As already reported, this academic year offers record-breaking number of international students at the School of Management at CUAS. This semester, the campus is filled with a vibrant mix of cultures, fostering a dynamic learning environment that enhances the educational experience for all students.

One of our top priorities is to ensure that our students feel comfortable and supported in their new learning environment. This is especially important for those joining us from abroad; we want them to feel truly at home and warmly welcomed. To help with this, we place great emphasis on introducing them to the region they’ll now call “home”, encouraging a sense of belonging and familiarity with their surroundings.

But how do we do that?

May we illustrate an example of this: Students from the Bachelor’s program in Digital Marketing and Sales at Carinthia University of Applied Sciences participated in an extracurricular excursion to the Villach Magistrate. The visit took place on 24 October 2024 and was led by program director Dr. Bernhard Guetz, who was accompanied by Albert Luger, BA MA. The visit offered the students a comprehensive look into the workings of city administration and the distinct character of Villach.

The afternoon began with a tour of the city hall, where students were able to explore the Senate Hall and Paracelsus Hall. They learned about the significance of these spaces and the incoming Magistrate Director, Mag. Georg Wuzella, who will officially assume his role as the city’s highest-ranking official on 1 November 2024.

Mag. Wuzella led an engaging discussion on the role of the city, covering key responsibilities and major international projects. He addressed several topics of particular relevance to students:

• City Responsibilities: Villach plays an active role in international projects, particularly in the Alpe-Adria region.
• Events and Festivals: The city’s lively event calendar, including the Villacher Fasching and Villacher Kirchtag, is central to the city’s cultural identity.
• Budget and Investment: Villach manages a substantial budget, with key investments directed toward infrastructure, culture, and education.
• Villach Brand: Villach is positioned as a dynamic city with strong economic potential, promoting a high quality of life both nationally and internationally.
• Digitalization: In recent years, Villach has made significant progress in digitalizing its administration, with digital services such as online citizen platforms achieving notable success.
• Website and Social Media: Villach’s website and social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn are essential for communication with citizens. Social media has proven particularly effective in engaging younger audiences and international groups.
• Job Opportunities: Mag. Wuzella highlighted internship and job opportunities within the city administration, even for international students.

Following this insightful session, the students took part in a city tour led by Ing. Maria Staudegger. The tour’s highlights included the old city wall, the birthplace of Anna Neumann, the practice of Paracelsus and the Church of St. Jakob, known for its nearly 100-meter-high tower.

The afternoon concluded with a relaxed gathering, where students had the chance to gain a behind-the-scenes understanding of the city they will be calling home for the next several years.

This excursion gave students not only valuable insights into the workings of city administration but also an opportunity to deepen their connection to Villach, their future place of residence and study.

Many thanks to “Stadt Villach” – Mag. Wuzella and Ing. Maria Staudegger for welcoming our students and introducing them to our city!