Representatives of the University of Economics – Varna took part in the prestigious Global Master School (GMS) – an Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme on “Doing Business in Europe: Think Global, Act Local – Sustainable Business Stories”, hosted by TH Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences.
Over the course of six intensive days, more than 40 master’s students from eight partner universities across Europe and North America worked in multicultural teams on a real business case provided by the partner winery Alte Grafschaft. The participants developed sustainable marketing and business strategies, combining knowledge gained in online preparatory modules with on-site practical work, meetings with the winery’s owners, and mentoring support from academic staff.
UE – Varna was represented by students Patritsia Ivanova (MBA), Oleksii Bilko (MBA) and Viktor Iliev (Accounting and Control), as well as Chief Assist. Prof. Petar Petrov, PhD (UEVA coordinator), who participated as lecturer, mentor and member of the jury during the final evaluation of the teams. His role included delivering teaching sessions in marketing and international business, mentoring student teams in the development of their solutions, and taking an active part in the discussions with the corporate partner.
Participation in GMS enabled our students to develop skills for working in an international environment, to exchange experience with peers from TH Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences, University of Missouri–Saint Louis, Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, Università degli Studi di Bergamo, Škoda Auto University, University of Žilina and Instituto Superior de Contabilidade e Administração do Porto, and to experience in practice what “internationalisation at home” means.
Student testimonials from UE – Varna
„My participation in the BIP Global Master School in Aschaffenburg was a highly rewarding experience. The program allowed me to collaborate with students from different countries, enhancing my communication, teamwork, and intercultural skills. Through lectures, discussions, and group projects, I gained valuable insights into contemporary business challenges and developed my ability to think critically and work effectively in diverse teams. The combination of academic learning and practical activities made the experience particularly engaging. In addition, I had the opportunity to explore German culture and build international friendships.“
„Participating in the short term mobility programme from Varna to Aschaffenburg was my first international academic exchange experience. The programme was well organised, welcoming, and full of meaningful activities, from lectures and group work to visits to several locations where we could learn more about local business in Germany and explore German culture. It helped me connect international management theory with practice, while also giving me the opportunity to meet and collaborate with people from different countries. I am grateful to the hosts, partners, UE Varna, and Prof. Petar Petrov for this opportunity.“
„Participating in the Global Master School 2026 was an amazing experience. The program was a perfect mix of interesting lectures and teamwork. I loved working in international groups because it helped us learn from each other and share fresh ideas about sustainable business and marketing. For me, the best part was the real-world experience, especially our visits to the “Alte Grafschaft” Winery and the European Central Bank in Frankfurt. This program was a great opportunity to learn how to think globally and act locally. I am very grateful for this experience!“
The Global Master School is a vivid example of the added European value of Blended Intensive Programmes, which combine digital learning and face‑to‑face experience and demonstrate what can be achieved when universities from different countries work together to prepare the business leaders of tomorrow.
Stay tuned to the website of UE – Varna for upcoming intensive programmes!
05 Jun 2026
