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Isabel Towghi from Michigan, USA, is currently studying economics and information systems in her final year at the Loyola University Chicago.  

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. 

Loyola 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 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.