Gabriel Dragiev

Gabriel.jpeg

When I first arrived in Villach, I was full of questions—about the future, about myself, about where this journey would lead. Coming from a small town in Bulgaria, everything felt new—the country, the people, the language. But I was excited. I had always been interested in languages and business, and the Intercultural Management program at CUAS seemed like the perfect mix.

What I didn’t expect was how much this experience would change me. From day one, I was surrounded by people from all over the world—different cultures, different perspectives. It was exciting, eye-opening, and sometimes challenging, but I learned so much about communication, teamwork, and myself.

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

Getting an internship at OMV, a major international company, felt like a huge step. It was my first taste of the corporate world, and I got to work on real projects with people from different countries and backgrounds. Now, I’m working at Raiffeisen Bank International in the Compliance, Governance & Control Department—which still feels a bit surreal sometimes. Being part of such a respected organization and applying what I learned in real life is something I’m really proud of.

Looking back, choosing CUAS and moving to Villach was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It gave me an education, but also confidence, direction, and memories I’ll never forget. I’m so thankful for the people I met along the way—professors, mentors, and friends who helped me grow and believe in myself.

If someone asked me whether I’d recommend the Intercultural Management program at CUAS, my answer would be 100% yes. It’s not just about textbooks and theory—it’s about real experiences, learning to work with people from different cultures, and developing skills that actually matter in the workplace. The program is super international, the professors are supportive and experienced, and you get the chance to grow in so many ways—personally, academically, and professionally. Whether you're dreaming of working abroad, starting a global career, or just want to understand the world a little better, this program gives you the tools and confidence to go for it.