From May 26th to June 13th, 2025, the 12th annual International Business Consulting Program (IBCP) was held at the Bratislava University of Economics and Business in cooperation with the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse (UWLAX). Twelve EUBA students collaborated with fourteen students from the USA in six mixed teams to solve real-life projects from business practice.
The IBCP program combines study with practical experience; students solve real-life tasks, work in international teams, and gain skills that will enrich their professional careers.
The program commenced with a speech delivered during the introductory meeting by Boris Mattoš, Vice-Rector for International Relations. The organization was managed by Soňa Galanová, Coordinator of Bilateral Cooperation from the International Office. The academic program was overseen by Katarína Procházková and Andrea Čambalíková from the Faculty of Business Management, together with Nicole Gullekson and Christa Kiersch from UWLAX.
During the program, participants gained hands-on experience in consulting and developed professionally crafted solutions featuring many unique proposals for our partners, whom we sincerely thank for their long-standing support.
As Yana I. said, “IBCP 2025 was a truly inspiring experience! I had the opportunity to meet motivated people from different backgrounds, exchange opinions, and grow personally and professionally.”
This year, the following organizations and companies participated in the IBCP:
- The American Embassy, which assigned students a project to analyze the differences between the east and west of Slovakia, with proposals for policies to mitigate them
• TPA Slovakia with a project focused on increasing employee participation in the employer's educational and volunteer activities
• Deloitte Slovakia, which prepared a challenge for students on how to make work meetings with clients more efficient
• ING Hubs Slovakia, which enabled students to work on a creative strategy for building a strong position on social networks
• IBM ISC, which brought two challenges, the first focused on creating a methodology for evaluating financial certificates, and the second, which included proposals for modern and attractive forms of student education
Magomed M. said, “I enjoyed being part of this international program with a real business case commissioned by a large company. It was exciting to work in a team with people from different countries and solve a real challenge together. During the program, I had the opportunity to improve key skills such as teamwork, clear communication, planning, research, creating presentations, and effective delegation of tasks in a group. We also completed business visits, met with company representatives, and explored some Slovak cities. The whole program was dynamic, practical, and valuable for a young student like me who is beginning to enter the world of business.”
In addition to working on projects, the students had the opportunity to take part in a sightseeing tour of Bratislava, visit the Červený Kameň Castle, Majolica in Modra, the Malokarpatské Museum in Pezinok, and a boat trip to Devín Castle. Leading to Ange O. saying that, “Participating in IBCP 2025 was an amazing experience! A great balance between visits and cultural events.”
An intriguing part of the program was the excursion to the Volkswagen Slovakia plants in Bratislava and Fastenal Europe in Brno. The visit to Fastenal in Brno was one of the most fascinating points of the program for Bence T., a student working towards a supply-chain degree, said, “Collaborating with people from different countries helped me understand how different cultures function and work. The programs were engaging, especially the visit to Fastenal in Brno. That was one of the major highlights of the entire three-week program.”
Inspiring meetings awaited them directly with prominent members of these organizations. First, a lecture on consulting activities at TPA Slovakia, and later in the program, a discussion on building a global career at Johnson Controls International (JCI).
For the past fifteen years, working with the UWLAX has strengthened both of our universities and students. This program highlights how two universities with students from different parts of the world can come together and work as one. With another successful year completed, EUBA looks forward to continued success within this program and looks forward to next year!
We heartily congratulate all students on the successful completion of their projects and wish them much success in their further studies and careers!
