Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programs
Photo: Kar-Tr/GettyImages
The Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programs (BIP) are part of a new funding line provided under the Erasmus+ program 2021–2027. Its objective is to foster the joint application of innovative pedagogical approaches and to expand the potential for virtual collaboration.
BIPs are likewise aimed at strengthening digital skills in teaching and learning, while facilitating the development of short, intensive, and collaborative mobility formats and activities, such as summer schools.
Additional information:
Detailed information from the DAAD on Blended Intensive Programs (BIP) (PDF 410 KB)
Guidelines for departments (PDF 539 KB)
Best Practices: Summer School 2023 of the Department of Philosophy II in Tutzing
Last year, we sponsored a summer school on the topic of “Bioethics in context: Nature, Culture and the Diversity of Human Relationships with Nature”
The summer school took place from 27 June to 2 July 2023 at the Academy for Political Education on the shores of Lake Starnberg in Tutzing. In cooperation with our partner universities in Zagreb, Sofia, Thessaloniki, Crete and Linz and with funding from the EU Erasmus+ program, Prof. Dr. Hoffmann from the Department of Philosophy II at the FernUniversität in Hagen organized an intensive and interdisciplinary program. In addition to the ten speakers, almost 30 students – selected by their home universities – also contributed presentations on the topic.
Throughout the week, students seized the opportunity to connect with one another across national and linguistic boundaries and repeatedly voiced their appreciation for the opportunity to engage and collaborate in the context of an international summer school.
The summer school was followed around three weeks later with a virtual component that picked up on the topics raised by the academy in Tutzing. The presentations had previously been uploaded via the cloud to allow the students to reacquaint themselves with all the topics and prepare for this virtual final round. The online session also provided participants with an opportunity to ask any remaining questions and served as a fitting conclusion to the event.
Follow-up events are being planned ;-) ...
Here you can read the full report on the Summer School of the Department of Philosophy II on the website of the Faculty of Humanities
Pictures from the Summer School in Tutzing 2023
Photo: FernUniversität
Photo: FernUniversität
Statement from a participant
The experience I had as a participant in the summer school in Tutzing is invaluable – the overall theme, each individual presentation; I learned so much! The diverse group of participants created an enriching atmosphere of academic debate and cultural exchange. I’ll never forget this experience, just as I’ll never forget the friendships I made in Tutzing!
Sarah Biggs from Canada studies bioethics in Crete with Prof. Tsinorema
FAQ on Blended Intensive Programs
What is a BIP and what are the requirements?
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A BIP is a short stay abroad combined with a virtual phase. A BIP requires the participation of at least 3 higher education institutions (from 3 different program countries) that have an Erasmus+ Charter for Higher Education (ECHE). The participation of other universities from program or partner countries is possible.
The following roles must be assumed by the participating universities:
- Coordinating university: receives organizational support for the BIP (depending on the number of mobile participants; min. 15 / max. 20) and is ideally also the host university for the physical phase
- Sending university: sends BIP participants: students (as short-term blended mobilities) or teachers (teaching mobility) and possibly other participants who are not BIP participants
- Host university: receives BIP participants on its own premises or at another venue
Who and what is funded?
As the sending institution in the context of a BIP, both participating students (as part of short-term mobility) and teaching staff (as part of teaching mobility) are eligible for funding. Funding is provided for a short group mobility (5–30 days) that must be combined with a virtual component, which is not funded. Funding for participation in a BIP is only possible if carried out in conjunction with a partner university. If you are planning to take part in a BIP at a university with which you do not yet have a partnership, please contact the International Office.
In addition, you can also plan a BIP as a coordinating university and receive funding for organizational support.
How much funding is available?
The organizational support for a BIP in which the FernUniversität acts as the coordinating university is between €6,000 and €8,000. The amount depends on the number of mobile BIP participants sent by the sending universities. €400 is available per mobile BIP participant, whereby there must be at least 15 mobile BIP participants (€6,000) and there can be a maximum of 20 mobile BIP participants (€8,000). In addition, there may be more participants in the BIP.
The organizational support can be used for the initiation, development, implementation and general administration of the BIP. Furthermore, the funds support the management of the program, for instance, in the form of personnel costs, e.g., student assistants (please consult with the respective HR department), teaching materials and printing costs, room rental, public relations, hospitality (pro rata and in accordance with the university’s hospitality guidelines), translations, activities, etc.
Note: Funds designated for organizational support may not be used to finance BIP mobilities!
How can I apply?
Applications for Blended Intensive Programs can be submitted via the International Office of the FernUniversität in Hagen.
Please note that for outgoing mobilities, applications for individual funding must be submitted in addition to the BIP application (see “Who and what is funded”).
Application for a BIP as a coordinating university – Incoming (PDF 2 MB)
Application for funding for BIP participants to take part in a BIP as a sending university – Outgoing (PDF 1 MB)
What other conditions are associated with the grant?
After your stay abroad, you must
- Provide evidence of the actual duration of the stay abroad. Teachers must also document the number of hours taught by means of a confirmation from the host institution and students must also confirm that they have received at least 3 ECTS credits
- Fill out an online report from the EU Commission (to be completed by all funded participants)
- All funded participants must submit a short written report on their experience abroad as well as a report on their experience with the BIP if the FernUni has acted as the coordinating university
What else needs to be considered?
An Erasmus+ grant does not include insurance coverage. You must organize sufficient insurance coverage for your stay abroad (European health insurance card, liability insurance, accident insurance, term life insurance, travel insurance incl. repatriation from abroad, if applicable). Coverage is also available through the DAAD (site partially in German).
Subject to change without notice.
Who is the contact person?
The staff in the International Office (phone: +49 2331 987-4245, e-mail: international) will be happy to answer your questions.
