During my Bachelor studies on International Economic Relations in Moscow, I had the opportunity to do an exchange semester in Cologne. Improving my German as well as enjoying the international atmosphere there led me to a decision to do my Masters abroad, preferably in English but in a German-speaking country. So during my search for possible options, I found out about the IBM program at CUAS by chance - and I cannot be more thankful for this to happen.

“Studying where others go on vacation” is a very precise description of being a student in Carinthia. With such a picturesque landscape, beautiful mountains and astonishing nature, every weekend felt like a small vacation, which I would have only once or twice a year back in Moscow. In addition, the location of Villach and its proximity to the border allows you to travel and explore even more.

Of course, it was not only the location and nature that I liked about my studies. The schedule was made rather work-friendly and it was easy to combine the university with a 20-hour internship. I also really valued the practice-oriented approach and group projects that enhanced my team working, leadership and presenting skills. My personal favorites were developing a business plan that we had to defend in front of actual investors (and not just professors) and making a market-entry strategy for a real company, which included finding real clients, fairs and office locations in a new country.

Apart from all that, I really feel that I grew both professionally and personally during these two years at the IBM Program. Learning management also helps you to manage your own life better, which really helps me currently as I work full time in group controlling. And I strongly appreciate the opportunity to meet so many interesting and nice people from more than 15 different countries - it really gives me a feeling that I have friends all over the world now, and it is a unique chance to learn about so many other cultures from the first hands.