Blended, brief, but impactful: Evaluating the effectiveness of Erasmus+ blended intensive programs

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) in fostering intercultural competences and international collaboration skills among higher education students. Conducted over three years with participants from five European universities, the study uses preand post-program surveys to assess changes in student attitudes and self-perceived skills. Although statistical differences between the preand post-tests were not significant, participants reported perceived improvements in intercultural teamwork, international project engagement, and personal development. Qualitative feedback further emphasized the value of practical experiences and cross-cultural collaboration. Suggestions for improvement focused on the organization of the physical mobility component, including better planning and more cultural activities. The average program rating was 7.6 out of 10. While findings highlight a possible participation bias favouring already internationally oriented students, they also indicate the potential of BIPs to serve as impactful, inclusive international learning experiences. Future research with larger samples and control groups is recommended to better understand long-term outcomes and address access equity.