A Blended Intensive Programme Behind the Scenes: Organisational and Methodological Effectiveness

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) to assess the degree of satisfaction among participating students with the methodological and organisational framework, as well as identify the strengths and weaknesses observed by all participants in the programme. The methodology is based on an interpretative approach using qualitative techniques (interviews, discussion groups) and a satisfaction questionnaire, triangulating the instruments and participants. The sample consisted of 31 students, 3 coordinators, 3 managers, 3 observers from the three participating universities, and 2 professors. The findings revealed a high level of student satisfaction, which was justified mainly by the blended structure of the programme, its intensive nature, the active methodologies used, multicultural teamwork, and the emotional component derived from the friendly, supportive atmosphere and team cohesion. Among the difficulties, the simultaneous activities at the home university, the demanding BIP tasks, and some aspects of the virtual component constituted a challenge for participants. Likewise, students had different motivation levels depending on the mobility opportunities. The described BIP proved to constitute a suitable framework to complement students' training, giving them the financial and intensive opportunity for an international, intercultural experience with all its associated benefits.