN student account) | $200 | N/A | ||
| Airfare (to and from program site) | $1,200 | N/A | ||
| Documentation (passport, visa, immunization) | $510 | N/A | ||
| Books and Materials | $200 | $500 | ||
| Accommodations & Meals | $5,000 | $5,947 | ||
| Essential Daily Living Expenses | $2,000 | $1,114 | ||
| Miscellaneous | $500 | N/A | ||
| Total Program Cost | $20,363 | $15,814 | ||
| Program Incremental Cost (additional cost for studying abroad vs. staying on-campus for a semester) | $4,549 ($20,363 - $15,814) | - |
| Estimated Expenses 2022-2023 | Global Immersion Exchange (CGI Semester) | UMTC On-Campus Costs (Carlson Semester) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated Expenses 2022-2023 | Global Immersion Exchange (CGI Semester) | UMTC On-Campus Costs (Carlson Semester) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|