Widening horizons: from Brazil to Finland

Emerson Mainardes works as a Professor at the FUCAPE Business School in Brazil. In 2024, he had the opportunity to receive Brazilian public funding to undertake a technical-scientific internship outside of his home country. The aim was to gain new experiences as well as improve research and teaching skills in the field of marketing and business.

Exploring the options, Mainardes got a recommendation from his doctoral supervisor, Professor Helena Alves, to consider Finland and Turku School of Economics (TSE). Mainardes contacted Professor Kati Suomi who works at the TSE unit located in Pori, Finland. Suomi quickly responded and accepted Mainardes’ stay and appointed him as Visiting Professor at TSE.

First impressions of a Nordic country

For Mainardes, Finland was something new. He knew little about the country beforehand, which piqued his curiosity. He prepared himself and set off into the unknown. Mainardes arrived in Pori in September 2024 and had very positive first impressions.

– Kati Suomi welcomed me very well and helped me with everything I needed at the beginning of my stay. The city of Pori felt very approachable, too, Mainardes says.

On his first day at TSE, Mainardes felt very well received by everyone. Staff members at TSE were always very willing to help, to exchange ideas, to learn more.

– The Finns were incredibly welcoming. They are great hosts, and they care about the people they welcome. Fantastic people, Mainardes says with a smile.

New insights into research and teaching

During his 90-day period at TSE in Pori, Mainardes had several new opportunities and experiences. He participated research activities and explored teaching at the university. He also had the chance to take part in several events of the academic community.

– I had the pleasure to participate an annual event of the University Consortium, the Science Arena in September. I also had the joy to meet with the key persons of the University Consortium and to take part in many events held by the international office, such as a memorable Christmas Dinner, Mainardes says.

As formal activities, Mainardes presented in two seminars, one in Turku and one in Pori. His research project ‘Marketing Contributions to Reducing Consumer Food Waste’ operates well universally, and together with Kati Suomi, Mainardes collects data in both Brazil and Finland to allow comparison between these countries on the topic.

In addition, to gain new knowledge on his research topic, Mainardes also visited local companies, for example Satakunnan Osuuskauppa, one of the biggest retail chains in Finland. He got to know more about the food waste reduction management done at the company, which gave him important insights and strengthened his networks in the field.

During his stay, Mainardes also had the opportunity to see more of the Finnish education system, from primary school all the way upper secondary level.

– I had the opportunity to visit Yrityskylä, entrepreneurship-oriented learning environment, which offers 6th and 9th graders positive experiences about working life, the economy, entrepreneurship and society. The concept has received an award as the best education innovation in the world.

Local experiences

During his stay, Mainardes learned a great deal about the city of Pori and the Finnish culture. He visited the main sites at the coastal areas of the city such as Yyteri, the longest beach in Finland, and the former fishing village of Reposaari, which showcases special charm of the region. Experiencing local sports was also included in the program.

– I went to an ice hockey game in Pori to see the local team play. It certainly was something I had never seen before, Mainardes remarks.

Mainardes feels time really flew by during his three-month visit to Finland. He is grateful to the welcoming atmosphere and especially to Kati Suomi’s generosity and hospitality. He returns to Brazil in mid-December with his heart full of new experiences.

– I take great memories with me. I can say that I became a fan of Finland and its people, and I will cherish every moment I had. I hope to return many times in the future. I would like to thank everyone who kindly welcomed me, you are excellent hosts.

​​​​​​​Text: Emerson Mainardes & Hanna Rissanen
Photo: Anne Vanhatalo