I came to CUAS expecting an international master’s program, some valuable discussions, and a structured approach to business education. What I found was something much more immersive – an environment that constantly challenges me to reflect, adapt, and rethink not only business concepts but also how I work, collaborate, and grow.
There’s something about this program that keeps you in constant motion, shifting between learning and applying, thinking and doing. One day, I’m in class studying business strategies, and the next, I’m presenting a plan with my teammates, hoping no one notices how many times we changed our approach the night before. Each conversation, every piece of feedback, and every change in direction pushes us to rethink our ideas. It’s not just about finding the right solution; it’s about how we communicate it, present it, and adjust when things don’t go according to plan. Collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds means learning when to lead and when to step back, when to stand firm on your ideas and when to be flexible. This constant exchange, the challenge of understanding and incorporating different perspectives, not only makes us better thinkers but also better communicators, making the experience far more real and impactful than I ever imagined.
The guest lecturers and excursions have also added a unique layer to my journey here. Hearing from professionals who’ve lived through the struggles we study brings a whole new level of depth to what we’re learning. It becomes more than a theory – a real-world experience, with all its messiness and unpredictability. The professors, too, play a big part in this. They’re not just delivering lessons; they’re creating conversations, encouraging us to question, explore, and sometimes even disagree. This kind of environment guides us to not just learn the content but to find our own voices, take risks, and see things from fresh perspectives.
The location – the city of Villach itself deserves a mention as well. Though small, it has an international feel that perfectly complements the program. The mix of students from all over the world creates a unique atmosphere, making it easy to connect with people from different cultures. It’s a reminder that even in a town this small, you’re part of something much bigger, and it makes the experience at CUAS even more enriching.
In the end, I can confidently say that the International Business Management program has given me more than mere academic knowledge, but a new lens through which to view the world, and if you’re also looking for a place that will encourage you to grow in unexpected ways, CUAS is the perfect fit for you, as it’s been for me.