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Elli Alanko values the warm and collegial atmosphere at Aalen University. Photo: © Aalen University | Saskia Stüven-Kazi

Walking across the campus of Aalen University, one will hear snippets of conversations in many different languages—such as Georgian, English, Arabic, and Nepali. This reflects the university’s international spirit, as students from all over the world come together to study here. They bring the campus to life and create a truly global atmosphere. Aalen University maintains strong partnerships with more than 130 universities worldwide. In this special series, we share the inspiring stories of students from our partner universities who have chosen to continue their academic journey at Aalen University. This time, we feature Elli Alanko from Finland.

2,500 kilometers

A Semester Abroad—for Elli Alanko, the adventure of studying abroad did not begin upon her arrival in Aalen but rather with the journey itself from Finland. Covering a distance of approximately 2,500 kilometers, she traveled by car from Turku, where she is pursuing a degree in Industrial Management at Turku University of Applied Sciences, through the Baltic states to Germany.

"Fortunately, my father accompanied me, allowing us to take turns driving. We also made use of the opportunity to visit a few landmarks along the way," she recounts with a smile.

Alanko finds great inspiration in traveling, exploring different cultures, and experiencing new ways of life. "Living in a foreign environment for an extended period is a valuable experience. It fosters personal growth, broadens one’s horizons, and strengthens independence," she reflects.

A Passionate Walker

Since last September, Elli Alanko has been exploring the region of Swabia. She is spending a year at Aalen University, where she aims to complete her double degree with a focus on International Sales Management and Technology. Reflecting on the first half of her stay, she is confident that she made the right decision—despite initially finding the late summer temperatures uncomfortably high, as she humorously recalls.

"However, it is a welcome change to experience a milder climate and take a brief respite from the harsh Finnish winter," Alanko remarks with a subtle smile.

From the very beginning, she felt comfortable in Aalen and at the university. "The city, with its timber-framed houses, looks so charming, and the people are truly friendly and helpful."

As a passionate walker, she especially appreciates the Rohrwang forest, located right next to her student residence, as well as the many hills in the Ostalb region. "Back home in southern Finland, the landscape is much flatter," she remarks.

"The Buddy Program is Fantastic!"

When asked why she chose Germany for her semester abroad, Elli Alanko explains: "I studied German for several years in school, and my father speaks a little as well. He also works for a German company and frequently travels here on business. Because of this, Germany does not feel entirely unfamiliar to me."

The numerous events organized by Aalen University’s International Center for exchange students also made settling in much easier. “These activities helped me make new connections and ensured that I never felt alone,” Alanko says.

A key factor in her smooth integration was the support of her fellow student Gloria, who assists her as a Buddy, offering guidance and practical help. In collaboration with the nonprofit organization International Society Aalen (ISA), Aalen University’s Buddy Program provides essential orientation and individualized support for international students. The Buddies are experienced students who volunteer their time to promote the successful integration of exchange students into university life.

"The program is truly fantastic, as is the welcoming and supportive atmosphere at the university and the straightforward communication with professors," Alanko emphasizes.

Sauna and Heavy Metal

During her year abroad at Aalen University, 23-year-old Elli Alanko also aims to serve as an ambassador for her home university and country—beyond the common clichés often associated with Finland. These include the perception of Finns as reserved and introverted, their deep-rooted passion for saunas, their strong connection to nature, and their well-documented affinity for hard rock and heavy metal.

"Although, I must admit, the part about saunas and heavy metal is absolutely true," Alanko remarks with a warm laugh. "You simply have to visit us and experience it for yourself."

For those considering a semester abroad, she highly recommends Turku University of Applied Sciences, which maintains a partnership with Aalen University. As one of Finland’s leading universities of applied sciences, it is also among the largest, with approximately 13,000 students.

"Moreover, Turku is a stunning city! It is Finland’s oldest city and is famous for its historic center," says Alanko, who herself comes from the Helsinki region. With a smile, she adds: "There is a well-known Finnish saying: Why go to Paris when you have Turku?"