From 12 to 16 February, students and mentors from various countries came together for a week rich in learning, collaboration, and cultural experiences. Participants dove deep into themes like agile development, intercultural teamwork, and sustainable innovations, mirroring real-world challenges and solutions.
Students formed three international teams and began working on challenges posed by mentors. They will continue to work remotely, each team at their own pace. A mid-term online meeting for all participants is foreseen in April, and the final meeting in June in Vilnius, where teams will present their solutions to the organising committee. One of the BlendEd kick-off meeting mentors Vytautas Ambomavčius mentions the importance of working in international and interdisciplinary teams: “I’m amazed at how quickly students are able to engage in teamwork, and how seamlessly they combine knowledge from different fields. Differences between study programmes or countries are not a barrier to overcome in a project, but on the contrary, it is a great advantage. And all student projects are fully completed.”
Vytautas Abromavičius also emphasised BlendEd’s impact on students, the modern approach of the university, and the integration of international students: “The program exceeded my expectations by offering students invaluable experiences for their careers, showcasing our university’s modern approach to studies, and teaching me how to effectively integrate international students into the learning process, enhancing the educational experience through diversity.”
The agenda of the BlendEd kick-off meeting was filled with interactive workshops, team-building activities, and practical sessions to prepare students for solving challenges and the global labour market. A student from VILNIUS TECH who participated in the BlenEd kick-off meeting shares: “The organisers did a great job because we got to see a bit of Slovenia, as well as learn about the culture.” The participants experienced the rich Slovenian culture, such as Carnival, a visit to the oldest Slovenian town Ptuj, the Kurent Museum, the Museum of the Oldest Vine, and the Slovenian cinema.
“Hosting the BlendEd kick-off meeting and welcoming both mentors and highly engaged students here in Maribor was a pleasure. Contributing to this event allowed us to facilitate the cultivation of cross-cultural exchange and knowledge sharing as well as promoting Maribor among a diverse group of participants.” Tatjana Welzer, head of the local organising committee.
Tomi Perša, local organiser: “We had an exciting week here in Maribor, it was great seeing how students connected and together experienced the culture and activities that Maribor and other destinations had to offer. In this limited time, students came up with great concepts, ideas, and solutions for the projects they are working on, and I’m already thrilled to see their final results in Vilnius this year.”
Further information is available on the BlendEd mobility website. Cheers to more inspiring events and the continued success of our students worldwide!
