The Faculty of Education and Psychology of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (FEP‑UCP) organised another edition of a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), this time under the theme “¡Belonging Starts Here! A Journey into the Ways We Connect, Include, and Grow Together”. The initiative took place at the campus of Universidade Católica Portuguesa, in Porto, and brought together students and lecturers from different academic and cultural backgrounds. 

A BIP is a short-term European initiative that provides intensive academic experiences, combining interdisciplinary learning, collaborative work and intercultural exchange. This edition was organised in conjunction with the Faculty’s “International Week”, dedicated to the theme “Human Development in Context: International Perspectives on Learning, Inclusion and Leadership”, reinforcing the scientific and pedagogical coherence of the programme.  

An interdisciplinary approach to the concept of belonging 

In 2026, the BIP organised by FEP‑UCP focused on exploring the concept of belonging in diverse contexts. Recognised as a multidimensional phenomenon, the sense of belonging was examined as a cross-cutting element across different spheres of social life. 

The interdisciplinary approach made it possible to identify common mechanisms of inclusion and exclusion, as well as to reflect on the factors that strengthen or weaken the sense of belonging in diverse communities. This reflection was aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 – Quality Education, 10 – Reduced Inequalities and 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. ​ 

Experiential and intercultural learning 

The programme integrated a strong intercultural and experiential component, combining workshops, practical case studies, masterclasses and field visits, organised around several thematic days: Sports Day, Education Day, Work and Organisations Day, and Human Rights and Public Policies Day.

These activities enabled students to apply theoretical concepts to concrete situations and to engage directly with institutional practices in different professional and social contexts, promoting active, critical and reflective learning.  

As highlighted by Filipa Sobral, a lecturer at FEP‑UCP responsible for organising the BIP, “the workshops and practical case studies make it possible to apply theoretical concepts to real situations (…) and the field visits offer direct contact with institutional contexts and practices (…), preparing students to act in complex and multicultural environments”. 

International cooperation and academic networks  

This edition included the participation of international partner universities from Spain (Universidad CEU San Pablo), Romania (Babeș-Bolyai University), Poland (John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin) and Lithuania (Vytautas Magnus University). Their previous collaboration in similar initiatives made it possible to align expectations and deepen joint working practices. This shared history was reflected in the quality of academic cooperation and the smoothness of the learning experience.  

In addition to this programme, regular student exchanges have been taking place through intensive programmes, and there remains openness to future visits by lecturers and researchers, contributing to the strengthening of international academic networks and the creation of new opportunities for academic and professional development. 

From a coordination perspective, the BIP “¡Belonging Starts Here! A Journey into the Ways We Connect, Include, and Grow Together” provided students with a contextual, interdisciplinary and culturally diverse learning experience, fostering key competencies such as critical analysis, collaboration, intercultural communication and reflective thinking.    

“The programme reinforces strategic priorities of FEP‑UCP, such as holistic education focused on human development, civic engagement and social impact, by generating dialogue with external institutions,” states Filipa Sobral. 

The in-person component of the BIP took place at FEP‑UCP between 16 and 20 March and was preceded, on 7 March, by an initial online interaction. This session allowed the participants to begin their intercultural dialogue and to prepare the collaborative work developed throughout the in-person week.  

What is a Blended Intensive Programme? 

A Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) is an initiative of the Erasmus+ programme that brings together, at least, three higher education institutions to develop a short, multidisciplinary and international course focused on innovative teaching and learning strategies. 

With a hybrid format, combining online and in-person teaching, it offers students an international experience without the need for prolonged mobility. The interdisciplinary approach and strong practical component make this programme essential for the development of skills in innovation, collaboration and adaptation to multicultural contexts.