Marywood Students Gain Global Perspective at Xculture Symposium in Finland

SCRANTON, Pa. (August 27, 2025) — Marywood University students Raymond Basso, Jaedyn Laws, and Faith Halladay recently represented the University at the X-Culture Global Symposium in Vaasa, Finland, where they joined peers from around the world to consult with international companies and present innovative business solutions to executives.

Hosted at the University of Vaasa, the symposium brought together top-performing students from more than 40 countries who previously excelled in virtual X-Culture projects. Participants were assigned to diverse international teams to solve real challenges faced by global companies.

Raymond Basso worked with a team of students from Seattle, Taiwan, India, and New York, consulting for The Switch, a Finnish technology company specializing in engines and magnets. Their project, which included financial forecasting and cost-saving strategies, won first place for their company track. “It was really eye-opening to see how people from different cultures and backgrounds work toward the same goal,” Basso said. “Even when communication was challenging, the process of bringing everyone’s ideas together was incredible.”

Jaedyn Laws collaborated with students from Florida, Canada, and Germany. Her team delivered a formal presentation directly to company executives, gaining experience in international consulting. “I’m not someone who is naturally outgoing, but this program gave me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone,” she shared. “The experience was nerve-racking at first, but so worthwhile. I think this was the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Faith Halladay joined a team with members from Canada, Italy, Minnesota, and Ghana. Together, they consulted for Finvacon, a Finnish company, ultimately winning the symposium’s Social Media Award. Halladay described her teammates as “wonderful and inviting,” adding, “We made such a strong connection that we’re already planning a trip to Italy next year to reunite.” While her team did not secure the top competition spot, Halladay was personally invited by Finvacon’s CEO to consider working with the company in the future.

Beyond the competition, all three students emphasized the cultural exchange, professional growth, and lifelong friendships they gained in Finland. Basso described the country as “so clean, beautiful, and welcoming,” while Laws noted the “kindness of the people and the stunning architecture.” Halladay agreed, saying, “The locals were incredibly helpful, and the experience showed me that I can truly be myself anywhere and not downplay who I am.”

Academically and professionally, the symposium allowed students to apply what they’ve learned at Marywood to real-world business challenges. From financial forecasting and consulting strategies to cross-cultural teamwork and leadership, the experience broadened their global perspective. “This opportunity has given me the confidence, skills, and perspective to be a better professional,” Basso said. Laws added, “The connections you make shape your future. Without them, success in global business would be much harder.” Halladay echoed this, noting, “Academically it pushed me further than I thought I could go, professionally it showed me I can achieve my goals, and personally it proved that my enthusiasm and spirit are strengths everywhere I go.”

All three students credited Dr. Christopher Speicher, Associate Professor of Business, and Marywood University for making the opportunity possible through academic support and financial assistance. “Marywood paid for this experience and the travel expenses as well,” Halladay said. “So many students who wouldn’t have been able to go got this chance — and we have Marywood to thank for that.”

The X-Culture Global Symposium is an extension of the X-Culture Project, a large-scale international business collaboration platform that connects thousands of students each semester to solve cross-cultural business challenges.