Published on
1.6.2025. u 13:50h
Students of University College "CEPS – Center for Business Studies" in Kiseljak participated in the second ERASMUS+ BIP (Blended Intensive Programme) titled "Smart University, Smart Campus." From April 28 to May 5, the students took part online in various workshops, lectures, and both group and individual tasks. Then, during the period from May 12 to 16, 2025, they attended in-person activities at the University of Applied Sciences “Lavoslav Ružička” in Vukovar (VEVU).
During their stay at VEVU, CEPS students took part in a fair of higher education institutions from various parts of Europe. In addition to a sports competition, several lectures on the topic of artificial intelligence were organized for participants of the BIP program, along with a workshop under the event’s title: Smart University, Smart Campus . Students also had the opportunity to go on excursions, during which they explored the natural beauty of Slavonia.
The participants from CEPS were student Naida Mutapčić and students Armin Ščetić, Dženan Tahmaz, and Dario Šušnja. Below, we share their experiences of participating in this international event.
Naida:
„My stay in Vukovar during the Erasmus+ BIP program "Smart University, Smart Campus II." was a truly wonderful experience. In just a few days, the city and its people left an indelible mark on me. The greatest value of the program was the opportunity to meet students from different countries. Working together on projects, exchanging ideas, and daily conversations allowed us to build strong bonds that will last long after the program. The lecturers inspired us with their visions of smart universities and innovative approaches to education. Through workshops and lectures on artificial intelligence, sustainability, and IT technologies, we gained knowledge that will definitely benefit me in the future. Besides academic activities, we had the chance to explore the rich culture and history of Vukovar and Slavonia. Touring the city, hearing stories about its past, and excursions into the beautiful nature were unforgettable experiences. I was especially moved by visits to memorial sites, which reminded me of the importance of preserving peace and unity. All in all, I am very happy to have had the opportunity to participate in this program, learn many new things about advanced technologies that no longer feel like a distant future, and meet wonderful people from different parts of Europe. I especially want to thank Professor Nermin Palić for recommending this program and supporting me throughout the preparations. I warmly recommend that anyone considering participating in BIP or similar programs take the opportunity. This is more than just student mobility – it is a chance for growth, new friendships, and unforgettable moments that enrich both academic and personal life.“
Armin:
I participated in the Erasmus+ BIP (Blended Intensive Programme) in Vukovar, Croatia, which focused on the theme “Smart University – Smart Campus.” The program brought together students and professors from various European countries and consisted of an online component followed by an intensive in-person week. During our stay in Vukovar, we had the opportunity to take part in lectures, interactive workshops, and team projects addressing the digitalization of education, sustainable campus solutions, and the role of technology in modernizing the university environment. A special emphasis was placed on exchanging experiences and ideas among participants, which helped us develop critical thinking and team spirit. We worked on concrete ideas that could improve the functioning of universities in the future, such as smart classrooms, energy efficiency, and digital learning platforms. Besides the educational activities, we also explored the city of Vukovar, its rich and difficult history, and experienced the warmth and hospitality of the local community. Socializing with students from other countries allowed me to expand my network, improve my English, and make new friendships This exchange gave me not only new knowledge but also motivation to continue exploring opportunities to modernize education and contribute to building smart, sustainable academic communities.
Dženan:
„From May 12 to May 16, during the 2024/2025 academic year, I participated in the Erasmus+ BIP (Blended Intensive Programme) in Vukovar, Republic of Croatia, together with my colleagues Dario, Armin, and Naida as part of the Erasmus+ International Week. The seminar topics included artificial intelligence, smart cities and universities, as well as environmental protection through efficient use of technology. The lectures were both online and on-site, led by professors from Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, and Ukraine, while participants also came from Albania, Spain, Poland, Georgia, and Germany Besides the lectures, we also had the opportunity to explore the city of Vukovar and learn more about its history. I sincerely recommend that all students take advantage of the chance to participate in an Erasmus+ exchange at least once during their studies.“
Dario:
During the Erasmus+ BIP program “Smart University, Smart Campus II,” we covered many interesting topics that enriched our knowledge and raised our awareness about smart and sustainable cities, schools, classrooms, roads, and more. It’s striking how much we are “deprived” of this information, and while we consider this the future, others are already living that “future” today. Smart roads, traffic lights that operate based on real-time analysis—regulating traffic according to current needs. Traffic lights that produce audio signals for people with visual impairments. Smart classrooms that manage air conditioning automatically, adjust humidity depending on the number of students, windows that tint themselves, smart boards, and more. Artificial intelligence is used to plan all these things and develop applications that further complement this picture. That “future” is someone’s present, and I believe we must work to bring that future closer to us. I am very grateful for the opportunity to see and hear how other cities, schools, and institutions are developing and expanding in terms of smart cities, smart schools, and so on. Finally, I want to thank Professor Nermin Palić for recommending this program, and I warmly encourage everyone considering participation in this or similar programs to embrace new challenges.
Student experiences clearly show that participating in international programs like this brings numerous benefits from professional development to personal growth. Through ERASMUS+ mobility, CEPS offers students the opportunity to gain quality education abroad, meet people from different cultures, improve their English skills, and enrich their student life with invaluable experiences.
