BIP: When Erasmus Fits into One Intensive Week

A Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) offers students a flexible and intensive alternative to a traditional Erasmus+ exchange. Combining online preparation with a short in-person experience, it brings together students from different countries for several days of learning, collaboration and cultural exchange.

The strength of the BIP format lies in its ability to create meaningful international experiences within a limited timeframe. Students gain new perspectives, build connections across cultures and experience a different academic environment – all within a single intensive week.

From 22 to 26 June 2026, NEWTON University hosted a Blended Intensive Programme entitled Stay Human: Self-Awareness, Wellbeing & Connection. The title itself captured the central theme of the programme: how to stay connected with ourselves in a fast-paced, digitally saturated world that often challenges our ability to slow down, reflect and recognise our own needs and boundaries.

The programme focused on topics that are highly relevant to today’s students, including cognitive overload, attention management, digital habits, self-reflection, stress regulation, body awareness, mindfulness, friendship, loneliness, supportive communication and the foundations of psychological first aid.

The aim was not only to share knowledge but also to create space for personal experience and reflection. Students took part in practical exercises, pair and group activities, discussions and guided reflection sessions, allowing them to explore the topics in a meaningful and personal way.

The experience extended far beyond the classroom. Alongside the academic programme, students explored Prague, continued conversations between sessions, spent time together and built new connections through informal activities, including a visit to the Pilsner Urquell Experience.

This combination of academic learning, international exchange and informal moments is what makes BIP programmes so unique. Students are not just participants in a course; for a short time, they become part of a new community, a new city and a new cultural environment.

The final day provided an opportunity to reflect on the experience and identify the key lessons students were taking away. Throughout the week, they had been completing their Daily Reflection Cards, which they later used to create group mind maps answering the question: What helps us Stay Human?

The reflections highlighted recurring themes such as reconnecting with ourselves, managing overload, making time for conscious rest, seeking support, listening to our bodies and recognising the importance of meaningful relationships.

Students reflected that “Stay Human” is not a single skill that can be mastered once and for all. Instead, it is a collection of small everyday choices: noticing when we lose touch with ourselves, recognising when we need to slow down, knowing when to ask for help and being willing to support others.

A BIP is much more than a short international study programme. It is an intensive experience where academic learning, personal development, intercultural exchange and real-life experiences come together. When thoughtfully designed, even a single week can have a lasting impact.

We would like to thank all students for their openness, energy and willingness to fully engage with the programme. Our thanks also go to everyone who contributed to preparing and delivering BIP Stay Human: Bára Pánková, Bára Bělová, Tereza Šmejkalová, Renata Bašová, Simona Dosedělová, Karolina Baumannová and Petra Borkovcová.

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