BIP: Intercultural Intelligence in a Globalized World
Konstantin Preslavsky University of Shumen officially launched its first Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) under the Erasmus+ programme, titled Intercultural Intelligence in a Globalized World, on 11 May 2026.
The five-day intensive academic and intercultural programme, designed for undergraduate, graduate, PhD students and academic staff, was officially opened by Assoc. Prof. Irina Ivanova, PhD, Vice-rector for Research and International Cooperation and Institutional Erasmus+ coordinator, and Assoc. Prof. Desislava Cheshmedzhieva-Stoycheva, PhD, Vice-Dean for Research and International Cooperation at the Faculty of Humanities and coordinator of the programme.
The programme was organised by the Faculty of Humanities at Konstantin Preslavsky University of Shumen with the support of the International Relations Centre.
Focused on intercultural communication, language, media, translation, and international academic collaboration, the programme brought together 40 visiting lecturers and students representing 10 nationalities: Bulgaria, Greece, Spain, Cyprus, Latvia, Nigeria, Romania, Slovenia, Serbia, and Croatia. Participants came from 12 partner institutions:
- CTL Eurocollege, Cyprus
- University of Lleida
- Ventspils University of Applied Sciences
- Academy of Applied Preschool Teaching and Health Studies Krusevac
- University of Rijeka
- Vasile Alecsandri University of Bacău
- Ovidius University of Constanța
- Faculty of Commercial and Business Sciences
- Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași
- Democritus University of Thrace
- West University of Timișoara
- Petroleum-Gas University of Ploiești
This highly international environment reflects the priorities of the Erasmus+ programme by fostering professional development, the exchange of best practices, and intercultural communication in a real-world academic setting.
The programme addressed a wide range of contemporary topics related to intercultural communication, including Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory, cultural stereotypes, media discourse and clickbait culture, current trends in European media, project management in intercultural environments, and the use of technology in translation within the context of a globalised world. These discussions encouraged participants to exchange ideas and explore opportunities for future international collaboration.
Alongside the academic sessions, participants took part in networking events, cultural discussions, and a cultural programme in Varna. These activities contributed to strengthening intercultural dialogue, enhancing cooperation within the Erasmus+ community, and building lasting professional and personal connections among participants.
During the remaining two weeks of May, the Blended Intensive Programme will continue through its virtual component, including individual mentoring sessions between lecturers and students, as well as independent study assignments.
The programme team extends its sincere gratitude to all participants and expresses its hope that the fruitful collaboration established during the programme will continue to grow through new joint projects and future Blended Intensive Programmes.