How Villach Became a Launchpad

Gabriel Dragiev, Graduate of Intercultural Management

If someone asked me whether I would recommend the Intercultural Management program at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, my answer would be 100 percent: Yes.

When I first came to Villach, I had a lot of questions–about the future, about myself, and about where this path would lead me. Since I’m from a small town in Bulgaria, everything was new to me at first: the country, the people, and the language. At the same time, I was looking forward to this new experience. I’d always been interested in languages and business, and the Intercultural Management program at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences seemed to me like the perfect combination of these two fields.

What I hadn’t anticipated was just how much this experience would change me. From day one, I was surrounded by people from all over the world who brought different cultures and perspectives with them. It was exciting, enriching, and sometimes challenging. In the process, I learned a lot about communication, teamwork, and myself.

One of the highlights of my studies was my Erasmus semester in Canada. It pushed me to step out of my comfort zone in the best possible way. After that, I knew I wanted to continue growing, so I set my sights on Vienna.

Landing an internship at OMV, a major international company, felt like a significant step. It was my first glimpse into the corporate world. There, I was able to work on real-world projects with people from different countries and with diverse backgrounds. Today, I work at Raiffeisen Bank International in the Compliance, Governance & Control department, which still feels a bit surreal at times. Being part of such a prestigious organization and applying what I’ve learned in practice makes me very proud.

Looking back, choosing CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences and moving to Villach was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My studies not only gave me a solid education but also provided me with self-confidence, direction, and memories I’ll never forget. I am very grateful to all the people I’ve met along the way–professors, mentors, and friends–who have supported me in my personal growth and helped me believe in myself.

College isn’t just about textbooks and theory–it’s about real-world experiences, collaborating with people from different cultures, and developing skills that are actually relevant in professional life. The program has a very international focus, the professors are supportive and experienced, and it offers numerous opportunities for personal, academic, and professional growth. Whether you dream of working abroad, launching an international career, or simply want to understand the world a little better, this program provides the necessary tools and confidence to pursue these goals.