Within the fieldwork component of the program, there were 9 internal and guest lectures, 8 visits to and observations of best practice examples, as well as numerous social events and activities where local residents played a crucial role. Organizers included the majority of local restaurateurs (6) in the daily program, which was essential for understanding the diversity of local gastronomy and hospitality, ensuring a balanced and fair economic impact. The second half of the week was dedicated to a hackathon - an entrepreneurial competition, where seven international student groups tackled various local challenges. The winning group presented an innovative solution addressing the issue of the lack of tourist accommodations in the municipality.
Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programs (BIPs) are programs that utilize innovative methods of learning and teaching. The key aims and objectives of the program carried out by Turistica were not only achieved but arguably surpassed: (1) Students left the destination enriched with new international experiences and insights from the field, the environment, or the destination of Miren-Kras, which has been ranked among the TOP 100 most sustainable destinations in the world for 5 consecutive years, and (2) participants infused the destination with energy, activities, different or alternative developmental perspectives, knowledge, and much more. We certainly made a mark on the community, which is still being talked about. Most of the mentioned activities were open to the local public. Throughout the event, we managed to activate and engage more than 100 local residents and providers.
The responses from the participants are exceptional:
Responses from foreign students (summarizing the original responses in English):
- Amazing organisation and outstanding hospitality! Lessons were really on point, diverse and interesting.
- Crazy how much work you put in everything, I think everyone was very impressed!
- The availability of the people who organised this BIP were awesome, they were wonderful and created a lot of different and amazing experiences.
- I write with great pride, praising how friendly they were to everyone and the choice of different activities daily. I liked the way it was practised with lightness and love.
Responses from foreign professors (summarizing the original responses in English):
- Amazing organisation of the in-person part of the course in the Karst region in Slovenia by Tadej Rogelja, Dejan Krizaj, Bor Pahor and other dedicated and efficient Slovenian students who took care of every aspect of our experience there, from the classes and varied field trips, to the transport, icebreakers and social activities. All connected to the central theme of the BIP.
- University of Primorska, Faculty of Tourism Studies - Turistica was immediately willing to take on the lead. The hospitality, the kindness, the intensive and varied programme and last but not least the high level of professionalism of our Slovenian hosts were outstanding! Colleagues, you did an amazing job!
