Global Competence Starts in Everyday Academic Life

Alessandro Simoniti, Graduate in Intercultural Management

I recommend this program to anyone who wants to experience an international and collaborative environment and grow both professionally and personally.

The Bachelor’s program in Intercultural Management at CU University of Carinthia was an extremely enriching experience for me. As an Italian student, I quickly came to appreciate the program’s dynamic and practice-oriented approach. The courses went beyond traditional management theories and combined real-world projects, language instruction, and collaborative learning.

For example, my fellow students and I completed a three-week intensive German course in Vienna. This made it clear right from the start that the program continually encourages learning through practical experience. During the three years of the program, we worked on various projects–some in collaboration with other universities, some for real-world clients, and both online and on-site. This practical focus not only reinforced the content from the courses but also allowed me to work part-time alongside my studies and apply my newly acquired knowledge directly in a professional setting.

What sets Intercultural Management apart is its multicultural community. Our class of about 25 students brought together perspectives from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. This created an environment where intercultural communication was not just a topic in class, but part of our daily lives. Working in small groups allowed us to better understand the similarities and differences among us. My semester abroad in South Korea further broadened my global perspective.

CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences also proved to be a welcoming and professional environment. The professors came from diverse national and academic backgrounds and actively supported the students and their initiatives–from entrepreneurship workshops to research groups. Thanks to the open-door policy, we always felt heard and supported, whether we were seeking feedback on a project or exploring new opportunities.

Villach also enriched my academic experience. The combination of stunning Alpine scenery and a relaxed yet vibrant city life made it easy to balance my studies, work, and free time. The city’s international community and the local job market offered additional opportunities for personal and professional growth beyond the daily routine of my studies.

The Intercultural Management program at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences not only equipped me with solid academic and practical skills but also opened up career opportunities for me. Particularly noteworthy were an internship in strategic consulting in Milan and my acceptance into leading European business schools.