Blended Intensive Programs (BIP)

When I signed up for the programme I had a completely different idea of what the activities or the experience itself would be like, but it turned out to be an experience that surprised me in many areas. I went to visit Brussels the day before I left for Antwerp. I think now I've got a bit of an idea of what erasmus is like, what it's like to be in class, with new teachers and classmates, but at the same time getting to know the country and the culture. I have a friend who is going to do erasmus in the country we were in and I was a bit worried about going. After the week, I realised I had nothing to fear because I'd had a really good experience. The programme helps those who can't go on Erasmus but also those who want to go but are afraid. Given my experience, I can't wait to do it again and I hope that there will be more opportunities for me and my classmates during our academic career. As well as making friends from other parts of the world, I think I strengthened some connections with friends. We shared a week that will last forever. The "I" in intensive has a reason for being there, it took some effort and I think it was a mutual feeling, not just for the ISEG students. As most of the students were in exams when the assignments were requested, it was easy to lose track and then the work filled the afternoons of our week. At the end I was tired but full, in the sense that it had been a really productive and fun week at the same time.

My experience in this short-term mobility programme can certainly be described as remarkable and enriching. I had the chance to integrate such an amazing class of motivated and brilliant people. Each one intriguing in their own way, being an utter pleasure to have met and befriended them. Moreover, my participation throughout the programme was definitely a challenging one, both in the virtual and physical part, juggling between BIP's assignments, academic life and personal life. This has then enabled me to develop aspects such as time management, overall organisation, teamwork and even communication, recalling how after classes my team and I would join to work on our report or when I asked my hostel roommates for their insights regarding a certain topic! The Blended Intensive Programme on Leadership Development has since then widened my scope regarding "soft" skills - especially Leadership - and its impact on social interactions and people's self-improvement. The existing sheer amount of theory and academic research was unbeknownst to me and showedcased how complex and unknown this topic still is. By looking back, I can only say that it was truly an experience that has shaped me as person and a collection of moments and memories that I will undoubtedly cherish forever.