Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts hosted the Software Engineering Project Block Week, bringing together international students for a blended, practice‑oriented learning experience. The programme combined a virtual preparation phase with an intensive on‑site week in Dortmund from 23 to 27 March 2026.
The Software Engineering Project BIP was held at the IDiAL – Institut für die Digitalisierung von Arbeits- und Lebenswelten, in the User Innovation Center (UIC), and involved around 30 students from seven universities across five European countries, creating a highly international and collaborative learning environment.
The project was designed as part of an Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) and focused on strengthening international collaboration and hands‑on competencies in software engineering. Prior to the on‑site phase, students participated in an online preparatory module, which included interactive sessions, video lectures, and guided self‑study. This virtual component allowed participants to build foundational knowledge, form international teams, and familiarise themselves with development tools.
A central academic focus of the programme was domain‑driven design, an essential approach for developing modern software architectures. Building on this theoretical groundwork, students worked collaboratively on real‑world software engineering challenges during the block week, applying their knowledge in an international and interdisciplinary setting.
The Software Engineering Project offers a unique opportunity to combine academic learning, practical experience, and intercultural exchange. Participants benefit from working in distributed and diverse teams, reflecting the realities of global software development environments. The programme supports the development of key skills such as teamwork, communication, and agile project collaboration, which are increasingly important in today’s digital job market.
Besides working on the project, participants also had the opportunity to explore the cultural life of Dortmund and take part in a variety of social activities. The programme included a guided tour at the DASA Working World Exhibition, offering insights into the history and future of work, as well as a visit to the BVB Stadium, a landmark at the heart of Dortmund’s football culture.
