Short-term mobility programmes
2026. November 4. 08:58
The Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Pécs (UPFBE) offers a variety of short-term mobility programmes that allow students to put classroom theory into practice. Through partnerships with universities across Europe, the faculty provides opportunities for students to work with real companies, tackle practical business challenges, and collaborate with peers from different countries. While many of these programmes take place during the summer break, others are offered at different times throughout the academic year, each with its own duration, requirements, and schedule.
One notable recent programme was the Blended Intensive Programme(BIP) that UPFBE students took part in hosted by The HAN University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands. This was a gathering of students from the University of Pécs, Karelia University of Applied Sciences in Finland, and University of Zagreb in Croatia. The programme was organised in two phases: a virtual component running from March to April 2026, followed by an in-person experience in May.
The virtual phase introduced students to the complexities of running a business through a simulation game in which they played the role of mobile phone company owners. Working in multinational teams, participants were responsible for managing different aspects of their businesses, including production, distribution, marketing, and finance. Over six competitive rounds, teams made strategic decisions aimed at increasing market share, meeting customer demand, and achieving targets related to sustainability and other emerging business challenges. They also had to navigate human resource management decisions, including hiring and dismissing employees, while balancing competing business priorities. The experience was both rewarding and nerve-racking, as each round demanded careful analysis, teamwork, and quick decision-making, with every choice influencing the company's performance. Beyond applying business concepts, students gained valuable insight into the complexity of managing a company in a competitive and constantly changing environment.
The physical phase took place in Nijmegen; a beautiful city found in the Eastern part of Netherlands. Students at this level tackled a real business challenge presented by EKI, a Dutch rubber and foam company seeking to expand its operations across Europe and find a new market for its products. Through lecturers, coaching sessions with professors, students honed their skills in pitching, research and development, and understanding business needs. They also visited EKI’s headquarters, toured the 25,000 m² facility to understand their unique production process that has enabled them to be producers of high-quality products. This was an opportunity to also understand what challenges the company faces and how students could incorporate this is their solution. The final step involved presenting a preliminary proposal to the company’s head of sustainability. Beyond the academic experience, students also explored the oldest city in Netherlands and learnt about its rich history.
Experiences like these demonstrate the importance of learning beyond the traditional classroom. While lectures provide theories and frameworks for understanding business, short-term mobility programmes allow students to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. Through international collaboration, practical assignments, and interactions with professionals, students develop valuable skills in critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Despite these benefits, many students remain unaware of the opportunities available through the faculty. Announcements about mobility programmes are often shared through Neptun emails, which can easily be overlooked amid the demands of university life.
University life does not have to be limited to lectures, assignments, and examinations. Sometimes, the difference between studying a concept and truly understanding it lies in the opportunity to put it into practice. That opportunity could be just one application away.
By: Abigael Simuli