You have now gained more insight into the central didactic principles involved in developing Short Learning Opportunities.

In the rest of this course, we will take a closer look at specific information concerning:

Learning objectives and assessment
The intercultural context
Student-centred course design

Before delving further into this, it is important to keep the characteristics of your specific type of Short Learning Opportunity clearly in mind.

Are these characteristics still fresh in your mind?

Or could you use a refresher?

The matrix of Short Learning Opportunities

The matrix below provides an overview of the general characteristics of each Short Learning Opportunity. Pay particular attention to: learning format, didactic concept, mobility & competence assessment.

MATRIX-LO-25-11-2025.pdf

The handbook for Short Learning Opportunities

More detailed information can be found in the handbook for short learning opportunities.

MS5 The Handbook of Short Learning Opportunities-BEING REVISED.docx

Must have components for SAP/BIP and COIL

Finally, we would like to share a few additional points to consider for the most common Short Learning Opportunities: SAP/BIP and COIL.

SAP/BIP

SAP (Short, Advanced Programmes) or BIP (Blended Intensive Programmes)

= Programmes with a strong emphasis on mobility (for collaboration), and a practical application in an interdisciplinary context (broadening) and within one's own domain (deepening).

= combination of online activities and 1 physical week.

Welcome & Opening Session	An official Welcome & Opening Session signals the SAP kick-off not only to the SAP participants but to the external community as well. It is important to invite high-level representatives of the SAPc institutions to deliver introductory speeches and welcoming words, reinforcing the SAP strategic value. It also gives the opportunity to briefly introduce RUN-EU, its mission and values, the role of the SAP's and the wide range of opportunities available.
Team building activities	Whether delivered fully online or on a blended format participants' Team Building Activities and Ice Breakers must integrate the introductory part of the SAP and should not be underestimated. To have the opportunity to get to know the whole group sets the right mood towards the learning experience and helps to create a sense of community. Team formation together with the management of the learners' expectations and of the different backgrounds and contexts are also of crucial importance.
Cultural Programme	Cultural exchange is one of the key motivating factors for SAP participants and essential to the development of intercultural intelligence. Being exposed to or experiencing a different culture/country, even if for a short period, makes wonders and generates unforgettable moments and feelings. Therefore, all SAPs must plan and integrate a Cultural Programme/Activity or Session into the formal structure of the SAP.
Learning Reflection	The last component of each SAP should be a Group Learning Reflection exercise, involving all students, lecturers, coaches and organisers. This session allows immediate valuable feedback on the first perceptions, the possibility to express one's opinion anonymously (if desired), non-verbally and interactively. More information can be found in Section 10.

COIL

COIL = Collaborative Online International Learning

= An approach to international learning where students collaborate with peers from around the world using online technologies, aiming to develop intercultural competencies.

= Combination of synchronous and asynchronous online activities, aimed at exchange with international peers. Fully online, no mobility.