Recruitment of Students for Participation in the BIP “Changing the Export Game” in Izmir (Turkey)
The “Changing the Export Game” is a unique educational initiative implemented as a Blended Intensive Program (BIP). The main objective of the project is to develop competencies related to sustainable development, business internationalisation, and responsible export management through direct cooperation with the Turkish Aegean Exporters’ Associations (AEA) – a prestigious organisation bringing together more than 8,000 Turkish exporters.
Participants will investigate real barriers to implementing environmentally sustainable practices in the SME sector and design concrete, feasible solutions for developing coherent sustainability strategies, strengthening cooperation and knowledge exchange between companies, and improving sustainability communication on international markets. These recommendations will be presented to the AEA management board. The BIP also aims to develop intercultural competencies, project-based teamwork skills, and the ability to solve real business problems in an international environment.
The program is organised in a hybrid format by the Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Business in cooperation with the Faculty of Economics at the University of Gdańsk, Windesheim University of Applied Sciences (the Netherlands), and Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences (Germany). The BIP begins with an online introductory meeting planned for 21-25 September 2026. The key component is a study visit to Izmir scheduled for 12–16 October 2026, including a visit to the AEA headquarters, intensive project workshops supervised by mentors, and a final session presenting the teams’ outcomes. The project concludes with an online follow-up meeting planned for 19-23 October 2026.
Participants will receive Erasmus+ funding supporting the organisation of the trip to Izmir.
Participation in the BIP will be recognised as the completion of 30 hours of an elective course taught in English, required at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Gdańsk (3 ECTS credits).
The program is open to students of the Faculty of Economics at the University of Gdańsk enrolled in:
- the 2nd year of Bachelor’s studies, or
- the 1st year of Master’s studies,
who have successfully completed the winter examination session in the academic year 2025/2026 and have no missing ECTS credits.
Documented English language proficiency at a minimum B2 level is required.
Additional selection criteria include:
- grade point average for the entire course of studies – 0-4 points;
- no participation in BIP-type programs during the current course of study,
- confirmed completion of the following courses: at Bachelor’s level: International Trade Transactions, World Trade, Procedures and Documents in International Business, or at Master’s level: Globalisation and Regionalisation in the World Economy, Cultural Determinants of International Business, Foreign Industry Markets – 0-1.5 points;
- confirmed participation in student organisations and/or student scientific clubs – 0-2.5 points;
- active involvement in activities supporting the Faculty of Economics at the University of Gdańsk – 0-2 points.
Participants are expected to demonstrate an interest in international trade and sustainable development, possess strong IT skills, display a high level of cultural awareness, work effectively in an international team, and show initiative and commitment.
Interested students are requested to send the application form to joanna.bednarz@ug.edu.pl by 2 June 2026. Along with the application form, applicants should submit all certificates and documents (or scanned copies) confirming the declared achievements and activities by email. The organisers reserve the right to arrange interviews with candidates.
Candidates will be informed about the recruitment results by email by 10 June 2026.
