40 students and 10 lecturers from four countries took part in the kick-off event. Our third-semester healthcare and nursing students were accompanied by Gernot Heschl, BSc MSc, and Mag.a (FH) Kathrin Szabo from the International Office. The cooperation initiative was launched as part of Staff Week 2023 - and has now developed into a lively European project.

Learn, network, experience

The programme included a variety of workshops with an intercultural focus, which enabled participants to learn about and reflect on cultural differences and similarities in care practice. The discussions were further enriched by expert input such as the presentation "Dementia in old age" by Gernot Heschl.

The excursions were a particular highlight:

• the tour of the newly built New Children's Hospital in Helsinki, which is considered a model for modern paediatric and adolescent medicine throughout Europe,
• and a tour of the state-of-the-art simulation centres at Laurea University of Applied Sciences, which provided an exciting insight into innovative training approaches with realistic training methods.

Exchange that connects

In addition to professional development, the BIP primarily offered a platform for intercultural encounters. Students and teaching staff took the opportunity to build international networks, exchange experiences and learn about new perspectives in the health and care sector.

To be continued ... in Brno?

The consistently positive feedback and the palpable enthusiasm of all participants make us want more: the next Blended Intensive Programme will take place at the College for Nursing in Brno in May 2026. It remains to be seen what new impulses will be generated there.

For all those who are now keen to experience an international adventure during their studies: the International Office is happy to help! international@hochschule-burgenland.at