Wole Adesina, a final-year student of Public Governance and Civil Society at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), recently embarked on an academic adventure that he describes as nothing short of transformative.
Through the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) hosted by the University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE), Wole explored the evolving theme of “Digital Transformation in Public Services”, gaining both academic insights and cultural exposure.
For Wole, deciding to participate in the BIP required little thought. Encouraged by one of his lecturers, he saw it as a valuable opportunity to earn study credits and broaden his international experience.
“I did not think twice about it,” he says, “I was excited by the prospect of learning about digital innovations in public service delivery.”
Far more than lectures
The Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) is an Erasmus+ initiative that combines virtual and short-term physical mobility, allowing students from different countries to collaborate on interdisciplinary topics in a hybrid learning format. Thus, already accustomed to blended learning at KTU, Wole found this structure easy to adapt to.
With prior experience using the same methodology in two academic projects at KTU, Wole confidently stepped into a leadership role, guiding peers from other universities unfamiliar with the approach.
“The level of student involvement in discussions and problem-solving was impressive,” he reflects. “It reinforced the idea that learning is most effective when it is hands-on.”
Culture, community, and connection
Although he did not consider other destinations, Wole had always been fascinated by Portugal. Encouraging feedback from a KTU alumnus who had previously attended the same programme further solidified his decision.
Beyond the classroom, the experience offered a rich cultural immersion. Visits to public institutions gave him firsthand insight into Portuguese governance systems, while social bonding events, such as group dinners and dance gatherings, showcased the more communal, celebratory side of student life.
“I even squeezed in a walking tour of the Benfica and Sporting Lisbon football stadiums before class one morning,” he laughs. “Balancing coursework with extracurricular activities was all about time management and avoiding procrastination.”
In many ways, Portugal reminded Wole of his home country, Nigeria. “The expressiveness, the loud conversations, the love for seafood – there were so many similarities”, he observes ana even jokes: “The one major difference? I regretted packing jackets when I arrived in Lisbon.”
Experience exceeded expectations
Reflecting on his time in Lisbon, Wole is clear: the BIP exceeded every expectation. From engaging academic discussions to meaningful friendships with students from Romania and Bulgaria, each moment was impactful.
Wole now plans to incorporate insights from the programme into his bachelor’s thesis, which focuses on digital technologies and public communication.
For students considering a BIP or any exchange programme, Wole encourages approaching the opportunity with an open mind. He advises being receptive to new academic experiences, actively engaging with students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds and embracing learning beyond the classroom through cultural exploration, social interaction, and meaningful connections that enrich both personal and professional growth.
