IRO UNMO BLOG: Azra Kozo

In the period from April to May 2026, I had the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Program (BIP) “Promoting sustainable development through music education and multilingual and intercultural education in initial teacher training”, an innovative mobility model that combines virtual learning with physical exchange. The program brought together students from various universities across Poland, Croatia, Spain, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, focusing on the key aspects of sustainable development, education, and intercultural mediation.

The uniqueness of this program lies in its hybrid approach, organized into two main phases:

1. Through digital platforms, we participated in a series of lectures and workshops dedicated to developing intercultural competencies and theoretical preparation for sustainable development projects.
2. The second phase involved a stay in Spain, hosted by the University of Valladolid. During the visit, the focus was on intensive teamwork, case study analysis, and the exchange of best practices in the field of sustainable education.

This program gave me the chance to develop skills that I know will be huge for my future career. I learned how to tackle complex issues from a few different angles, mixing practical experience with what I’ve learned in my studies. It was also a great lesson in communication—I became much more comfortable navigating language barriers in a multilingual setting. Plus, collaborating with international teams really pushed me to be more adaptable when it comes to solving problems with others.

During our visit to Spain, we had the chance to try their traditional food and drinks. As an excellent host, the University of Valladolid organized one-day trip to the "La Veguilla" vineyard and winery, located in the heart of Ribera del Duero-one of the most prominent wine regions in the world. We attended a presentation about the region’s heritage and production methods, and the owners warmly welcomed us, concluding the visit with gifts of their local products.

I would highlight the people I met as the most valuable part of this exchange. In a very short period, we became very close, and we are already planning to meet again soon. This is a perfect opportunity for young people to experience new cultures and different educational methods, and also to realize what changes they can implement in their local communities to build a better and more sustainable future together.

The BIP program taught us that diversity is not a barrier, but a strength. I realized that it doesn't matter where you come from, but rather who you meet along the way. We might forget the lessons from the classroom, but the people and places that became special to us in just a few weeks-never. Knowledge builds us, but memories enrich us.