My Erasmus+ BIP Mobility in Lithuania: Isabel Rivero, ESADA

Isabel Rivero, student in the 3rd year of Interior Design at ESADA

Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) in Vilnius (Lithuania), from April 8th to 12th, 2024.

After participating in the first ERASMUS BIP organized by ESADA school in Turkey in July 2023, I decided to take part in the ERASMUS BIP to Lithuania. It was a week-long program in the city of Vilnius, where three universities were involved: ours along with students from Latvia and Lithuania.

Before the trip, we had several online seminars where we were briefed about the project to be undertaken and where we got to meet some of the Lithuanian and Latvian professors.

The project aimed to develop a prototype of furniture using "videomapping" as the final technique, with the goal of critiquing pollution worldwide. For the project, we formed groups of six people, two from each country, blending different disciplines such as interior design, product design, graphic design, and multimedia. This allowed us to exchange a wealth of knowledge and enrich ourselves with various learnings.

Our common language was English, which made communication a bit challenging, but nevertheless, we managed to communicate effectively through design languages such as drawing or 3D representation of ideas. The project was developed in a "sprint design" format from Monday to Thursday, with the final presentation of results taking place on Friday.

We worked at the Vilnius University of Technology in the mornings, had lunch in their cafeteria, and had the afternoons free for sightseeing, which gave us the opportunity to enjoy exploring the city (and indulge in some good naps...). We also had enough time to visit beautiful villages in the surrounding areas.

I really enjoyed having the opportunity to meet many students from the school as well, with whom I have since formed a very good relationship.

From the very beginning, I was aware that it was a tremendous opportunity for my future, both professionally and personally. You always learn a great deal and live unforgettable experiences.

Without a doubt, I would repeat this experience not only for everything you learn, but also for the places you visit, the people you meet, and the chance to work with universities that have different methodologies and ways of working. It's a life experience, and something I would recommend to anyone who has the opportunity to do it.