Study skills development BIP by INGENIUM visited Savonlinna for a week

– I arrived in Savonlinna expecting to improve my academic skills, but I am leaving with so much more. I discovered new learning strategies, gained confidence, and learned that growth comes not only from knowledge, but also from the people we meet and the places that inspire us, explains Flavia-Parascheva Chiribău-Albu, student, Automatic Control & Computer Engineering Faculty, TUIASI.

Xamk’s Department of Common Studies organised a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) together with two INGENIUM partners: Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iași (TUIASI), Romania, and Munster Technological University (MTU), Ireland. The programme is titled FOCUS – Fostering Optimal Competencies for University Study.

– The program brought together 18 students who worked in three international teams, completing various study-skills-related tasks and learning from one another. I particularly appreciated the collaborative atmosphere and the students’ engagement throughout the activities, tells Senior lecturer Irina Ignătescu-Manea PhD, TUIASI.

The programme included four teachers from the organising institutions and a total of 18 students: 3 from Ireland, 12 from Romania, and 3 from Finland.

A BIP combines virtual and physical mobility. The online phase of the FOCUS BIP ran from 25 May to 19 June 2026 and included four online sessions. The on-site week took place 22–26 June 2026 at Xamk’s Savonlinna campus. The summer setting of Savonlinna offered the international group an ideal environment for learning and collaboration.

“An opportunity to learn from distinguished guest speakers and leaders”

Ding Ma, Acting Mayor of Savonlinna, visited the BIP and wanted to hear international students’ thoughts about Savonlinna. He was also interested in their development ideas. Ma shared presentation tips and thoughts on finding your own path.

– The programme was also highly inspiring thanks to the opportunity to learn from distinguished guest speakers and leaders. They provided valuable insights and motivation for our future careers and personal development, shares Doutora Conceição Hossi, student, MTU.

The BIP got a vitsit from Riku Happonen, Sales Manager at WorkPilots Oy, who shared more about presentation skills and pitching. Head of Education in the Department of Common Studies Miia Karttunen joined the group to share a warm welcome from Xamk. Xamk’s Senior Lecturers Tiina Karvinen and Mikhail Nemilentsev helped with facilitating feedback to students on their ideas for example. Also Xamk’s study psychologist Heidi Iik shared her expertise with the group.

Developing Study Skills, Working Life Skills, and Self-Development in an International Context

The programme was designed for students who wanted to strengthen the study skills needed in higher education.

– Through the online sessions, I developed important skills such as teamwork, time management, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. Meeting and collaborating with students from Finland and Romania during the mobility experience broadened my cultural awareness and gave me the opportunity to apply these skills in real-life situations, says Doutora Conceição Hossi, student, MTU.

Other topics of the FOCUS BIP were:

• self-leadership
• academic reading and writing
• concentration and procrastination
• study techniques
• stress management and wellbeing
• self-compassion

The programme included group work in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, an essential skill in today’s working life. Each group completed a joint final project, which was presented at the end of the on-site week.

With support from teachers and peers, participants reflected on their strengths, identified areas for development, and enhanced their study capabilities. In addition, students completed individual assignments, including a final assignment which consisted a learning diary, SWOT analysis, and a personal development roadmap.

Experiencing Local Culture

The week also included opportunities for informal interaction and cultural experiences.

– Outside the classroom, we explored Finland’s customs by touring Olavinlinna Castle and the Lusto Forest Museum. My favorite was the sauna evening at Vilpunranta; cycling there for a traditional lakeside sauna and board games provided a genuine taste of local life.

To conclude, this intensive week improved my academic competencies and expanded my global perspective, shares Răzvan Pomparău, student, Automatic Control and Computer Engineering Faculty, TUIASI.

The programme also featured a tasting of local specialties such as fried vendace and lörtsy pastries.

Interested in Joining an INGENIUM BIP?

Applications are now open for next academic year’s INGENIUM BIPs. Xamk degree students can apply to three interdisciplinary BIPs by 20 August.

Read more on Lux or on INGENIUM’s webpage:

• BIP Academic Communication – Ingenium
• BIP Sustainable Development and Corporate Responsibility – Ingenium
• BIP – CLARITY-AI: Critical Learning in the Technology Age of AI – Ingenium

Learn more about INGENIUM

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INGENIUM

• Xamk is part of the European University INGENIUM, a campus consisting of ten European higher education institutions.
• Joint studies and degrees, research cooperation, information and experience sharing, student exchange, and staff mobility are at the heart of INGENIUM.
• INGENIUM is co-funded by the European Union.

For more information