Students and lecturers from six countries gathered in Reggio Emilia, Italy, on 11 – 15 May for an inspiring Intensive Student Training Week organised within the Erasmus+ project “INTELLIGENT: Innovative Teaching and Learning of Generations Z and Alpha in Higher Education” (Project No. 2024-1-LT01-KA220-HED-000256404).
Hosted by IFOA, the activity brought together participants from Vilniaus kolegija (VIKO, Lithuania), RISEBA University (Latvia), Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences (EUAS, Estonia), Avans University of Applied Sciences (AVANS, Netherlands), EDUGEP (Portugal) and IFOA (Italy). In total, 44 students and more than 12 lecturers took part, strengthening international cooperation and exchange of innovative teaching and learning practices within the Erasmus+ framework.
During the week, participants worked in mixed international teams on a real business challenge provided by the company ITINERE: how to make Reggio Emilia’s tourism offer more appealing to Generation Z. Students explored key aspects such as redesigning tourism services, creating value propositions for young European travellers, improving digital communication and positioning, and integrating sustainability and entrepreneurial perspectives into their solutions.
The Intensive Learning Week also served as a testing ground for the INTELLIGENT project methodology. Participants applied innovative approaches combining business simulation, critical thinking and creativity, as well as digital and AI-based tools, including the newly developed entrepreneurship e-game. Through this hands-on experience, students engaged in an interactive, student-centred and practice-oriented learning process aligned with the needs of Generation Z and future learners.
Throughout the programme, participants analysed the company’s activities, took part in creative idea generation sessions, and visited local innovation ecosystems such as Reggio Hub and the Innovation Park. The week concluded with group presentations, where students presented their solutions directly to ITINERE representatives and received professional feedback, reinforcing the link between higher education and real business environments.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the National Agency. Neither the European Union nor National Agency can be held responsible for them.