Five international Students from the Faculty of Communication participated in the Blended Intensive Program (BIP) titled "Teaching Cultural Heritage in an International Context." This unique program brought together students and professors from Austria, Portugal, Italy, and Poland, hosted by Università degli Studi Suor Orsola Benincasa (UNISOB) in Naples, Italy. For group of UPJPII Students took care prof. Katarzyna Drąg and dr Piotr Drąg.

The program was a collaborative effort involving the University of Algarve (Portugal), Private Pädagogische Hochschule der Diözese Linz (Austria), the Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow (Poland), and UNISOB. It featured a hybrid format, combining a virtual component, which began on 26 June 2024, with in-person sessions from the 23 - 27th of September Held on the UNISOB campus in Naples.

Participants explored themes of intercultural communication, history, art, culture, and their interconnections through lectures, workshops, and engaging discussions. The program also included guided tours to iconic landmarks in Naples, such as Castel Sant’Elmo, Certosa di San Martino, Pompeii, and the city’s historic center, including the vibrant Spanish Quarter. These visits provided an immersive experience, deepening participants' understanding of Naples' rich history, customs, and its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site—such as the cultural significance of pizza-making.

The program fostered a unique blend of cultural exchange, allowing students and professors to connect across borders, share perspectives, and create lasting networks. This international collaboration highlighted the value of cultural heritage and its role in bringing together diverse communities.

Text: Therese Mpongera Teta