PROBBA

In the realm of student organizations, Probba is somewhat of an oddball. Located in the center of Mikkeli, Probba represents the Aalto University Mikkeli Campus and all its students. As home to only one program, the Probba community consists of only international business students. During the founding of the Mikkeli campus, the program was called a BBA program but was later changed to BScBA. However, Probba members are still proudly called Babas in tandem with the roots of our program’s name.

The community of Babas is a tight bunch, as only around 80 new students start their studies in the program every year. The studies last for 3 years and include an exchange semester during the last year. The community in Mikkeli embraces its diversity in spades as around every third of its member is a foreign student. This melting pot of different cultures and lively students has found a soft spot in the hearts of Babas.

The daily life of Babas revolves around the intense 3-week long courses which are taught by top professors from all over the world. As the program is taught in English, many of the professors are from foreign top universities and come to Mikkeli to provide close-quarters education to the few select students at the campus. In the tight world of people from various backgrounds, many Babas opt for sticking with English even during free time to create an inclusive atmosphere.

In the midst of the intensive studies, the Probba community boasts a plethora of student clubs, which offer a wide range of activities and events to lighten up the lives of Babas. While at first glance one could assume the contrary, Mikkeli and its lively students are known for always having something going on: whether it be students cheering their football team to victory, board game enthusiasts competing in wits and vigor, or culinary maestros honing their newest delicacies. Some hotspots of Babas are known to be Pankalampi beach with its beach volley courts and warm summer days, the scenic Naisvuori as a place to glance over the city while enjoying past time with friends, and the bars of Mikkeli where Babas can be found seizing the dance floor and living their lives to the fullest.

On top of being the head of the student community in Mikkeli, Probba has a unique stance as a coordinator of academic life on the campus. Together with the staff, Probba promotes the perspective of the students to create a healthy and effective educational environment for the students, professors, and staff alike. While many of the students will only stay in Mikkeli for a few years, the impact of the time spent learning from friends and the program alike stays for a lifetime.

The tight-knit community of Probba is a lasting one. A fitting nickname of current and old Babas is the Mikkeli Mafia, as students from Mikkeli tend to have a tight connection to many Alumni in their work-life. The shared history of Babas acts as glue and opens many doors and possibilities worldwide.

As the Babas in Mikkeli are preparing to welcome our next generation of students, we are looking forward to meeting you with open arms. To have an early sneak peek at what is happening in Mikkeli, be sure to follow our Instagram @probbary and Snapchat @ probba89. For more information on what and who is behind Probba ry, visit our webpage at probba.org.

Hoping to see you soon!