From 29 June to 3 July 2026, the Algebra Bernays University (ABU), member of the DIVERSE European University Alliance, hosted the Summer BIP – Blended Intensive Programme within the Erasmus+ Programme: DIVERSE Student Leadership Academy: Leadership and Employability Skills in Multicultural Environments.
The programme brought together students from several DIVERSE member institutions including Technische Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm (Germany), Rosenheim Technical University of Applied Sciences (Germany), Windesheim University of Applied Sciences (the Netherlands), Autónoma University of Lisbon (Portugal), SMK College of Applied Sciences (Lithvania), G.E. Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures (Romania), PXL University for Applied Sciences and Arts (Belgium) and Algebra Bernays University (Croatia).
The DIVERESE Student Leadership Academy was created to empower students to become active leaders within their universities and the wider European Higher Education community. Bringing together participants from across the DIVERSE Alliance, the programme provided a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from different perspectives, and build meaningful international connections. Through a combination of collaborative learning and personal reflection, students strengthened their leadership potential, intercultural understanding, and confidence to actively contribute to the development of their institutions and the alliance.
A particularly valuable part of the programme was the contribution of Lana Par, President of the European Students’ Union (ESU), who delivered both an inspiring lecture and an interactive leadership workshop. Her experience in representing students at the European level gave participants first-hand insight into the opportunities, responsibilities, and impact of student representation. This was especially significant for members of the newly established DIVERSE Student Council, who are currently shaping the council in its early stages. The session provided practical guidance, inspiration, and a broader understanding of how student voices can influence institutional and European decision-making, while encouraging participants to actively engage in future leadership and representation opportunities.
Throughout the programme, students explored different approaches to leadership, reflected on their own strengths and development areas, and examined how leadership skills can be applied in student organisations, academic settings, and future careers. They also identified and articulated transferable competences gained through student representation and extracurricular engagement by developing personal career development plans. In addition, participants worked together to design student-led initiative proposals, applying intercultural communication strategies to collaborate effectively in diverse and interdisciplinary teams while learning to address potential misunderstandings constructively.
Co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Programme, the BIP reflected therefore represents an important contribution to the long-term objectives of the DIVERSE Alliance by strengthening student engagement, fostering intercultural cooperation, and equipping students with the skills and confidence to become future leaders within both their universities and the alliance.
