Tourism Undergraduate Students Successfully Participate in Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) in Slovenia

Within the framework of the Erasmus+ programme, third-year Tourism students Tea Uzelac, Karla Barić, and Lea Parc participated in a blended short-term mobility, specifically a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) titled "Designing Sustainability Strategies," at the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Maribor in Slovenia. The programme began with a virtual component (an online meeting and introductory lecture) on September 4, 2026, and the in-person mobility took place from September 7 to 11, 2026.

The programme's central theme was sustainability, which was integrated into all lectures across the five-day curriculum. Throughout the lectures, the students gained insights into various aspects of sustainability, current challenges, and examples of best practices. Alongside the theoretical part, the programme included practical assignments related to the lecture topics, encouraging active participation, critical thinking, and the exchange of knowledge and experiences.

In addition to academic activities, the programme included content dedicated to exploring Slovenia's cultural and social heritage. A professional guided tour of Maribor was organised, during which the students had the opportunity to learn about the city's history, cultural heritage, and its most prominent landmarks.

On the fifth day of the mobility, the students took field trips, including visits to the Jeruzalem Oil Mill in Središče ob Dravi and Ormož Castle. The visits provided a firsthand look at local heritage and practical case studies. Upon completion of the programme, the students received certificates for successfully completing their Erasmus+ mobility.

Throughout the entire stay, the hosts provided excellent working and living conditions, contributing to a pleasant and stimulating atmosphere.

This mobility enabled the students to gain new knowledge about sustainability, familiarise themselves with different teaching approaches, and exchange experiences in an international academic environment. It also helped develop their intercultural competences and strengthen international cooperation.