Our colleague Monika Babic from the ICEPS International Relations Office had the pleasure of participating in the TCA (Training and Cooperation Activities) event titled Emphasizing virtual and inclusive dimensions of the Blended Intensive Programmes, which took place in Zagreb from October 28 to October 30. This event was organized within the Erasmus+ programme by the national agency of the Tempus Foundation, in collaboration with the Croatian and Romanian national agencies.
The Croatian hosts welcomed participants at the Dubrovnik Hotel, where a two-day training session was held, the focus of the sessions was on planning and implementing Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs). The goal of this training was to provide practical knowledge to selected representatives from higher education institutions and showcase best practices in organizing these innovative mobility programmes.
Blended mobilities, a novelty within the Erasmus+ KA1 projects (2021–2027), combine virtual and physical mobility, thus opening doors to innovative learning methods. This concept is especially significant for students and teaching staff; who, for various reasons, are unable to participate in traditional mobility programmes.
During the event, Monika, the International Cooperation Coordinator Assistant at ICEPS, had the chance to exchange experiences with colleagues from Croatia and Romania, gain insights into practical aspects of organizing BIPs, as well as get useful advice on overcoming challenges in their implementation. The discussions also highlighted the benefits of these programmes for participants, as well as organizers and partners.
A key outcome of the event was the expansion of our network, paving the way for the development of new international partnerships. The International Relations Office at ICEPS is now planning the first steps toward participating in its own BIP programme, which will contribute to further internationalization of our institution.
In addition to the educational part, the hosts organized a visit to the Museum of Illusions in Zagreb, which further enriched the participants’ experience with intriguing and inspiring content.
This experience marks another leap boosting international cooperation and reinforcing our institution’s standing within the Erasmus+ programme.
