An international experience is something many students aspire to. Erasmus exchanges or internships abroad are often the first options considered to enhance a CV. However, at HELHa’s Engineering School, other forms of mobility are available. In recent years, one alternative has been gaining ground: the Blended Intensive Program (BIP).
Both staff and students from HELHa have taken part in several BIPs:
- In Poland, in Wrocław, from February 16 to 20, 2026, with the Electronics programme
- In Italy, in Milan, from March 2 to 6, 2026, with the Biochemistry programme
The added value of a Blended Intensive Program (BIP)
A BIP combines both in-person and virtual components.
This format aligns with the Erasmus+ objective of broadening access to mobility opportunities, particularly for individuals who may face barriers to longer stays abroad. Shorter than a semester or a full academic year, this hybrid model offers a more flexible alternative.
These programmes are designed by higher education institutions, including HELHa, around a wide range of themes and typically last between 5 and 30 days, depending on the institution.
A one-week intensive mobility experience offers many benefits:
- Discovering new cultures
- Practising a foreign language
- Expanding one’s international network
- Exploring topics or techniques not always covered in the home curriculum
Heading to Poland – Wrocław University of Science and Technology
During the stay in Poland, two days of robotics workshops were delivered by lecturers from HELHa and partner institutions.
Participants then had two days to develop a project in intentionally mixed international teams. The final day was dedicated to project presentations and an industrial visit.
Out of 26 participants, 5 Electronics students represented HELHa. The others came from Poland, Spain, Portugal, and Belgium (KU Leuven).
“A Blended Intensive Program offers real pedagogical value. It allows participants to discover new technical approaches, exchange with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, and interact with students from different cultures. These exchanges broaden everyone’s perspective on learning practices across Europe,” explains Thomas Herpoel, lecturer at the Engineering School.
Milan focus – a week dedicated to cosmetic cleansers
The BIP designed for Biochemistry students focused on cosmetic cleansers, including makeup removers, scrubs, gels, and more.
The programme was particularly diverse:
- Quizzes and introduction to skin and different categories of cleansers
- Behind-the-scenes visit to a Kiko Milano store and product analysis
- A full day dedicated to cosmetic marketing: moodboard creation and definition of a final project to be presented in May
- Company visit, including talks and product samples
- Laboratory work: formulation of cleansers in different formats
- Conferences on industry innovations: solid cleansers, R&D development, good manufacturing practices, and current trends
Participants came from the University of Milan (Pharmacy), Valencia, and Lithuania.
“The welcome was outstanding and the organisation of a very high standard for this first edition. This immersion creates a strong sense of belonging to a broader European scientific community and provides both personal and professional enrichment,” says Charlotte Saussez, Biochemistry lecturer.
The 2027 edition dedicated to cosmetics will take place at HELHa.
Students’ perspectives
“The international week in Milan allowed us to discover a new city, a different culture, and another way of approaching learning. Exchanges with students from other countries broadened our mindset. The activities, visits, and overall atmosphere created lasting memories. This experience makes you want to take part in more mobility programmes,” explains Ichraf Djebbar, Biochemistry student at the Engineering School.
“This experience offered a new perspective on learning. The classes, meetings, and discussions in English were extremely valuable. The week provided a comprehensive introduction to the cosmetics sector, from marketing to packaging. Interactions with professionals, including a speaker from Dolce & Gabbana, gave a very concrete insight. Working in groups with more advanced students strengthened both my motivation and my knowledge,” adds Chimène Cardon, Biochemistry student at the Engineering School.
And at HELHa?
From March 23 to 27, HELHa hosted two BIPs bringing together several international contributors.
>>Find out more about the Engineering School on our website:
Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering in Mons and Charleroi – HELHa
Published on 7 April 2026
HELHa Sciences and Life Technologies