Participating in the International Project: Case Studies Challenge (IP3) at the University of Economics in Katowice, Poland, has been one of the most rewarding and unforgettable experiences of my life. This week-long international collaboration brought together a diverse team of six IT students, including myself, guided by a professor from our school. Our mission was to innovate and implement a startup simulation solution, building on the work of previous groups.

Overcoming Unexpected Challenges

Early on, we faced significant stress due to a lack of direction and fear of interacting with new people. However, the initial awkwardness quickly turned into strong friendships, especially with the Spanish participants, who later became some of my closest friends.

One notable challenge was creating a comprehensive information website using WordPress, a tool I hadn’t used before because I always had an ick for it. This task highlighted my adaptability and expanded my technical skill set beyond coding to include rapid learning and execution under tight deadlines.

Cultural Immersion and Fun Activities

The cultural experiences made this project even more special. Here's a glimpse of what made it unforgettable:

Socializing and Nightlife: We bonded with international participants, particularly the Spanish crew and two local Polish students who weren’t part of our project but joined us in our adventures. Almost every night, we partied until the early morning hours (4:00–5:30 AM) and somehow managed to be productive for our 8:30 AM sessions.

Cultural Visits: We explored historical towns with rich mining history and unique architecture, guided by local experts.

Brewery Tour: As Belgians, we couldn’t resist an extra beer during a brewery visit featuring a famous local Polish brand—oops!

Valencia Reunion: Fun fact: I later reconnected the Spanish participants during a trip to Valencia, further solidifying our friendship.

Dynamic Collaboration

Working alongside students from Spain, Hungary, Poland, and other countries fostered a dynamic and enriching environment. It was a melting pot of ideas, perspectives, and cultures, which made teamwork not only productive but also incredibly inspiring.

Valuable Skills Gained

This project provided me with a unique opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.

Technical Skills: Enhanced my knowledge of databases, full-stack development, and UX/UI design.

Soft Skills: Improved problem-solving, teamwork, and presentation abilities.

Adaptability: Tackled new tools and challenges, like WordPress and tight deadlines, with ease.

Reflection

This experience was more than just a project; it was a transformative journey that blended learning, collaboration, and cultural immersion. It expanded my technical expertise while offering deep insights into the intersection of IT and business on a global scale. I’ll always cherish the memories, both professional and personal, from this incredible adventure.