After high school, I was searching for a study program that would allow me to combine my interest in business and economics with my passion for languages, traveling and meeting people from all around the world. Little did I know back then that I would find exactly what I was looking for at ICM.
The part I certainly appreciated the most during my studies were the amazing people I shared the classroom with for three years. Having classmates from Brazil, Hungary, Ukraine, South Africa, the Philippines, and many other countries opened a number of new perspectives for me. Despite being born and raised in Villach, I felt like I had suddenly become part of the international community in Villach too. Working and spending my free time together with students from different cultural, linguistic and professional backgrounds not only broadened my horizons but also helped me to gradually develop a global mindset in both personal and professional settings. Another aspect I am highly grateful for is the practical experience I could gain complementing the theoretical knowledge acquired in class. A wide range of activities and projects prepared us for working in the “real world”, such as the Global Case Study Challenge to master virtual collaboration, a three-week intense language course in Siena (Italy) to boost our Italian skills, the Sustainable Entrepreneurship Week where we developed and pitched a sustainable business idea and our Project Management collaboration with Global Mindset Development based in Malta to gain practical project management experience. This was further supported by a Google certificate in Project Management to demonstrate our competencies. To round up my experience of studying in an international environment, I had the chance to spend my fourth semester abroad in Rome, where I could experience firsthand what I had previously learned about intercultural communication, collaboration and management. Another point I would like to highlight is the open and student-centered approach of ICM. In addition to regular feedback chats, the management team was always available to listen, support, and find possible solutions if difficulties arose. As a student, I felt heard whenever I voiced concerns or shared challenges, and I appreciated seeing the program being constantly developed and improved throughout my studies.
To conclude, I would strongly recommend the program to anyone interested in learning how to work in and manage an international environment, from both a process- and people-oriented perspective. ICM made me learn a lot from an academic and professional perspective, but most importantly, it made me grow so much as a person – and I hope it will make you too.
