B4Students, part of Mane Foundation, has become a key bridge between education and industry for students, offering valuable opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world experience. Recently, a group of 50 students from Erhvervsakademi Aarhus University in Denmark visited the offices of leading retail companies within the BALFIN Group, including Neptun, Jumbo, Fashion Group Albania, and Spar.

This visit was part of an exchange program with the University of Tirana’s Faculty of Economics. The students, who are pursuing a master’s in international marketing, were eager to explore leadership roles within the retail industry, ranging from Marketing and Sales to Social Media Management and Digital Marketing.

During their visit, the students had the chance to engage with managers and company representatives, gaining insights into how these companies operate and how marketing strategies are applied in Albania. They were particularly interested in understanding how consumer behavior in Albania compares to that of Denmark, and how marketing approaches differ in the two cultures.

Professor Mark Hughes, who accompanied the students, emphasized the value of experiencing real-world business environments: “In the classroom, we cover a lot of theory and models, but seeing how companies like BALFIN Retail Companies set prices, run promotions, and adapt to local consumer behavior brings those lessons to life. The cultural differences, between Denmark and Albania, are essential for understanding consumer behavior on a global scale.”

Student representative Niles Illum also shared his thoughts: “It’s fascinating to see how businesses of BALFIN Group manage operations. We’ve learned about managing different cultures, but this visit made everything more tangible.

Through initiatives like B4Students, Mane Foundation and BALFIN Group are offering valuable practical experiences, including internships and real-world projects, that help students develop the skills needed for success in the global marketplace.