BIP: Explore Cultures and Enhance Skills in International Business

This unique course brings together students and teachers to explore intercultural communication and international business through hands-on and immersive experiences. Alongside classroom learning, participants will experience Finland’s culture and deep-rooted connection to nature through a field trip and gain skills through latest tools and technologies in versatile Haaga-Helia labs.

Students will actively experience how culture influences communication, behaviour, and business practices. Working with a commissioner, participants will develop key skills in international business, problem-solving, and intercultural collaboration. The course blends classroom learning with real-world cultural engagement, making it a truly transformative opportunity.

Please be aware that your home university may set a different application deadline depending on their internal selection process.

Registration dates 15 November 2025 15 February 2026

Course dates 18 May 2026 22 May 2026

Registration is open

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Course Highlights

Students will work in international teams throughout the course, engaging with a commissioner to address real-world challenges. The course focuses on the following key areas:

Intercultural competencies and effective collaboration in diverse teams
International business practices, including global marketing and exporting
AI and digital tools for modern business environments
A multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving and innovation
Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for global business contexts
Practical training in business sales pitching, attracting international customers, and navigating foreign markets
The course culminates in a final task where students present their solution to the commissioner in the form of a sales pitch, poster, or presentation, aiming to convince the commissioner to adopt their proposed strategy

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Demonstrate intercultural competencies for effective collaboration in international and multidisciplinary teams.
Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address complex challenges in global business contexts.
Utilize AI and digital tools for communication and presentation.
Develop and deliver persuasive business pitches, posters, or presentations tailored to a commissioner’s needs by using Haaga-Helia Lab 8 tools.
Design marketing strategies for attracting customers across diverse cultural and geographic markets.
Understand key principles of exporting or attracting costumers
Integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines to create innovative and practical business solutions.
Deepen cultural understanding through nature-based experiences

Physical Mobility

The physical part of the programme will be in Helsinki on 18/05/2026-22/05/2026.

This BIP emphasizes the interaction between classroom learning and nature-based experiences, including a field trip. Students will explore native Finnish culture and customs while engaging with core themes such as intercultural competencies and international business-related skills. The seminar provides a unique opportunity to connect cultural understanding with practical business insights in a natural and immersive setting.

Weekly Schedule

Monday

Introduction of participants and institutions
Cultural fair
Walking meeting
Team creation
Presentation of pre-assignments

Tuesday

Meeting the commissioner
Field trip in Nuuksio – National park

Wednesday

World Café activity
Working on the commission with HH Lab 8 tools
Intercultural communication – activity
Working on the commission with Lab 8 tools

Thursday

Speed debating- activity
AI and digital tools for ideating and pitching Group 2
Emotions lab practicing presentations Group 1
AI and digital tools for ideating and pitching Group 1
Emotions lab practicing presentations Group 2

Friday

Commissioner presentations
Feedback and closing session

Virtual Component

The online session on 23/04/2026 at 14:00– 16:30 CET brings together the participants to explore intercultural communication and collaboration. Through presentations, group discussions, and shared insights, participants will examine cultural differences, business etiquette, and prepare for the upcoming BIP program at Haaga-Helia.

Agenda:

Short Introductions: Representatives from each university give a university presentation
Understanding Intercultural Communication: Overview of cultural considerations and Hofstede’s dimensions
Breakout Discussions: Mixed groups discuss cultural comparisons and course dynamics