Reading for a Stronger Europe: From Pixels to Pages – Reading Europe Differently (3 ECTS) is a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) organized as the final event of the FORTHEM Europe Forum project. The project aims to develop students’ multilingual and cross-cultural communication skills across Europe.

The BIP course is organized by the University of Latvia in collaboration with University of Jyväskylä, University Bourgogne, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, and University of Opole.

During the BIP course, participants will collaboratively explore advanced reading skills and the concept of receptive multilingualism in a multicultural and multidisciplinary learning environment.

The course comprises two mandatory online meetings, learning diaries, and a live week:

• First online session: 08.05.2026 at 15–16.30 CET (16–17.30 EET)
• Second online session: 29.05.2026 at 15–16.30 CET (16–17.30 EET)
• Live contact teaching week in Rīga 8–12 June 2026

On completion of the BIP the student is expected to:

• Read smarter and deeper
  Read more critically, creatively, and empathetically – across literature, digital media, and AI-generated texts — and understand how meaning is shaped in today’s digital Europe.
• Explore languages and cultures through reading
  Discover how multilingual reading works in practice and learn to engage with texts in several European languages, even if they are not in the native language or English.
• Think, discuss, and create together
  Share ideas, debate ethical and social issues, and collaborate with students from different countries on creative reading projects, translations, and digital or visual outputs.
• Communicate better in academic life and beyond
  Consolidate communication, intercultural, and networking skills, and learn how deep reading supports democratic thinking, responsible information sharing, and global citizenship.

Fees:

• The course and the social programme are free of charge for the participants.
• Participants must pay for their travel and public transport expenses, accommodation, meals, and any other personal expenses.
• Students must check with their home universities for possible Erasmus BIP-funding and/or BIP-status to attend the course.

Application and Deadline: 31 March, 2026 in this form

For more information about the BIP, download the brochure below and visit the website HERE.