From December 1 to 5, 2025, students of the professional graduate study programme Management – Ana Blažev, Lucija Volenik, Laura Baksa, Karla Tomić, and Stjepan Semialjac, along with lecturer Željka Kadlec – participated in the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) under the thematic title “BIP Leadership Skills in International Teams.” The programme took place at the partner institution UCLL Campus Diepenbeek, Belgium, and included a virtual component held on November 24, 2025, as well as in-person participation in workshops, guest lectures, a visit to Brussels, and a tour of the Nike European Logistics Campus.
This five-day international educational programme brought together students from various European countries with the goal of developing leadership skills and the ability to work in international teams, while also fostering students’ presentation and intercultural communication skills. The BIP programme began with a lecture by Dr. Željka Kadlec, Professor of Professional Studies, on the topic of Leadership Skills, delivered as part of the Erasmus+ staff mobility. The lecture provided valuable insights into leadership development and teamwork in international environments, encouraging experience sharing and intercultural learning.
In addition to this session, participants attended three more guest lectures by experts from the education and business sectors in Belgium, all focused on leadership skill development.
Through joint activities, participants had the opportunity to connect with peers from other countries, exchange experiences, and build an international network of contacts. During the visit to the Nike European Logistics Campus in Belgium, students gained first-hand insight into how Nike implements its mission to “bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world” through a culture of innovation, sustainability, a responsible supply chain, and the creation of an inclusive environment where people of all abilities can participate in sport. The Nike European Logistics Campus, serving as Nike’s main logistics and distribution center for the EMEA region, is characterized by a high level of automation, efficiency, and sustainability in its storage and transportation processes.
The Erasmus+ experience was further enriched by a visit to Brussels (European Parliament, Museum of Illusions), as well as informal social gatherings that encouraged networking and cultural exchange.
Participation in these activities provided students with a better understanding of leadership and teamwork, along with the development of intercultural competencies and leadership skills essential for operating in a global business environment. Students emphasized that the experience brought both professional and personal growth, opened new perspectives, and increased their self-confidence and motivation for further development. They highly recommend the Erasmus+ programme to anyone wishing to combine education, travel, and international cooperation.
More about this mobility and personal impressions can be found at:
https://vuv.hr/erasmus/ – under the “Experiences” category.
https://vuv.hr/erasmus/ – under the “Experiences” category.
Virovitica University of Applied Sciences
