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TEIMO: Teacher Education Across Europe: Innovative Mobility Opportunities
TEIMO: Teacher Education Across Europe: Innovative Mobility Opportunities
The TEIMO consortium have committed themselves to the service to:
“Standardize the concept of BIPs in order to guarantee the quality of BIPs in general”
Welcome to the TEIMO project blog. In this first blog post, we share insights and reflections from the recent BIP (Blended Intensive Program) held in Helsinki, Finland, on 17-21 March 2025. The BIP program is a key part of our TEIMO project, designed to provide immersive training and hands-on experience for students from pre-service teacher education programs in eight project partner countries. This exciting event enabled students to engage deeply with “Teacher Education in international perspective: Education in a Digital World “
Highlights from the Helsinki BIP
University of Helsinki had the honour of hosting 2025 edition of Blended Intensive Program (BIP). This edition was the third BIP in this context and success of previous editions was shown in interest of participation. Overall, 56 students and over 20 staff members participated the course during the spring. Program consisted of three virtual meetings and intensive week at Helsinki on March 17–21. Participants joined us from University of Cologne, OsloMet, Izmir University of Economics, Saxion University of applied sciences, KU Leuven, Utrecht University and Stellenbosch University. This BIP served as a benchmark for TEIMO-project for future developments of organizing BIP’s.
Theme of the BIP was Teacher education in international perspective: Education in a digital world. Program started with two virtual meetings in February–March before the intensive week. Purpose of the virtual meetings in BIP is to prepare for the upcoming work at the location. This year we had two assignments for students to get know each other and orientate towards selected theme. During the meetings we learned about each other’s school cultures and had group conversations after reading task about artificial intelligence in education and importance of critical social media literacy. Organizing virtual meetings with a large crowd is always a challenge but our BIP class of 2025 performed outstanding with active participation.
Intensive week programme was built up with a goal in mind. Most of the activities were selected to support the goal of the course and group work for the week. During the intensive week students were offered keynote-lectures and workshops from professionals who have worked with digital education. Topics covered technological competence development, social media and algorithms, ethics in teaching with digital tools, STEAM-teaching and teacher reflection with digital tools. All this was preparation for the result of the week which was presentation and academic essay from chosen topic by each group.
Additionally, groups had a chance to visit local schools. School visits served the purpose of observing usage of digital tools and gaining perspective for the group work. Schools were selected by the host and ranged from elementary level to upper secondary level. Most unique location was in Suomenlinna, which is an island in front of Helsinki!
Schedule of the week was quite packed with academic activities. Still, we found some time to relax and wonder! Students had chance to ease off after a long day during yoga session and find some new innovations at the science centre Heureka. Group had a chance for behind-the-scenes tour to learn how science exhibition is built from Sampsa Piira (designer, Heureka). Having a tight schedule and limited time for the intensive week, it is important to offer some out of topic-activities for participants to enhance well-being.
After concluding the intensive week, students had a month to finish their work with essay. Results were given in final online meeting and students provided versatile perspectives about digital education. At this point, after three months of work virtually and physically, the course was finished!
Organizing this kind of course is quite an undertaking. There is a large network of people in different institutions who make it happen. BIP Helsinki took notice on previous editions and continued the strong work. We think that everyone will agree that the week was success! Now it’s time to analyse and take on good practises for future BIP’s and develop the program to be even more successful. We hope that good experience in Helsinki helps to spread the word about BIP and students are willing to participate course in the future!
Testimonials from Participant Students
We are proud to share some heartfelt reflections from the students who attended the BIP program:
“In all honesty, the best decision that I’ve made in my Master’s in Education so far was taking up the elective course Teacher Education in an International Perspective. I’m honoured to be a part of this BIP, which made 2025 already an enriching year for me! From the first email communication with Prof. Oliver Holz, to every administrative steps including the grant, all the necessary information and follow-ups were transparent and accurate. As a student with ADD, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of a well-structured study program in the field of education – it almost changes lives.
The concept of ‘International Perspective’ came alive in Helsinki. The interdisciplinary insights in keynotes and workshops delivered by experts from 7 universities across the continent; the school visit and live observation exploring the Finnish education system - widely recognized as one of the world’s best; the laughs, fun, exchange of ideas and thought-provoking conversations with students from other cultures/of different backgrounds… the intensive week in Helsinki has undoubtedly been a high point. And although I travelled to Helsinki long ago, I'm amazed by how revisiting a place can open up your eyes to sense and feel so very much. The city has its own pulse, you just need to be ready to see it. So join the upcoming BIP, let the journey take you. You might end up with an experience more amazing than you could ever have imagined!” Deciree Erman, Educatieve Master Maatschappijwetenschappen, KU Leuven, Belgium
“Helsinki BIP was so much more than an academic experience. It was a journey of growth, discovery, and stepping out of my comfort zone. Unlike the warm sun of İzmir, Helsinki greeted us with freezing air but the laughter we shared and the friendships we built created such a warm and joyful atmosphere that the cold didn’t matter at all. Collaborating with peers around the world, exchanging ideas, and creating something together was incredibly meaningful, especially for someone like me who’s just at the beginning of their professional journey. Every moment left a mark on both my heart and my path and it honestly felt like a dream I never wanted to end.” Ilgın Dallı, IUE, Türkiye
“In March 2025, I had the chance to join a BIP program at the University of Helsinki called Teacher Education in an International Perspective. It was a blended learning experience that brought together students from different countries who are pursuing a career in education. During the one-week mobility in Helsinki, we visited local schools, observed real classroom practices, and discussed educational approaches with various teachers. Working in international teams, we also prepared presentations and reflected on different education systems. Collaborating with teachers from different backgrounds made this experience especially meaningful for me. It helped me grow personally and rethink my future role as an educator.” Sezen Şenman, IUE, Türkiye
What’s Next for TEIMO?
The success of the Helsinki BIP is just the beginning! Thank you amazing Helsinki team for organizing such a successful BIP event!
TEIMO partners are already preparing for upcoming activities: Another BIP is on the way!
Stay tuned for updates!
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Thank you for reading, and we look forward to sharing more stories from the TEIMO journey!