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The open online course launched in September 2021 and has been created as a starting point for understanding Finnish working life and building a career in Finland. The course has now been launched in the Ukrainian language to increase accessibility for Ukrainian students and refugees who wish to know more about Finnish working life, Finnish work culture, as well as career building and opportunities in Finland. 

Additionally, Aalto Ventures Program recently launched a new online course, . The course helps Ukrainian refugees to have a soft landing in Finland by releasing initial stress from the war, and as a next step, learning basic entrepreneurial skills for starting a new life in Finland. The course is developed by a team consisting of Ukrainian-born entrepreneurs Yuri Kozik and Daria Sazonova, teachers from Aalto Ventures Program and an expert from Aalto Online Hybrid Lab.

Fresh Start UA is published in Ukrainian and consists of three big umbrella topics: well-being and self-development, introduction to entrepreneurship, digital economy and entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the core steps in the entrepreneurial process.

'Taking collective European responsibility in offering higher education courses for Ukrainian students is of utmost importance. The Aalto University community has reacted quickly by offering Ukrainian students study rights without fees and scholarships. This is a natural next step to offer our online course materials in the Ukrainian language as well,' says Laura Sivula, responsible teacher of the Finland Works course.

Aalto University strives to provide various forms of support to those affected by the war in Ukraine, and has offered study places and scholarships to Ukrainian students studying at Ukrainian universities, as well as degree students who have received asylum from Ukraine. Aalto has accepted 59 Ukrainian students to degree programs this autumn and a few are already participating in different summer programs, such as the .

New solutions through collaboration

Migration and the mobility of international talent are extremely important issues for Finland’s well-being and competitiveness, which is why it is crucial for Finland to attract and retain international talent in the Finnish work-life. Adapting to a new way of working requires efforts both from the employer and employee’ side and, with these new courses, Aalto University aims to ease the adjustment process for both sides. 

'Launching these courses in Ukrainian is a great example of entrepreneurial mindset at Aalto. These teams spotted a new kind of demand and provided a solution quickly. It is also great to see Ukrainian, Russian and Finnish people working together to solve the needs of the refugees,' Kalle Airo, Director of Aalto Ventures Program comments.

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