In the week of 20-24 October, three ACE²-EU landmark events were organised simultaneously in Ingolstadt, Germany: the ACE²-EU Annual Congress; the Kaleidoscope Culture Festival and three Applied Blended Challenges (ABCs), the alliance’s newly created format of short learning opportunities. The events gathered an impressive 300+ participants.
Approximately 25 students were present in the CUAS delegation, and we asked some of them to reflect on their experience*: Mia took part in one of the three ABCs; Ali was one of the twelve CUAS students who contributed to the SPACE Centre’s Kaleidoscope Culture Festival; and Sonia represented CUAS’ Student Advisory Board at the Annual Congress, in addition to participating at the Kaleidoscope Culture Festival.
Mia on the Applied Blended Challenge:
“The applause fades, and the theatre room falls completely silent. You know it’s your turn. Just a few minutes stand between you and the end of your part - the moment where your voice marks a turning point. Was the idea good enough? Will your words make them think differently? You take a breath, and begin.
My name is Mia Daneva, a Digital Marketing and Sales student at Carinthia University of Applied Sciences. I am grateful to have represented CUAS at such an inspiring event. To be honest, I never expected this project to turn out the way it did and looking back, I see it as an incredible win. When it came to group projects, I was usually the one working quietly in the background, focusing on tasks and details. But this project changed that. The team and the people around me encouraged me to step forward to become the leader I never imagined I could be, the one standing in front of the entire theatre, presenting our idea.
The most memorable moment for me was when an amazing professor came up to me and said: “Mia, why are you only reading and answering the question as it is? Think more, compare it with Mars, open your mind. I’m just giving you an idea, nothing more.” And that was the spark. In that moment, everything clicked. We knew something was missing and that was what we called “the wow” effect.
That’s how our “baby” was born - an idea created by what first seemed like a mistake, but ended up transforming the whole project. Together we shaped it, added a new perspective, and in the end, it all came down to collaboration.
The questions I had at the beginning found their answer: the idea was good enough, and I hope our words will keep inspiring others long after the applause fades.
That silence at the beginning wasn’t pressure it was possibility. A reminder that every great idea starts when someone dares to speak.”
Ali on the Kaleidoscope Culture Festival:
“Since the moment I arrived in Ingolstadt and was amazed by seeing greetings in my mother tongue (Persian) on my way to Technische Hochschule, I knew and felt this Kaleidoscope Cultural Festival was going to be extraordinary. Attending this event was a huge honour for me as a 3rd semester Intercultural Management (ICM) student at Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (CUAS).
Being part of the competent CUAS team alongside my lovely colleagues to represent our university in this festival was a rare opportunity that is not often repeated, and I am extremely grateful to have had this wonderful experience during my student life. From attending different workshops and exhibitions, witnessing different performances, meeting students and professors of partner ACE²-EU universities to representing CUAS on stage, I enjoyed every second of this trip and did my best to be a worthy team member and an influential CUAS representative; and I have been more than happy to see and feel the CUAS team members’ efforts have been recognized and praised by our dear rector Peter Granig and all the festivals’ organizers and attendees.
We certainly did not take this amazing opportunity for granted and used every opportunity to make an impact. This festival was the type of event we all are going to remember forever. My heartfelt gratitude goes to our dear rector Peter, all my CUAS colleagues ‒ including but not limited to ‒ the ACE²-EU office, School of Management, all the departments and people involved who made it possible for team members to attend and enjoy this cultural event and have this unforgettable experience. I cannot thank you enough for this support and this opportunity to have a role in such a prestigious festival, to represent our university so that it will always shine and prosper.
Viva CUAS, and may we have many more wonderful festivals ahead, including next year in Romania!”
Sonia on the Annual Congress and Student Advisory Board:
“It was a true privilege to attend the simultaneous events of the Annual Congress and Kaleidoscope Culture Festival. As a student assistant of the EUO office at CUAS since February of 2025 and member of the Student Advisory Board, it was incredible to see how much ACE²-EU has grown, developed, and truly realized itself that week.
The Annual Congress provided us the unique opportunity to connect with fellow student board members, formally discussing our hopes for the student role at ACE²-EU, and informally networking to learn about one another’s backgrounds, degree programs, and personalities.
During the Student Advisory Board meeting, my fellow peers nominated me to represent their interests as chair of the board until the next Annual Congress in Romania 2026. This honor allowed me to present our vision at the Governing Authority Meeting to João Moutão, coordinator of ACE²-EU, elected chairs of the Staff Advisory Board and External Stakeholder Board, as well as each alliance member’s rector. My vice chairs and I wanted this meeting to have a lasting impact for the future of the alliance, not just to speak of lofty ideals that never come to fruition.
Overall, this was an unforgettable experience that honored me with a role that I do not take lightly. This year will be a journey through the unknown and unprecedented, though I am optimistic that we as the inaugural board will accomplish great things together.”
*partially edited for punctuation, clarity, and formatting
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