Erasmus+ and Beyond: BIP as a Pathway to New Skills
The Erasmus+ programme and other scholarship opportunities open doors for VSE students to the entire world. From study exchanges at prestigious universities to internships in international companies, students discover new cultures, languages and gain valuable experiences that enrich their academic and personal journeys. In the first part of this series, we introduced the Freemover programme and the Paul Robitschek Scholarship. Today, we have selected BIP programmes, which are a novelty within the Erasmus+ program.
Blended Intensive Programmes
Blended Intensive Programmes (BIP) are short, intensive programmes that use innovative ways of learning and teaching, including the use of online cooperation. During these programmes, groups of students undertake short-term physical mobility abroad (usually 5-30 days). Combined with a compulsory virtual component facilitating collaborative online learning exchange and teamwork. This format allows students to gain international experience without committing to an entire semester abroad.
At VŠE, BIP programmes are coordinated by individual faculties, and participation is contingent upon success in faculty-specific selection procedures.
More information on the BIP programmes can be found here.
Student Stories
Marina Apostol (FIR, Fontys University of Applied Sciences - NL)
“The BIP program at Fontys University in the Netherlands was a wonderful experience, especially thanks to the business simulation in our business program. I think it is very important to combine studying at university not only with theory but also with practice. The simulation game was quite comprehensive. On the first day, after learning the rules, we were all confused, including the students from the host school. From my side, I would like to say that the explanation and personal consultation with the professors helped us all a lot. By the end of the week’s stay, we had understood the context.
The second thing I found very interesting was the pitch competition. It consisted in formulating and presenting a business idea that would support the SDGs. It was more or less informal and friendly, with a supportive atmosphere. In my opinion, such challenges help to be more open to the audience and not be afraid to present your ideas in public in a foreign language (although we do this every semester at the VSE).
I would like to thank Alena Filipova for informing us about this occasion and Přemysl Průša and OZS for arranging all the details and for such a great professional opportunity, especially because I am not originally from the EU and this chance means a lot for my future career.”
