Leaving home, moving to a new country and starting completely from scratch takes courage. For Tjaša Gorenc, this decision became the beginning of a journey that shaped not only her academic path, but also her personal development.
Story
Leaving home, finding growth: studying at IMC Krems
Originally from Slovenia, Tjaša first came to IMC Krems to study the bachelor degree programme Tourism and Leisure Management. Today, she continues her academic journey in the master degree programme Marketing and is currently in her second semester.
What makes her story special is how everything started. She moved to Krems without ever visiting the city before and without knowing a single person. Despite the uncertainty, she felt a strong need for growth, change and new experiences. “Choosing IMC Krems was one of the best decisions I have ever made,” she says today.
Studying abroad and stepping outside the comfort zone
Moving to a different country alone naturally came with challenges. Adapting to a new environment, building friendships and creating a completely new daily life required courage and openness.
At the same time, these experiences helped Tjaša grow far beyond her comfort zone. Over the years, she learned how to adapt to unfamiliar situations, connect with new people and create opportunities for herself independently and confidently.
For her, studying abroad was not only about earning a degree. It also became a personal journey that shaped her mindset and perspective on life.
Why IMC Krems felt like home
One of the aspects Tjaša values most about IMC Krems is the atmosphere on campus and within the student community. “The students are very connected and the campus has such a welcoming atmosphere,” she explains.
Krems itself also quickly became a place she truly appreciates. She describes it as a charming student city with a unique character and the perfect balance between university life and nature. Especially the location near the Danube and surrounded by the Wachau region makes everyday life in Krems special for her.
Why marketing fascinates her
What fascinates Tjaša most about the Marketing master degree programme is the combination of creativity, psychology, communication and strategy. For her, marketing is dynamic, constantly evolving and closely connected to understanding people and ideas. This mix of analytical and creative thinking is exactly what makes the field so exciting for her.
Student life in Krems
Outside of her studies, Tjaša enjoys staying active and exploring the region around Krems. From spending time in nature to discovering new places, she values the many opportunities the area offers outside of university life.
For her, student life in Krems is not limited to lectures and exams. It is also about experiences, personal connections and enjoying everyday moments.
Advice for future international students
Looking back, Tjaša knows that moving abroad without certainty was a big step. Nevertheless, she would encourage future international students to embrace new beginnings, even when they feel unfamiliar at first.
Her advice is simple but powerful: “Do not be afraid to take the leap, even if everything feels unfamiliar at first. Sometimes the biggest growth comes from the most uncertain beginnings.”