„Sustainability in International Business“ – Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) in Maribor, Slovenia

Preparation

The planning and organization by the Univeristy of Maribor was well done. The application process was fairly simple where we had to apply on the website and send them a motivation letter and our resume.

We were provided with information about the programme, accomodation well in advance. The programme was very nicely organised with lectures starting and ending on time and even the field trip to Lake Bled was nicely planned. We were provided with student discount coupons using which we could all have a full meal at restaurants at a very cheap price.

Accommodation

We were accomodated in the student dorm for a week , each room at 2 bedrooms so it was a shared space and the price was 100 euros.

Personally, I did not face any problems with the accomodation but my colleagues reported they had problems with the toilet or the door lock. I was satisfied by my experience with the accomodation.

Study at the Host University

Our programme was about implementing sustainable practices in the business world and we had professors as well as guest lecturers from different companies coming to the class to tell us how they implement sustainability in the business. The lectures from 9 am till 4 pm were hectic but we were provided snacks and refreshment in the morning and for lunch we all went to a restaurant using our student discount coupons and we didn’t pay anything. For the leisure activities we had a guided tour of Maribor, volleyball and cinema night.

Everyday Life and Leisure

It was raining most of the time so we utilised the sunny days exploring the city together going on walks around the lake and the museum.

After the walks, one of us always booked a reservation and we had dinner together using our student coupons. Since Maribor was a small city, we covered all of it in 2-3 days.

On my extra day, I travelled to the capital city, Ljubljana, and had a tour of the castles and the dragon bridge. Since Maribor was a small city, we didn’t have a party place so we had a mini-party at the student dorm to celebrate completing the Summer School.

Conclusion

I would definitely recommend this programme to other students. The opportunity to learn an important topic like sustainability, meeting people from all around the globe and having food and accommodation at a very economical price was fun for me.

I would also like to thank our programme coordinator Romana Korez who was dedicated to giving us a fullfilling experience and listened to any grievances we had and also tolerated us when we were too overwhelming at times.

Download Sidhant Gupta’s report

“Sustainable Self: Biohacking for Life-Work Synergy” – Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic

Preparation

I saw the program on the TH Rosenheim website and decided to apply. I only had to fill out one Application Form and got selected to join the program. I had to apply for Erasmus+ at the International Office in Rosenheim and pay a 70 € fee for the program to SAU (Skoda Auto University).

Accommodation

The International Coordinator of SAU asked me if I want to stay in the dorms, so I had accommodation by only writing one e-mail. It cost 18 € per night and it was an apartment for 4 but only me and one other girl were staying there.

Study at the Host University

The program started on a Monday at 8:45 am. The first day was mostly lectures and a visit to the Skoda office, where the Skoda Health Department presented us with the challenge that we had to do for this program. Afterwards we had a lovely welcome dinner. In the following days we formed groups of six and worked on the challenge.

The professors held short lectures from time to time and assigned us exercises that would help us with our teamwork. On the last day we held our final presentation in front of two Skoda employees and the professors.

After the lectures we had lots of social activities. For example, a tour through a local brewery, bowling and the Skoda Museum. I made lots of friends, especially with my Israeli roommate. It was amazing to spend time with so many different people from different countries and study courses.

Everyday Life and Leisure

Mladá Boleslav, or as I like to call it: Skoda town, is dominated by, you guessed it, Skoda. Half of the area of the city is claimed by the Skoda Factory and office buildings. ¾ of the working population work for Skoda. There is not much to see except for nice cafés and restaurants.

But food is all we cared about after these long days at the university, so we didn’t mind.

Conclusion

The program was much better than I expected! The community we, the participants, formed after just one week was amazing. I had so much fun just talking with my new friends and working together on one project. And, this weird industrial city has conquered my heart. I definitely recommend doing a short program and I definitely want to do more of these during my studies in Rosenheim.

Download Lilli Lechner’s report

„Energy: Towards a Sustainable Energy System“ – Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) in Valladolid, Spain

Preparation

I applied for the BIP on Energy at the University of Valladolid, focusing on sustainable energy systems. The application process involved submitting an online application directly through the International Office at TH Rosenheim. After getting accepted for this Summer School Program, I submitted an Application, Learning Agreement, and Green travel allowance form.

I received confirmation from the University of Valladolid and further information on the program including course structure, topics covered, the schedule, accommodation options, and contact information for program coordinators.

Accommodation

During the program, I stayed at the Book Factory Hostel in Valladolid which is only at a walking distance of 10 minutes from the University.

The accommodation was comfortable, affordable, and conveniently located near the university. It offered modern amenities and a friendly atmosphere, which made my stay enjoyable.

Study at the Host University

The program provided a mix of virtual and face-to-face sessions. Topics covered included hydrogen as an energy carrier, biomass in eco-efficient cooking, offshore renewables, and zero emission buildings. Sessions were led by experts from various universities and industries, offering a comprehensive overview of current energy challenges and solutions.

Facilities were modern and included access to libraries, study rooms, and online resources. In addition to academic activities, there were organised social activities, such as guided tours of Valladolid.

Everyday Life and Leisure

Interaction with both local and international students was encouraged through group projects and social activities. This facilitated cultural exchange and professional networking. I made some amazing friends during the program, and we spent a lot of time together outside of classes. We explored the city of Valladolid, visited historical sites, and enjoyed local cuisine and drinks.

Our small group had two local friends who are studying at the University of Valladolid. They showed us the best of the town, introduced us to the best food spots and places, and helped us a lot with the language gap. Their companionship made our experience much richer and more enjoyable.

Valladolid is rich in cultural heritage. I visited historical sites like the Cathedral, the Church of San Pablo, and the National Sculpture Museum.

Additionally, I participated in the visit to the Vineyards Bodegas Menade, where we had such a great time learning about the wine production in ancient times vs today and had the opportunity to taste different wines. Valladolid has a vibrant nightlife which we enjoyed. We often went out with our Spanish friends for Tapas and drinks. Experiencing the local culture and making the most of our time there.

Conclusion

I highly recommend the SGroup BIP on Energy program to other students interested in sustainable energy. The program’s comprehensive curriculum, expert-led sessions, and the cultural richness of Valladolid made it a highly enriching experience.

What I liked most was the diverse range of topics covered and the opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field. The friendships I made and the experiences we shared added immense value to my time abroad.

„SMART Skills for Entrepreneurial Mindset“ – Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) in Targu Mures, Romania

Preparation

The International office helped throughout the entire application process. The BIP was posted on the university dashboard and the whole procedure from applying till coming back was very easy and convenient.

Accommodation

Accommodation was provided by the host university itself in their university premises. It was a great accommodation with 5-star hotel facilities. Every meal was also provided by the organisers according to the students’ preferences.

Study at the Host University

I loved the the whole programme. Besides providing us with stay and meals, they also helped us guide through the beautiful city of Targu Mures.

We had workshops with the founders of local startups from Targu Mures and came up with ways to improvise their startups and came up with innovations in respect to their products. We were given practical sessions on the production process of the products as well.

Everyday Life and Leisure

In our leisure times, we explored the city with local students and teachers from the university. We visited zoos, museums and we partied as well.

Conclusion

I would highly recommend this programme to other students. It is a one time opportunity to learn, explore and celebrate. I loved the vibe of the whole programme. It was learning while having fun. Unforgettable experience. Must try!

Download Manya Madan’s field report

„Innovation and Technology Management“ – Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) in Kaunas, Lithuania

Preparation

I got the opportunity to apply for the BIP programme through the Dashboard of Learning Campus, and I applied immediately. Luckily, I got admitted into the programme which was offered by SMK, Lithuania. I found the BIP in Kaunas is related to my field of study and my interest, so I accepted the offer.

The BIP in Kaunas was about Innovation and Technology Management from 10-14th of June 2024 which was the perfect time for me as my summer semester was about to end. After accepting the letter of confirmation, I contacted the International Office at my university and filled in all the important documents for Erasmus+ and started preparing for the travel and accommodation.

Accommodation

Me with my 3 other friends booked the Mr. Jo’s Hostel which was recommended by the SMK University for students. The hostel was at the middle of University and City centre which I found very convenient. We came to Kaunas via Flix Bus, and the hostel was very close to the bus station. It’s very affordable for the students and you’ll save lots of money compared to the expensive 5-star hotels or any Airbnb.

The Hostel was very well maintained, furnished as well and they have maintained the cleanliness too. I personally enjoyed my stay at Mr. Jo’s hostel as I didn’t expect the Hostel to provide the essential amenities like Wi-Fi, kitchen, mini fridge in the rooms, microwave, hair dryer, washing machine, clean facilities and most important helpful and friendly staff. There were couches in the common area in which you can socialize with other people, students or maybe travellers.

Study at the Host University

The one-week BIP programme was truly engaging with 21 other international students. We had lectures which focused on innovation and technology in day to day lives. It provided a strong theoretical as well as practical approach on latest advancements and their impact on management practices.

We also had a factory visit of ‘FREDA’, the biggest furniture manufacturer in Lithuania in which we saw the transformation of furniture through various technological innovations.

After that, we also had a lecture on innovation and technology in the fashion business which provided a valuable insight into the fashion industry. On the last day, we had to show what we have learned from all this and how we can apply innovation and technology in real-life concepts. We presented the project in front of the class and received feedback from professors and peers. I really liked the University’s infrastructure, and the quality of study which they provide to the students.

Everyday Life and Leisure

In our itinerary, on the very first day we had a Kaunas city walking tour which was a delight to see the old town and new town of the city. The city vibe was friendly and welcoming. We had walked through ‘The Laisves Aleja’ which is one of the longest pedestrian streets in Eastern Europe. The whole street was filled with pubs, coffee shops, bars and what not. There were so many historical sites to explore as well.

Kaunas transforms into a vibrant hub at night. People enjoy the local beers in the bars with the live music, food and friendly atmosphere. It was so easy to talk with locals there as they all speak English. I saw many local people wearing green jersey T-shirt – they all were coming from the Stadium to support their football team-Žalgiris.

We also enjoyed Lithuania’s cultural food fest.

There we had tried Lithuania’s traditional dish – Cepalinai -, made of potato dumpling offered with beetroot soup. It was delicious and fulfilling. There was so much to do in the city, I went for shopping with my friends to collect souvenirs. For dinner, we enjoyed Charlie’s pizza which was so affordable and tasty. 

Conclusion

I would recommend this programme to other students. The week was full of learnings and making memorable experiences. The BIP gave me an invaluable experience. It was a perfect blend of cultural mix and academic learning. It was an unforgettable journey that pushed me intellectually and personally.

Ačiū Lietuva (Thank you, Lithuania) for a wonderful experience.

Download Naisergika Negi’s report

„Management Psychology and Personal Leadership“ – Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) in Vilnius, Lithuania

Preparation

Management and Leadership course is my interest. It gained my interest when they announced the BIP programme about it. Prof.Lachmann encouraged the students to take part in the BIP. Also, Tina Kaffl from the International Office was of much support.

As this was my first BIP, Tina was so helpful in answering my concerns and queries.

Accommodation

Donata from the SMK university in Lithuania sent us the link to book accommodation in the city with many options.

Study at the Host University

The plan was well organised. In the first 2 days, Prof. Kristina took us through Leadership qualities. Day 3 and 4, Prof. Sandra took us through Leadership psychology. Both the professors were good in explaining the concept and making the sessions interactive and intesting.

The first day after class, they arranged for a city tour, which helped us to learn about the places and easy to commute. The second day after class, they took us out for dinner. The 3rd day after class, they took us to a research center as a study visit.

We were working as group from day 1. On the last day, we as a group, presented our ideas based on the lecture.

Everyday Life and Leisure

I saw many cathedrals and ancient buildings. The architecture inside the buildings was so good. People both in the university and in the city were good and ready to assist.

Conclusion

I would recommend this programme. It helps to understand the cultural differences in the workplace and to manage them.

„Digital Business“- Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) in Zagreb, Croatia

Preparation

The planning, organisation and application to the host university was very easy. The program coordinators and international office of TH Rosenheim guided us through the whole process which helped us students a lot. I could not imagine having a better organisation for this program. Also the application for the Erasmus+ scholarship was really easy.

Accommodation

For this week in Zagreb a very central hostel was recommended to us. As we were a group of 6 people, we booked an Airbnb at the Ban Jelačić Square. We paid around 25 € per Person per night. It was a very big flat with a kitchen, terrace. It is separated in 2 bedrooms for 5 people in total and a couch for 2 people. I would highly recommend this flat as you can reach the Algebra University within 20 minutes by tram. Also a lot of restaurants and supermarkets are nearby. You can reach everything on foot. Also the host was a very nice and friendly person. The flat was cleaned in the mid of the week.

Study at the Host University

The university is a very modern and new university with great equipment. For lunch you can go to the canteen or also to the café opposite of the university building. You can reach the university by tram and afterwards walking for another 5-10 minutes. All of the professors and the students are very nice and you can learn a lot from them.

The program was very interesting as we were separated in groups with students from all the different universities. Belgium, Zagreb and Rosenheim.

The teamwork was amazing as we all had different backgrounds and knowledge. All in all this opportunity helped me to improve my teamwork skills, presentation skills and also the knowledge of metaverse.

Everyday Life and Leisure

Class started at 9 am every morning. So we had a very slow morning with coffee and small snacks from the bakery. After the first workshop in the morning we had a lunch break for around 1 hour.

In the evening we had dinner with students from all universities and afterwards we went to bars for a drink. The clubs were also very nice! On Wednesday we had a trip to a museum and a castle, organized by the host university.

For leisure time, you can walk to a river, go shopping or just sit in a bar. Within 2 hours you can also reach the sea. You can reach Zagreb either by car or by train and bus. Please note that you organize a parking slot for your car at the Algebra University in Zagreb in advance. We thought it is cheap to park in the parking garage but it is not. We recommend parking at the university for around 35 € for one week.

„Global Affairs in Action“ – Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) in Zwolle, Netherlands

Preparation

I filled in the registration form for the BIP in Windesheim on Global Affairs as doing this programme gave me credits in my Master course in International Management at TH Rosenheim. I got the acceptance letter at around end of February and the programme itinerary later that week. I started my preparation by informing the International Office about my participation in the BIP along with my professor.

Filled out all the forms for the Erasmus+ grant and started booking the travel and accommodation.

Accommodation

My BIP lasted 5 days, so I booked an Airbnb room along with my 2 friends. It’s very
difficult to find a decent budget hotel in Zwolle, and that too near the university.
Transportation is easily available there, hence we booked our Airbnb 20 mins away from
the uni. There are lots of Airbnbs and Hotels in the city centre also but a bit expensive for students. It is recommended to book the accommodation as soon as possible for better deals.

Study at the Host University

The Blended Intensive Programmes at Windesheim UAS is a combination of online and offline collaboration with students and their partners abroad. The partner’s university students work alongside the students from Windesheim on a project. In this programme,
students collaborate both online and offline for a specific period over a week and it is
funded by Erasmus+.

Everyday Life and Leisure

In Zwolle, life moves at a slower pace, with a focus on community and relaxation. Dutch people prefer bicycle over cars, and so we were given a bicycle also to stroll in the city. With each pedal stroke, I saw lots of serene canals and bridges, sheep, horses lined with graceful windmills and of course, tulips farms.

After our classes, I usually went with my friends to the city centre and tried the famous stroopwaffles and pancakes. We got some souvenirs and enjoyed the eateries at a local café – The Flying Horse (recommended by the Windesheim Students). I also went to Amsterdam after our BIP ended. It’s a busy city with lots of tourists. There are attractions like museums and galleries, and oh the architecture is just worth seeing. I really loved the street-food there – the famous Mannekinpis Fries and churros, explored the iconic canals by boat and took lots of pictures.

Conclusion

I would recommend this programme to other students. It’s a perfect blend of learning and exploring. I enjoyed the Dutch culture of teaching with the innovative and dynamic nature of the activities, fostering cross-cultural exchange and mutual learning among international students. I liked the most that we started with sports activities and some team building exercises to build trust and facilitate a deeper understanding of one another.

Download Naisergika Negi’s field report

„Diversity Management“- Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) in Mlada Boleslav, Tschechien

Vorbereitung

Meine Bewerbung war unkompliziert. Das beeindruckendste war das schnelle Feedback: Zuerst erhielt ich eine Platzierung auf der Warteliste, aber schon kurz darauf kam die ersehnte Zusage. Die Kommunikation mit dem International Office auf beiden Seiten war äußerst hilfreich; sie unterstützten mich effizient bei der Einreichung der Unterlagen. Insgesamt war der Prozess reibungslos, von der Bewerbung bis zur Zusage.

Unterkunft

Die Unterkunft hatte ich über das International Office der Auto Skoda University gebucht. Sie boten an, ein Bett in einem geteilten Doppelzimmer im Skoda Auto Wohnheim für 396 CZK (ca. 15 Euro) pro Nacht zu reservieren. Als ich im Wohnheim ankam, war ich angenehm überrascht von der Sauberkeit und Organisation. Insgesamt war meine Erfahrung mit der Unterkunft positiv. Die Buchung über das International Office war einfach und komplikationslos.

Studium an der Gasthochschule

Die Einschreibung verlief reibungslos, und der Kurs bot einen interessanten Einblick in Diversity-Theorien wie Gender Theory und Intersectionality. Die Gastdozenten brachten vielfältige Perspektiven ein.

Der Campus an sich war zwar kleiner (ca. 1.200 Studierende), aber gut ausgestattet: Die Bibliothek bot eine Fülle von Ressourcen, die EDV-Anlagen waren modern und die Mensa bot jeden Tag vielfältige Mahlzeiten zu sehr erschwinglichen Preisen an. In Gruppen arbeiteten wir an Projekten, die uns tiefe Einblicke in die Anwendung von Diversity Management in der Praxis gaben. Die abschließende Präsentation am letzten Tag diente zugleich als Prüfungsleistung.

Alltag und Freizeit

Während der Woche gab es eine Vielzahl von Freizeitaktivitäten, die den Studierenden eine willkommene Abwechslung zum Studium boten. Das Willkommensdinner am Montagabend in einem Restaurant in Mlada Boleslav ermöglichte es den Studierenden, sich kennenzulernen und in gemütlicher, traditioneller Atmosphäre zu essen. Am Dienstag hatten wir eine Tour durch Mlada Boleslav. Mittwochs fuhren wir zur Svijany Brauerei, wo wir nicht nur eine informative Tour durch die Brauerei genossen, sondern auch ein leckeres Abendessen.

Der Donnerstag bot eine aufregende Gelegenheit, die Hauptstadt Prag (ca. 50 min entfernt) zu erkunden. Die Freizeitaktivitäten waren nicht nur unterhaltsam, sondern boten auch eine wertvolle Gelegenheit, die Kultur und Geschichte der Region kennenzulernen und sich mit anderen Studierenden zu vernetzen.

Fazit

Mein Aufenthalt an der Skoda Auto University war äußerst informativ und bereichernd. Die Möglichkeit, mit Erasmus+ finanziert zu werden, war eine große Unterstützung und ich bin sehr dankbar für diese Chance. Die Organisation durch Tina Kaffl (IO TH Rosenheim) und das International Office der Skoda Auto Universität war herausragend, was zu einem reibungslosen Ablauf beitrug.

Während meines Aufenthalts konnte ich viele internationale Studierende kennenlernen und neue Eindrücke in verschiedene Kulturen gewinnen. Diese Erfahrung hat mein Verständnis erweitert und mir einen tieferen Einblick in interkulturelle Aspekte gegeben.

Insgesamt war mein Aufenthalt an der Skoda Auto University eine unvergessliche und lehrreiche Erfahrung, über die ich sehr dankbar bin und die ich jedem empfehlen kann.

Erfahrungsbericht Sabrina Weingart zum Download