Inclusive Mindsets: Understanding Differences through Cultural Lenses
Inclusive Mindsets: Understanding Differences through Cultural Lenses
Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme hosted by Varna University of Management, Bulgaria
Academic year 2025/2026
Objectives of the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP)
The BIP is hosted by Varna University of Management, Bulgaria and is targeted at university students across campus with diverse educational background and from all levels of higher education, who are interested and motivated to build their intercultural competence and sensitivity to cultural diversity. The BIP is designed to enable students to recognise and address various dimensions of culture-bound differences when working in multicultural environments. Finally, the BIP will raise awareness of inclusion and diversity importance and their benefits in business and in the workplace.
Learning outcomes of the BIP
Upon completion of the module students will be able to:
- Evaluate and articulate the contribution of intercultural learning in business and other related areas of their studies.
- Analyse and reflect on how cultures differ; identify cultural values, styles of
communication and sociocultural behaviour inherent to the target cultures that could clash with their own culture. - Apply theoretical approaches to culture in order to analyse cultural differences in given business-related scenarios.
- Critically appraise business and personal issues from a perspective other than their own cultural background to operate effectively in culturally diverse business settings.
Indicative content
The module will be divided into two parts: an online component and an in-person intensive programme. The following indicative topics will be covered:
- Introduction to the academic fields of cultural studies and intercultural communication
- The concept of culture. Cultural dimensions
- Understanding ethnic and cultural diversity – multicultural citizenship and ethnic identity
- Understanding gender and gender roles in different cultural contexts
- Intercultural communication: culture as a frame for communication
- Dealing with cultural differences in international business management
- Business etiquette and protocol: Do’s and Don’ts when conducting business in specific
cultures/countries - Effective strategies for working in multicultural business environments.
Tentative timeframe
Physical component: 5 days in the period of 26 – 30 May 2026
Virtual component: 8 contact hours delivered during the week commencing 22 June 2026
Venue: Albena resort (approx. 30 km north of Varna)
Number of ECTS: 3
Profile of BIP participants
Students with diverse educational background across campus
Eligibility of students
- Be registered as full-time students of any of VUM’s current or potential new partner universities located in the EU, Norway, or Turkey.
- Have applied for and obtained approval for participation in an Erasmus+ short-term mobility granted by their home institution
- Have English language proficiency corresponding to at least level B1.
Minimum BIP requirements
Number of student BIP participants: min.15 students from sending institutions.
Application process
- BIP student participants must apply for an Erasmus+ KA131 BIP grant for short-term mobility at their home institution (please contact the International Relations Office of your University).
- The home institution nominates their student participant(s) – home institutions are encouraged to initiate an internal call.
- Students interested in the BIP are encouraged to establish contact with VUM International Mobility Team (erasmus@vum.bg) for any questions, support or invitation letters, needed for applying for the grant at the home institution.
- Deadline for nominations of students by their home institution to VUM: 31 March 2026
- Nominations are to be emailed to erasmus@vum.bg.
Erasmus+ grant for BIP participants to VUM
Basic subsistence costs: 79 EUR per day x 7 days (5 days on the spot + 2 days for travel) = 553 EUR
Possible top-ups: travel costs support, incl. green travel; inclusion top-up, if applicable.
Costs for travel, accommodation, and subsistence are covered by the Erasmus+ participants through their Erasmus+ grant.