When Kristina Reinsalu set off from her home in Estonia one quiet Sunday afternoon, she wasn’t just making the familiar journey north to Helsinki. She was stepping into a new chapter of her life.
“I had worked for the same organization for nearly two decades,” says Reinsalu, a senior expert on citizen engagement and digital transformation based in Estonia. “After a major organizational change, I realized I needed to reflect, learn, and grow. I wanted to understand change not just as a concept, but as something lived.”
That realization led her to the Aalto EE Global Leader program – a part-time program designed for professionals seeking new perspectives and leadership skills in an international context.
She wasn’t alone. Professionals from across the world have found their way to Finland to participate in the Aalto Executive MBA, Aalto MBA, and Global Leader programs. Their reasons differ, but a common thread runs through their stories: the desire to expand their worldview and develop as leaders in an environment known for its openness, calm, and commitment to quality education.
Why Finland, why Aalto EE?
For many participants, choosing Finland was no accident. Shreyaa Sriram moved from India to pursue her MBA and has enthusiastically defended her decision ever since. “Why Finland? My question is – why not?” she says. “Finland is amazing, and here’s why: the people are kind and honest, the culture is a mix of modern innovation and tradition, the air is clean, and the education is among the best in the world.” She especially appreciated the country’s emphasis on practical learning and critical thinking.
Moving from across the world was a big decision for Sriram. "But it was the right one for me. The opportunity to engage with the local business community, learn from professors and peers in person, and be part of a global network has been incredibly rewarding,” she says. This move allowed her to connect deeply with the Finnish business scene, not only through the program but also by building relationships within the local professional network.
Stef van der Made, who lives in the Netherlands, explored multiple MBA options across Europe before selecting Aalto EE. The combination of academic rigor, international cohort, and modular structure stood out. “I did my research,” he says. “Aalto EE offered the best overall package.”
“I’ve had a long relationship with Finland. I’ve worked on projects here and always had a connection to the Finnish market, so it was natural for me to choose Aalto,” says Manuel Heckmann from Germany. “I always made it a point to travel a day earlier to adjust before the module started. It worked out well, and I even brought my wife along on a few occasions. It allowed me to immerse myself fully in the Finnish ecosystem and stay connected with my professional network,” he says.
For Kristina Reinsalu, Finland’s reputation for peace and stability was part of the draw. “I was intrigued by the idea that Finland consistently ranks among the happiest countries in the world,” she says. “After studying here, I understand why. It’s peaceful, safe, and people are genuinely kind. The atmosphere supports deep thinking and reflection.”
Reinsalu traveled to Helsinki from her hometown of Tartu, Estonia, balancing her professional commitments with the demands of the program. “Traveling to Helsinki every few months was an important commitment for me, and I truly felt that it was worth it,” she says.
Torsten Amstein, a German national who was living and working in Finland when he began in the Aalto MBA program, says being familiar with the environment made the transition smoother. His ability to build on existing local knowledge allowed him to engage with the content more effectively and apply it directly to his work.
“There’s a peacefulness to life in Finland that makes it easier to concentrate on learning,” he says. “The way the program is designed supports deep engagement without feeling overwhelming.”
That calmness also came with a challenge: the participants commuted regularly to Finland for the in-person modules. Stef Van der Made found traveling from the Netherlands intense but rewarding. “You fly in, you work hard, you fly back. But every module feels like an investment in yourself. It pulls you out of the daily routine and gives you space to think strategically.”
Balancing life, work, and studies
For adult learners, going back to school is rarely a simple decision. Most are managing full-time jobs, families, or both.
Manuel Heckmann, who participated in the Executive MBA, appreciated the modular structure. “It allowed me to continue working while studying, even though it demanded sacrifices. I had to use weekends, holidays, evenings… but it was worth it. The structure helps you build discipline.”
Kristina Reinsalu agrees. “I basically gave up my weekends for a year. But what I gained in return was clarity, perspective, and new energy. Even the assignments pushed us to reflect on our values and leadership styles.”
Stef van der Made admits the schedule was demanding. “You need to be intentional with your time. For me, that meant prioritizing study weekends and saying no to other commitments,” he explains.
Learning in a truly international community
While Finland provided the backdrop, it was the community that gave the experience its depth. Each cohort brings together professionals from diverse sectors and cultures, creating fertile ground for peer learning.
“I learned as much from my classmates as I did from the faculty,” says Shreyaa Sriram. “Everyone brings different experiences to the table. That diversity is what made the program so rich.”
Manuel Heckmann concurs. “You’re constantly learning from people who think differently from you,” he says. “It challenges your assumptions and expands your thinking.”
He also appreciated the practicality of the teaching. “The professors weren’t just academics. They were practitioners. You could feel that every case study, every discussion was grounded in real life.”
And while most participants didn’t expect to build close personal ties in a short period, many were surprised by the friendships that formed.
“I didn’t expect Finnish people to be so open,” Kristina Reinsalu says. “But my peers were incredibly supportive. We bonded over group assignments, coffee breaks, and shared challenges.”
Leading with empathy and self-awareness
Aalto EE’s programs emphasize human-centered leadership. Study modules such as “Leading Change and Transformation” and “Self-Leadership” invite participants to explore who they are as people, not just as professionals.
“That was eye-opening,” says Stef van der Made. “It’s not just about frameworks and KPIs. It’s about understanding how you lead people through uncertainty and complexity.”
Manuel Heckmann recalls a module on change leadership that made a lasting impression: “It helped me reflect on how I show up as a leader during times of uncertainty.”
For Kristina Reinsalu, these reflections hit close to home. “My organization went through painful changes. I now see clearly what could have been done differently: putting people at the center. This program helped me make sense of that experience and grow from it.”
Looking ahead
After completing their studies, many participants plan to stay connected with Finland, whether through professional collaborations, networks, or simply future visits.
“Helsinki feels like a second home now,” says Shreyaa Sriram. “I’ve built a network here, and I see myself coming back, for work, for friends, for life.”
She notes that the Aalto MBA didn’t just expand her professional network but also deepened her understanding of cultural intelligence. “In today’s global workplace, that’s a real asset,” she says.
“For me, the biggest payoff has been the personal development,” says Stef van der Made. “And beyond that, I’ve also applied insights from some of the modules in the two organizations I’ve worked for during my EMBA.”
Torsten Amstein sums it all up: “You don’t just leave with a certificate. You leave with new ways of thinking, new friends, and new energy.”
