Participants from across Europe, new languages, diverse perspectives and the opportunity to step out of one’s comfort zone, build international friendships and collaborate on projects⏤Blended Intensive Programmes (BIP) offer all this and more. These mobility programmes combine digital learning phases with short stays abroad. Students work virtually in international teams on specific tasks and societal challenges.
Learning across borders
Raffael wanted to find out more about intercultural communication and therefore opted for the “Multicultural Communication Skills in Voluntary Work” programme. The international atmosphere was palpable for him right from the start.
- Through interactive sessions and presentations, the international students explored cultural dimensions and intercultural differences.
- They got to know and better understand the distinctive features of other cultures.
- In his own project, Raffael worked alongside students from other cultures and learnt how important it is to consciously adapt communication styles and take different cultural expectations into account.
On-site phase in Finland
During the on-site week in Oulu, Finland, all BIP participants met in person for the first time. Together, they experienced the Finnish way of life first-hand.
- A key element of the on-site phase was voluntary work. Raffael worked at a mental health facility and on a volunteer-run sauna project.
- His contact and exchanges with local students, NGO representatives and volunteers gave him authentic insights into everyday life and the social structures of Finland.
- Part of the official programme was an excursion to the Pilpasuo nature reserve, and of course there was also the opportunity to explore Finland on his own.
For Raffael, the BIP was an intense period full of many new impressions and international learning experiences, which helped him grow both academically and personally.