As part of the Erasmus+ programme, five students from the Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communication (RPCE) at the School of Communication and Media Studies (ESCS) took part in the Intercultural Communication Skills – The European Community Treasures Study Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), organised by the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS).

Combining online sessions with a one-week on-site mobility in the city of Würzburg, students Beatriz Varela, Kevan Yin, Leonor Rodrigues, Margarida Mendes and Matilde Pereira joined international teams made up of participants from Portugal, Belgium and Germany. Together, they engaged in activities focused on intercultural communication and European identity.

The programme aimed to explore how different cultural heritages shape mindsets, communication models and worldviews, fostering dialogue, inclusion and international cooperation as key pillars of European integration. Throughout the intensive week, students took part in presentations, reflective sessions and collaborative activities within a multicultural environment that enabled them to further develop essential interpersonal and intercultural skills for today's professional context.

More than an academic experience, the BIP provided participants with an opportunity for direct engagement with different cultures and ways of working, encouraging adaptability, cooperation and the appreciation of diversity as a core element of learning.

The students were accompanied by Professors Tatiana Nunes and Joana Frias Costa, who were involved in supervising and assessing the work carried out by the students.

Local coordination was undertaken by Professors Steffen Hillebrecht and Claudia Victorio Lops from the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS).
 

What Were the Students’ Reflections on This Experience?

Beatriz Varela

“Amazing, amazing… amazing!

The team at the THWS Business School that welcomed us in Germany was exceptional. Professor Steffen Hillebrecht and Professor Claudia Victorio made us feel genuinely welcome from day one with their contagious enthusiasm and positive energy. Throughout the week, we worked in mixed teams, which gave us the opportunity to meet people from different countries and academic backgrounds. In the end, it was incredibly rewarding to realise that, despite those differences, we were able to work together and create something that reflected a little of each one of us.

Beyond everything I learned on an academic and cultural level, I will also take with me the people who were part of this experience. To my fellow ESCS students: Leonor, thank you for being our official financial manager. Kevan, thank you for your patience and for the fantastic photographs. Matilde, thank you for your infectious laughter. Margarida, thank you for the meals you prepared at the end of each day, always with such care for all of us, even when you were already tired. Thank you, “Team Portugal”, for all the moments we shared and, above all, for the laughter. It was truly special to share not only a house with you, but also everything we experienced throughout this week.

A special thank you to Professors Tatiana Nunes and Joana Frias Costa for all their support throughout this journey and for joining us on this adventure.

And finally, thank you to ESCS for creating the conditions that allow me to believe, more and more, that it is never too late to start again.”

Kevan Yin

“Taking part in the BIP in Germany was undoubtedly one of the best experiences I have had as an ESCS student!

It was an incredibly enriching experience that gave me the opportunity to discover a new country, new cities and new people. From both an academic and professional perspective, the multicultural environment fostered by the programme allowed me to further develop my adaptability and strengthen my intercultural competences.

I am extremely grateful to ESCS and THWS for this opportunity and, in particular, to Professor Tatiana Nunes and Professor Joana Costa for selecting me and giving me the chance to represent ESCS and Portugal.

I would also like to thank the THWS professors, Steffen and Claudia, for their hospitality and for the excellent organisation of the programme.

Last but certainly not least, a huge thank you to my fellow students Beatriz, Leonor, Margarida and Matilde for making this journey even more special and unforgettable.”

Leonor Rodrigues

“Inspiring. That is the word I would use to describe this experience.

I believe that everyone should take part in a project like this at least once. No matter how much we think we know about the world, there is always something to learn and take away from experiences such as these. Working with people whose cultures, perspectives and ideas differ from our own was both a challenge and an enriching opportunity, and it was rewarding to see how each individual contribution helped create a stronger final outcome.

The interdisciplinary nature of the programme, bringing together fields such as Tourism, Management and Public Relations, proved to be both engaging and highly beneficial.

This experience will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping my future as a communication professional, and for that reason I am deeply grateful to ESCS for giving me the opportunity to represent the institution, and to THWS for welcoming us so warmly.

The success of this BIP was also made possible by the dedication of Professors Steffen Hillebrecht and Claudia Victorio, as well as the close support provided by Professors Joana Costa and Tatiana Nunes. Equally important were my fellow ESCS students. Thank you, Beatriz, Kevan, Matilde and Margarida, for creating such a positive, laughter-filled and, above all, supportive environment.

I leave this experience with countless memories and valuable lessons that will stay with me for a lifetime.”

Margarida Mendes

“Taking part in the Erasmus BIP Intercultural Communication Skills – The European Community Treasures Study was undoubtedly one of the most enriching and memorable experiences of my academic and personal journey. Working with people from different countries not only enabled me to develop new perspectives and skills, but also helped me grow both as an individual and as a future professional, constantly challenging me to step outside my comfort zone and further appreciate the importance of intercultural communication in today’s world.

The opportunity to collaborate with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, experiences and fields of study had a significant impact on my development, particularly given my academic area of Public Relations and Corporate Communication, where the ability to communicate effectively, understand different realities and work collaboratively is essential.

I would like to thank my fellow students, Matilde Pereira, Beatriz Varela, Leonor Rodrigues and Kevan Yin, for making this experience so special, rewarding and unforgettable. The spirit of unity, mutual support, dedication and friendship that we built throughout this project made all the difference and turned teamwork into a truly inspiring experience.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS), and especially to Professors Steffen Hillebrecht and Claudia Victorio, for the warm, welcoming and dedicated way in which they received us. Their hospitality, availability and the academic environment they created made us feel genuinely included and valued, further enriching this memorable experience.

A very special thank you goes to Professors Tatiana Nunes and Joana Costa, whose support, dedication and guidance were invaluable throughout this entire journey. Without their encouragement, trust and close supervision, none of this would have been possible.

Finally, I would like to thank the School of Communication and Media Studies (ESCS) for the confidence placed in me to represent the institution in Würzburg. I leave this experience carrying not only valuable knowledge and learning, but also memories, connections and experiences that will undoubtedly shape my personal and professional path in the years to come.”

Matilde Pereira

“Taking part in this programme was an enriching experience. Having the opportunity to travel abroad to represent and showcase both Portugal and ESCS was something that filled me with pride.

Being able to work side by side with people from different cultures and backgrounds helped me grow both professionally and personally.

I would like to thank THWS and, in particular, Professors Steffen Hillebrecht and Claudia Victorio for welcoming us with open arms and warm smiles; Professors Tatiana Nunes and Joana Frias Costa for their guidance and support; and my fellow students, who made this experience even more special.

It was undoubtedly a week full of adventures and learning experiences that I will cherish forever.”

At the end of the programme, the students highlighted its academic, professional and personal impact, emphasising the importance of international initiatives that foster collaborative learning and intercultural exchange.

Text and photographs by students Beatriz Varela, Kevan Yin, Leonor Rodrigues, Margarida Mendes and Matilde Pereira, with the support of the coordination team of the Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communication.