The EMERGE European University Alliance continues to strengthen its role in shaping innovative and inclusive education through its active contribution to the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) “Alternative Models of Education”, successfully held in Alexandroupoli from March 16 to 20, 2026.
The programme was organised by the Department of Primary Education of Democritus University of Thrace, bringing together partner universities from across Europe. Within this collaboration, EMERGE played a central role by connecting institutions and aligning the initiative with its strategic priorities on multilingualism, inclusion, and community engagement.
Aligned with EMERGE Work Package 7, which focuses on connecting universities and communities through languages and cultures, the programme directly contributed to the Alliance’s objective of developing innovative teaching and learning approaches with a strong European dimension.
The initiative gathered 40 university students, 11 faculty members, 10 primary school teachers, and approximately 200 primary school pupils. Through a combination of virtual preparation, intensive in-person training, and reflective learning, participants engaged in student-centred educational practices and collaborative international teamwork.
A key element of the programme was the direct interaction with local schools in Alexandroupoli. Participants designed and implemented educational scenarios in real classroom environments, gaining practical teaching experience while strengthening the connection between higher education and local communities. This approach reflects EMERGE’s commitment to bridging academic knowledge with societal needs.
The strong engagement of primary school pupils highlighted the impact of participatory and experiential learning methods. At the same time, the programme demonstrated how EMERGE facilitates meaningful collaboration across institutions, supporting the development of intercultural competences and promoting multilingual education.
Through initiatives such as this, EMERGE reinforces its mission to empower communities at the margins of Europe by fostering inclusive, resilient, and interconnected educational ecosystems.