Abstract:

Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) is a new format of Erasmus+ mobility. The Erasmus+ BIP program has been in use for the past few years. It is one of the newer ways of promoting international cooperation and mobility of students and teachers, supported by information and communication technology and based on online and onsite activities of participants. Short, intensive programs use innovative ways of learning and teaching, including the use of online cooperation.

The organization and implementation of these programs are based on 4 to 5 weeks of online classes conducted by several international partners, where the host partner (applicant/coordinator) also organizes 1 week of onsite physical presence, education, socializing, and getting to know the culture and traditions of the destination country. Given the usual number of 15-20 participants and 10 teachers, the challenges in organization of these events require preparation and planning.

This article represents the result of the implementation, organization, or participation in more than 10 BIP programs across Europe intending to present typical challenges in the organization (planning and preparation of the entire program) and the implementation itself (last 5-6 weeks of the actual program) from the perspective of the coordinator/applicant and partner/participant of the program.

The research and results of this paper seek to review, analyze, and improve BIP practice and point out all interested in easier preparation, organization, and implementation of this worthy program and wonderful experiences for students and teachers.

Keywords:

Blended Intensive Program, Short Educational Programmes, Education, Organization, Implementation, Challenges.