The educational value of BIPs (Blended Intensive Programme) and the impact on stakeholders’ collaboration

Form@re -Open Journal per la formazione in reteISSN 1825-7321, vol. 24, n. 3, pp. 23-36DOI: https://doi.org/10.36253/form-16858© 2024Author(s). Open Access article distributed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0Firenze University Presshttp://www.fupress.com/formareArticlesThe educational value of BIPs (Blended Intensive Programme)and the impact on stakeholders’collaborationIl valore educativo dei BIP (Blended Intensive Programme) e l’impatto sulla collaborazione degli stakeholdersFrancescoLavangaaaUniversità degli Studi di Firenze, francesco.lavanga@unifi.itAbstractThe Erasmus+ 2021-2027 programme encompasses a diverse array of internationalization initiativesand fostersa comprehensive network of opportunities for collaborative learning. Among these, Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) stand out as innovative educational models that merge physical and virtual mobility to create transformative learning experiences for university students and academic staff. These programs offer two main advantages: the development of disciplinary expertise alongside the cultivation of essential life skills and soft skills, which are very valuablein today’s interconnected world. This paper examines the implementation of a BIP focusing on informal adult education in prisons, undertaken through a partnership between the University of Siena (Italy), Malta University (Malta), Debrecen University (Hungary), and European Cyprus University (Cyprus). The analysis evaluates both the strengths and challenges of the initiative.The paper aims to contribute to the refinement of future BIP designs and to enhance cooperation among multiple stakeholders involved in such educational endeavors.