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International BIP Brings Students from Six Countries to Brittany

Gruppenfoto mit den Teilnehmenden des BIP vor dem Gebäude der Hochschule in Frankreich

Students from Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences and five European partner universities expanded their expertise in risk management while gaining first-hand insights into Breton approaches to risk strategy.

From 9 to 13 March, the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) “Blended Total Immersion Week – Advanced Regional and Transversal Skills” was organised for the eighth time as part of the university’s subject-specific elective module offering. The programme was once again hosted by the Institut Universitaire de Technologie (IUT) at Université de Bretagne Sud (UBS) in Vannes, France, where it had already been successfully delivered in 2023.

Around 30 students from six countries participated in the intensive pan-European format: Germany (TH Aschaffenburg), France (UBS), Italy (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore), Spain (Universidad de Málaga), Finland (Turku UAS), and Sweden (Mid Sweden University). The programme was led by Sheila Campion O’Sullivan (UBS), with Prof. Dr. Renate Link (Aschaffenburg UAS), the initiator of the BIP, serving as co-organiser.

One participant from Sweden summarised her experience as follows:

“Thank you so much for the week, it has been absolutely fantastic and I would love to do it again.”

Tina Wolgers, student, Mid Sweden University

Risk Management at the Core: Theory, Practice and Simulation

The programme centred on the theme “Risk Leadership in Business.” In an increasingly dynamic economic environment, professional risk management is a critical competency. Participants explored different types of risk and developed the ability to identify, assess and strategically leverage them.

Lecturers from all partner institutions contributed academic perspectives, covering psychological, financial, marketing and intercultural dimensions of risk, alongside insights from project and industrial management. A field visit to the traditional Breton company La Belle-Iloise provided valuable practical context.

A key component of the programme was the interactive business simulation “Kalypso,” developed with the involvement of Dr. Sébastien Dony (UBS). Working in international teams, students managed a fictional boatbuilding company, making strategic decisions across multiple rounds in marketing, production, supply chain management, finance and human resources. The outcomes were presented and critically reflected upon, highlighting the importance of informed and deliberate risk-taking for business success.

  • Ein Student und vier Studentinnen stehen neben Professorin

    Students with Prof. Dr. Renate Link (right) in the historic town hall of Vannes

  • Gruppenbild in einem historischen Saal mit Kronleuchtern

Immersive Learning Through Culture and Exchange

Developed by Prof. Dr. Renate Link, the BIP concept of “Total Immersion” integrates academic learning with intensive intercultural and language experiences. In addition to on-site teaching, the programme included preparatory and follow-up online phases as well as a range of cultural activities.

A French taster course, engagement with local residents and cultural excursions enabled students to experience Breton culture first-hand. The group was officially welcomed by Deputy Mayor Fabien Le Guernevé at the historic town hall of Vannes.

Culinary highlights – including a tasting of traditional galettes and crêpes accompanied by Breton music – rounded off the programme and offered authentic insights into the French art de vivre.

  • Strand, Meer, laufende Menschen bei bewölktem Himmel
  • Historisches Gebäude von außen

Looking Ahead: Next Programme in Italy

The next edition of the BIP is already scheduled to take place from 19 to 23 October 2026 at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Piacenza (Emilia-Romagna), Italy. Under the theme “Italian Excellence,” the programme will focus on the region’s distinctive economic and cultural profile. Piacenza lies at the heart of both Italy’s “Food Valley” and “Motor Valley.”

Applications will open at the end of April 2026.

Students at Aschaffenburg UAS may have their participation recognised as a subject-specific elective module (see module handbook, p. 172 ff.) and count it towards the additional qualification “Business Administration with an International Profile.”

Further information on current Total Immersion BIPs is available on the university’s website.