Elias Anttila represents Hanken in ENGAGE.EU: “The alliance offers invaluable cultural exchange”
Elias Anttila, an accounting student at Hanken, was selected through SHS as one of Hanken’s two representatives on the Board of Learners. The group’s purpose is to bring the student perspective into various contexts within the alliance.
“It’s important that students have a say. We provide feedback on course content, participate in the development of new programmes, and participate in the alliance’s steering groups, which also include rectors and professors,” says Anttila.
“One example is the new joint study module Global Sustainability Management which is a part of the International Strategy and Sustainability-programme. The courses will be offered partly at Hanken and partly at a partner university. We’ve been involved in shaping everything from the course structure to deciding which modules will be offered online or on-site,” he continues.
When you have been accepted to an ENGAGE.EU initiative taking place at a partner university, you have the opportunity to apply for various scholarships that help cover travel and accommodation costs.
New platform to explore ENGAGE.EU offerings
To make it easier to navigate the wide range of courses and events offered within ENGAGE.EU, Anttila has been involved in developing the platform eJourney.
“Soon, students will be able to log in with their university account and see the full course catalogue and all events gathered in one place on ENGAGE.EU’s own website. It will be much more user-friendly than before,” says Anttila.
The Board of Learners also organises events such as conferences and competitions, where participants can practise skills like argumentation and intercultural communication. These activities don’t always provide credits, but they offer valuable learning experiences and networking opportunities with other alliance students.
Great value in cultural exchange
By collaborating with students from different countries, Anttila has gained new perspectives on how people from various cultures approach both collaboration and communication.
“The cultural exchange within ENGAGE.EU has been incredibly valuable and something I’ve truly appreciated. It’s been both educational and fun to work with people from, for example, Italy, Bulgaria, and Spain, and I’ve made many new friends. I enjoy collaborating, making an impact, and creating something that benefits others. This is really my thing.”
The student union will hold an election in December to choose a new BoL representative to work alongside Elias Anttila.
The ENGAGE.EU university alliance includes Hanken, Norwegian School of Economics (NHH), Tilburg University (TiU), University of Mannheim (UMA), Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU), Toulouse Capitole University (UT Capitole), Luiss University (Luiss), University of National and World Economy (UNWE), Ramon Llull University (URL), and University of St. Gallen (HSG).
Read more about the alliance on Hanken’s ENGAGE.EU webpage.
Text: Marlene Günsberg
Photo: Anja Hayes