From May 5 to May 10, 2026, the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Latvia hosted the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) “Research Skills Booster,” welcoming students from Lithuania, Romania, Spain, France and other countries.

The programme focused on developing research skills in the humanities through lectures, workshops, collaborative research activities, and presentations. Participants explored research methodologies, digital tools, data visualisation, and research ethics during both the virtual and on-site phases of the programme. 

Alongside the academic activities, students took part in excursions in Riga and the University of Latvia campus, as well as visited Rundāle Palace, Bauska Castle, and the Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia, strengthening intercultural communication and creating new international friendships.

Participants shared positive feedback about their experience in Riga and the welcoming atmosphere of the programme. One student described the mobility as “an unforgettable experience,” while another thanked the organisers for “creating such a beautiful experience we will never forget.”

Alondra Rebeka Bencze (Romania): “My Erasmus mobility experience in Riga, Latvia was truly memorable. The organizers took very good care of us and made us feel welcome throughout the whole mobility. The schedule and activities were interesting and enjoyable, and the lectures were also useful and engaging. One of the most valuable parts of the mobility was working on the research project, where we had to collaborate with each other and prepare a presentation. Even though our different academic styles did not match at first, we managed to work well together and learn many things from one another in the process. Besides the academic part, we had the chance to explore the beautiful city of Riga together with students from the University of Latvia, have fun, and make many new friends along the way. Overall, it was an amazing experience both personally and academically, and I am very grateful to have been part of it.”

Darius-Florin Indreica (Romania): “Now that this BIP mobility has come to an end, I still find myself thinking about the experience because we had so many well-organised activities planned for us, and the students I met were incredibly friendly and kind. Having access to the materials presented by the professors during the courses is especially valuable, as I will certainly revisit them while writing my thesis and future research papers. Not a single moment in Riga felt wasted — it was truly a wonderful experience, and I am deeply grateful to the coordinators and everyone involved in making this project possible.”

Will Van de Waeter (France): “The week in Riga was an amazing experience — I truly enjoyed getting to know everyone and discovering the city, and by the end of the programme I almost did not want to leave.”

David Nicolas Ilea (Romania): "The BIP mobility experience was transformative for my research skills development. My project on 'Communicating with AI' gave me the opportunity to explore contemporary challenges in human-AI interaction within an international academic context. The collaboration with peers from diverse backgrounds enriched my understanding of different research methodologies and perspectives. What impressed me most was how the programme balanced rigorous academic training with flexible, student-centered learning approaches."

The Faculty of Humanities at the University of Latvia thanks all participants, lecturers, and organisers – especially the Department of English Studies of the Faculty of Humanities – for their contribution to the implementation of the programme and to strengthening international cooperation within Erasmus+.

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