“Looking ahead to my future career, the ability to work across cultures and disciplines is crucial,” said Gilchrist.
A student in the John L. Grove College of Business, Nya Gilchrist, traveled to Vaasa, Finland, this past summer to take part in the 2025 X-Culture Symposium, an international program designed to bring together students from across the globe to compete on real-world business challenges.
The experience proved to be both academically and personally fulfilling for Gilchrist. “Working with students from around the world brought a new exposure to innovation, perspective and ideas,” she said. “It challenged me to see all the different ways of thinking while considering language barriers. I had to practice different communication styles that I may not have experienced as a student in the States.”
During the symposium, students across a wide range of countries were paired together and tasked with developing solutions for partner companies. Each group presented its proposal to a panel of judges and company representatives. Gilchirst saw this opportunity as a way to practice adapting to situations quickly, communicate effectively and handle the pressure that comes with competing.
“The most valuable takeaway I gained from participating in the symposium was learning how to collaborate effectively with people who think and work differently than I do,” she said. “Being surrounded by students from diverse backgrounds taught me how to listen more intentionally, adapt my communication style and find common ground even when our approaches were not the same.”
This experience has already shaped how she plans to approach her academic work this semester at Ship. “As I continue with my studies, it will help me contribute more meaningfully to group projects, as I will be able to navigate different perspectives and keep the team focused on our goals,” she said.
Beyond helping her grow academically and professionally, Gilchrist also had the pleasure of experiencing the culture of Finland. One aspect that stood out the most to her was the nation’s commitment to sustainability and leading simplistic lifestyles. “What stood out the most during my time in Finland was the minimalism. It’s very soft spoken, environmental, and sustainable there,” she said. “Being able to witness the different innovations in the hotel by using key cards to dictate the electricity, to eating at a restaurant and being provided small portions to minimize waste. It made me realize that there is a major difference in the culture between the United States and Finland.”
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- Vaasa City Hall
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- Replot Bridge [Finland’s longest bridge]
For Gilchrist, participating in the X-Culture Symposium and experiencing the culture of Finland broadened her perspective on the world. She encourages fellow Ship students to consider taking on international opportunities of their own. “Take the chance and go explore the world!” she said. “It’s a great way to meet new people, learn about different cultures and enjoy a trip. You never know the next opportunity that may come from it.”
