How to Start a Blended Intensive Programme?

Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) in the STARS EU Alliance are short, collaborative learning formats that combine virtual cooperation with a short-term physical mobility component. Developed jointly by partner universities, BIPs support innovative teaching, internationalisation of curricula, and interdisciplinary learning across Europe. This guide provides a clear pathway for academic staff to design, implement, and recognise BIPs within the Alliance, from forming international teaching teams and designing learning outcomes to organising mobility, assessment, and credit recognition.Requirements

Preperation

Identification of a Thematic FieldSelect an interesting and relevant topic that is attractive to you, your students and your partner institutions. Win PartnersSeek out suitable partners who can offer complementary expertise or resources. Your local STARS EU officer can help you finding partners. Otherwise, a STARS EU TIG (Thematic Interest Group) might be a good starting point as well to find partners interested in the same topic. Arrange RolesCoordinate with partners to determine which institution will take on which role (e.g. host or partner). If you envision to re-use the course for the following years, alternating the roles for following editions might be an option. Networking and Communication StrategyEstablish regular communication channels for both educators and students, such as forums or regular Q&A sessions. If possible, engage alumni from previous BIP programs for insights and potential mentorship roles. Early Coordination of Semester Times and Mobility WeeksCompare semester schedules across all partner institutions early and identify a feasible window for the physical mobility phase. Consider time zone differences when planning online components. PlanningStart planning around two semesters in advance and appoint a BIP coordinator. Create a shared planning document (module description, timeline, responsibilities) and assign teaching units, tasks, and topics to partners. Define milestones for announcement, application, and registration. Integration into CurriculumEnsure that the BIP can be recognized as an elective in degree programs. Align the BIP with institutional teaching and internationalisation strategies. Design the BIP to be reusable and, if possible, feasible even without external funding. Module Description for AdvertisingPrepare a clear and attractive module description including:
  • Learning outcomes and teaching methods
  • Structure (online phase + physical mobility)
  • Assessment and workload (min 3 ECTS)
  • Registration process and deadlines
  • Information on learning agreements and Erasmus+ funding
  • Whether a motivation letter or selection criteria apply

Secure Funding and Promotion

Get in touch with local International Office early on: The earlier, the betterContact your International Office as early as possible.Clarify Erasmus+ BIP funding rules, internal deadlines, and procedures.Be aware that partner universities may have very different application timelines. Register the BIP with STARS EUEarly registration increases chances of funding and planning security. You can register your BIP using this form.

Promotion

Advertise the BIP through:
  • Partner universities
  • STARS EU channels
  • International Offices and departmental networks

Implementation

Ensure technical support for online sessionsSchedule technical support during important online events to promptly address potential issues. Coordinate assessment, grading, and credit recognition with partnersClarify content, form and criteria for examination with partners. Deliver the online and physical components as planned As a partner: the teacher is responsible to enter the grades in the respective systems As host: provide a Transcript of Records for incoming students Collect feedbackPlan for mid-term and final feedback sessions with students and partners to gather real-time insights and make adjustments to the program as needed.