On February 13 and 14, the HIBLend project kick-off meeting was held in Brussels. The project, funded under the Erasmus+ programme, aims to enhance the capacity of higher education institutions (HEIs) in Europe to develop high-quality blended mobility opportunities for students. Hosted by project coordinator Academic Cooperation Association (ACA), the consortium partners, including European University Foundation (EUF), the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO), Tampere University of Applied Sciences and Masaryk University, gathered to discuss project planning and the analysis of existing models and approaches to blended student mobility.
Blended mobility is a modern approach to studying abroad that combines both a physical and virtual component of mobility. This allows students to benefit from both traditional academic experiences and digital innovation. The HIBLend project will provide guidance and resources to HEIs across Europe to develop blended mobility programmes that are high-quality, accessible, and beneficial for students.
Among the upcoming activities of the HIBLend project is a mapping exercise to capture changing approaches to blended mobility feeding into a new typology. This exercise will be followed by the design, validation and promotion of a survey, which will harvest higher education institutions practices in student blended mobility, as well as a series of peer learning seminars exchanging institutional good practice.
The HIBLend project is an exciting initiative that will have a significant impact on higher education in Europe. Stay tuned for more information on how you can engage with us in the coming months!