‘Intercultural competence and communication in global markets: managing challenges of sustainable economic growth’ was the theme of this year’s Blended Intensive Programme at the University of Opole. From 1 to 5 December 2025, over 60 students from Poland, Germany and Romania learned how to combine theory with practical applications in international management.
Following an online preparatory phase in November, participants took part in an intensive, interdisciplinary programme at the UO in December. Through workshops, case studies and team projects, students enhanced their leadership, communication and intercultural skills.
The meeting in Opole was opened by a session hosted by Dr Pradeep Kumar, assistant professor at the Faculty of Philology of the UO and coordinator of the BIP 2025 project. Other speakers included Prof. Joanna Ryszka (Vice-Rector for Student Affairs at the University of Opole), Dr Małgorzata Adams-Tukiendorf (Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Philology) and project coordinators from partner universities: the Dunărea de Jos University in Galați (Romania) and Hochschule Mittweida (Germany).
‘This edition exceeded all our expectations,’ admitted Prof. Ryszka. ‘Not only did the students tackle complex global challenges, but they also demonstrated exceptional creativity, teamwork and intercultural understanding.
On the following day, Dr Kumar also conducted an interactive case study focusing on Singapore, China and its regions, including Hong Kong and Macao, and Taiwan. The students worked in teams, analysing the historical, cultural, political and economic context, developing their research, presentation and teamwork skills.
On the third day of the event, the students visited Moszna Castle and on the fourth day, they worked in international teams to present the results of the aforementioned case studies. The last day of the programme was an opportunity to summarise their efforts and appreciate outstanding productions. The participants also received certificates of completion of the programme, which were presented to them by the director of the Institute of Linguistics, Prof. Katarzyna Molek-Kozakowska, together with the leaders of the BIP project.
The previous Blended Intensive Programme took place in June 2025 in Mittweida, and the next one is planned for May 2026 in Galati. This schedule allows for continuous international cooperation, knowledge exchange and intercultural learning between partner universities. This helps the University of Opole educate global leaders who possess the knowledge, intercultural competences and practical skills necessary in today’s world.
The event was organised as part of the Erasmus+ Programme, under the agreement 2025-1-PL01-KA131-HED-000314214.