Learning Through Diversity: Aurora Students Explore Multilingualism And European Identity At The Universitat Rovira i Virgili

The Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) recently hosted the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) Linguistic Diversity, Interculturality and European Identity. The programme brought together students from Aurora universities to explore multilingualism, intercultural competence and the role of linguistic diversity in fostering a shared European identity.

Attendees of the Linguistic Diversity, Interculturality and European Identity BIP

Organised in collaboration with Aurora partners Universität Innsbruck (UIBK), Palacký University Olomouc (UP) and Università Federico II of Naples (UNINA), the programme combined online learning with an intensive on-site week in Tarragona. The course was designed collaboratively by the four institutions, with lecturers from each partner university contributing to the different modules. For instance, Prof. Lídia Gallego co-teached one of the modules with Prof. Ulrike Jessner, both specialists in multilingualism.

This year’s edition welcomed 21 mobility students, 8 local students and 5 lecturers at URV. Previous editions attracted a similar number of participants, demonstrating the programme’s growing appeal across the Aurora alliance. In fact, according to Prof. Gallego, interest has increased significantly, with many more applications received than could be accepted, as participation was capped at 30 students.

One of the most valuable aspects of the programme was its innovative approach. “Through a carefully designed combination of online and on-site components, participants engaged in collaborative learning that required them to navigate linguistic diversity and intercultural interaction in authentic academic contexts,” explains Prof. Gallego. Working in multilingual and intercultural groups enabled students and staff from different Aurora universities not only to learn about these topics, but also to put them into practice throughout the programme.

The edition hosted by the URV was particularly enriched by its coincidence with Sant Jordi, one of Catalonia’s most emblematic cultural celebrations. Participants also had the opportunity to experience other university and local cultural events taking place during the same period, including Aurora Gastro Week and Lletra Fest, the Faculty of Humanities’ literature festival.

Building European Identity Through Cultural Exchange And Short-Term Mobility

Beyond the academic programme, participants connected in informal settings and experienced local culture first-hand. On Monday, students from URV and Aurora Student Ambassadors organised a beach volleyball activity on one of Tarragona’s beaches, creating a relaxed environment for intercultural exchange and community building.

For Prof. Gallego, the programme offers significant benefits for students. It provides an international and Erasmus-like experience without requiring them to leave their home university for an extended period. Students can put their multilingual skills into practice, particularly by using English intensively throughout the week and during the online sessions, while gaining new perspectives on interculturality, identity and multilingualism. The programme also introduces them to the international mobility opportunities available through URV and the Aurora alliance.

The BIP format offers several advantages. It allows students to experience international mobility before committing to a long-term Erasmus exchange, helping them overcome potential concerns about studying abroad. Academically, students can complete an elective course in an intensive format and have it recognised as part of their degree. At the same time, the short duration makes participation more accessible, as students do not need to relocate, secure accommodation or establish a new social network.

Reflecting on the overall outcomes, Prof. Gallego notes that the experience had “a strong educational and personal impact, strengthening participants’ intercultural competences and reaffirming the value of European cooperation in higher education.”

The initiative reflects Aurora’s commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion and international collaboration through innovative learning experiences. By encouraging participants to engage with different languages, perspectives and cultures, the programme contributes to building a more connected and inclusive European Higher Education Area.

The next edition of the BIP has already been confirmed and will take place at Universität Innsbruck in February 2027.