Gaining international experience: a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) in Latvia, FHNW School of Life Sciences

After a preparatory virtual phase, she spent one week at the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies in Jelgava. The programme, titled “The Green Shift: Em-powering community and nature-based potential,” combined topics such as urban agriculture, social entrepreneurship, sustainable financing models, and design thinking. Participants not only gained subject-specific insights but also developed their problem-solving and creative skills in an international environment.

What motivated you to take part in the BIP?
I mainly decided to join the BIP out of curiosity. I really enjoy travelling and discovering new places, and at the same time I like learning new things and broadening my horizons. For me, the programme was the perfect combination of both. It seemed like a great opportunity to try something new and to step outside my usual study routine.

What was the interaction like with the other students?
A total of 24 students participated, from Poland, Latvia, and Estonia. Everyone was very open and friendly, which made it easy to start conversations.
I shared a room in the student residence with a student from Poland. This gave me the chance to exchange ideas with her and learn more about her culture. It also sparked my interest in visiting Kraków in the future.
The interaction with the Latvian students was also very valuable. Thanks to them, we got to know the city of Jelgava much better and were able to try typical Latvian dishes.

What did you learn?
Although the programme had a stronger focus on business topics and was less aligned with my scientific background, I still gained many valuable insights. I realised that I can definitely imagine working in an international environment in the future.
I also learned to approach new people more openly and to adapt more quickly to new situations.

What surprised you the most about your stay abroad?
I was most surprised by how green Latvia is. Even in the cities, there are many parks and natural areas, which creates a very pleasant atmosphere.

Would you recommend a BIP to others? Do you have any tips?
Yes, I would definitely recommend participating. It’s a great opportunity to combine studies, travel, and personal development.
My main tip is to approach others openly and make the most of your time. The more you engage and exchange ideas, the more you gain from the programme.
You can also apply for programmes that are not 100% related to your field of study, as you can learn a lot outside your own discipline.

Would you like to share a special experience?
A funny moment was the topic of skiing. In Switzerland, I’m used to high mountains and large ski resorts. So I was quite surprised to hear that there are ski resorts in Latvia, even though the country is very flat. When I then found out that they are only at around 200 metres above sea level, the Latvian students had to put up with a few of my joking comments.