Originally from Malta, Luke Baldacchino first pursued a bachelor degree in Business Administration with a focus on Human Resource Management at Royal Holloway, University of London. After graduation, he returned home, but the idea of living in Vienna had already taken root.
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International perspectives in Marketing: Luke’s global experience at IMC Krems
Not long after COVID, he received an opportunity to relocate to Austria for work. “It felt like a dream come true,” he recalls. Although a redundancy later challenged his plans, it also gave him the chance to pause and reflect on what he truly wanted to do next.
That turning point led him to IMC Krems. Encouraged by a former colleague who had studied the same master degree programme in Marketing with a focus on Fashion and Lifestyle Marketing, Luke applied without hesitation. Looking back, he describes it as one of the best decisions he has ever made.
Finding a home at IMC Krems
Although based in Vienna, Luke never minded the commute to Krems. From the very first visit, he felt a special atmosphere on campus. The historic Piaristengasse campus, with its renovated wine cellar classrooms, made a lasting impression. “I often send photos to friends back in Malta, they can’t believe this is where I have lectures,” he says with a smile.
What he values most, however, is the quality of the education. Many of his lecturers work for leading fashion and lifestyle brands, bringing real-world insights directly into the classroom. This close link to industry has made his studies both relevant and inspiring. Luke also highlights the support he received from the administrative team at IMC Krems, who helped him navigate paperwork and settle smoothly as an international student.
An Erasmus adventure in Spain
This year, Luke’s academic journey took him even further: on Erasmus exchange to sunny Valencia, Spain. At Universidad Europea de Valencia, he has been attending interactive classes, working on his master’s thesis and enjoying the vibrant Spanish lifestyle. “The campus is smaller than in Krems but very modern, and the Erasmus community here is fantastic,” he shares.
Outside of his studies, Luke has embraced everything Valencia has to offer, from cycling through the city and exploring local cafés to joining Erasmus-organised trips and building friendships with students from all over the world.
Looking ahead
By June, Luke had successfully defended his thesis and completed his master degree at IMC Krems. After an enriching Erasmus semester and a summer back home in Malta, he is now setting his sights on the next chapter of his career.
Austria, and especially Vienna, remains high on his list of places to return to. “Vienna still has my heart, it’s such a clean, safe, and culturally rich city. The only challenge is the language barrier, but I’m hopeful about what the future holds,” he reflects.
A journey shaped by IMC Krems
For Luke, studying at IMC Krems has been transformative: a blend of academic excellence, international opportunities and personal growth. His journey from Malta to Austria and now Spain is proof of the many doors that open when you take a leap of faith.
Or, in Luke’s own words: “To anyone considering studying abroad or doing an Erasmus exchange: go for it! It’s one of the best things you can do, both for your career and for your personal development.”