Successful participation in the Blended Intensive Program

Students from Kufstein University successfully participated in a Blended Intensive Program (BIP) in Vilnius from 13 to 17 May 2024. This Erasmus+ mobility format to promote transnational cooperation and cultural exchange took place at Vilnius Kolegija, University of Applied Sciences. The focus was on a practice-oriented challenge from the Vilnius City Administration to integrate young adults into the world of work and society in a better way.

TRANSNATIONAL COOPERATION AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE

Students from Austria, the Netherlands and Lithuania came together as part of the BIP to work on a practice-oriented challenge. The Vilnius city administration set the task of developing innovative approaches to integrate young adults into the world of work and the community after they leave school. During a tour of Vilnius City Hall, the participants received a detailed introduction to the problem and existing programs from representatives of the city. From the roof terrace on the 22nd floor, there was a magnificent view of the capital and an initial exchange between the interdisciplinary and transnational teams, who were now to develop creative solution approaches within a few days.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND WORKSHOPS

The host of this student mobility, the Vilnius Kolegija, University of Applied Sciences, offered the 45 or so students a series of events and workshops for the five working days to prepare them optimally for the challenge. After a warm welcome and a creativity session, a lecture by Dipl.-Kfm. Karin Steiner on Entrepreneurial Management took place. Pitch training and innovation workshops helped the students to develop their ideas professionally and present them successfully to a jury of experts at the end.

INTERCULTURAL EXCHANGE AND PERSONAL EXPERIENCES

The program also offered numerous opportunities for international contacts and cultural exchange. In addition to intensive group work and workshops, the students explored Vilnius and experienced Lithuanian culture and cuisine. In the Vilnil Museum of Illusions, perspectives were questioned and new points of view explored. A city tour organized by the BIP deepened their understanding of the history and culture of the Lithuanian capital. In the evenings, the participants met up in local bars and made friends.

SOLIDARITY WITH UKRAINE

One moving aspect of the visit was the omnipresent solidarity with Ukraine. Ukrainian flags could be seen everywhere in Vilnius, and a large banner on the town hall sent a clear political message. At the Vilniaus Kolegija, a wall commemorated stories of young students who lost their lives in the war in Ukraine. These moving memories deepened the participants' understanding and empathy for the current situation in Ukraine.

The Blended Intensive Program in Vilnius was not only an academic enrichment for the students of the Kufstein University, but also a profound intercultural experience that opened up new perspectives and created long-term connections.

Links:

• Bachelor in Leadership & Business Management (formerly Business Management)
• VVF – FACULTY OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT