Business Simulation, BIP-ID: 2025-1-DE01-KA131-HED-000318607-1

BIP Coordination: Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences, DE HEILBRO01

BIP Partners (3): Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, SF HELSINK40 (Finland); Bratislav University of Economics and Business, SK BRATISL03 (Slovakia); University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, SK TRNAVA02 (Slowakia)

Promoting innovative teaching and learning approaches while providing opportunities for international experiences.

As part of a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) funded by the European Union, an international course was successfully conducted from 9 to 13 October in the winter semester 2026/2027, with Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences acting as the host institution. The partner universities involved were Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, the University of Economics in Bratislava, and the University of Trnava.

The cooperation between the partner institutions was characterized by openness, mutual trust, and a shared understanding of the programme’s objectives. Both the virtual preparation phase and the on-site phase were implemented smoothly and successfully. This flexibility was supported by the strong trust and close collaboration among the participating lecturers.

The on-site phase at the Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences campus was particularly distinguished by the intensive international collaboration among the students. Participants worked together in multinational teams on shared assignments and projects. For many students, this was the first opportunity to collaborate exclusively in English within a genuinely international environment. It quickly became apparent that, alongside linguistic challenges, cultural differences also played an important role. Different communication styles, working methods, and expectations had to be recognized and overcome. These experiences represented a significant added value of the programme, as they enabled students to develop intercultural competencies and strengthen their teamwork skills in an international context.

As a special emphasis was placed on European cooperation, the BIP included an excursion to Strasbourg. The city’s historical background and its changing history provided an impressive illustration of the importance of peaceful cooperation among the peoples of Europe. A guided visit to the European Parliament gave students valuable insights into the significance of European cooperation and the European ideal. At the same time, it became clear that European cooperation does not take place solely at the political level but begins above all at the individual level through personal encounters, joint projects, and direct exchange between young people from different countries and cultures.

Overall, the Blended Intensive Programme can be considered a great success. In addition to academic collaboration, the primary focus was on fostering intercultural competencies, strengthening international networks, and promoting a shared European understanding. The positive feedback from all participants clearly demonstrates the value of such programmes for both students and higher education institutions alike.