International Experience Made Easy: BFH Students Join a PIONEER BIP

The programme, titled "Future of Sustainable Buildings and Cities: Design for Disassembly" and coordinated by BFH’s PIONEER Alliance partners Laurea University of Applied Sciences and the University of Žilina, brought together students from five countries.

Through a real-life challenge, the students developed concepts and pitched their ideas to the company at the end of the intensive on-site week. Their challenge was to develop ideas for construction beams designed for disassembly from the outset: an approach that supports reuse and circularity in the construction sector.

Strong Parallels to Working Life

The participants came from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including business, engineering and architecture, which led to enriching discussions and a broad exchange of knowledge. "We could pool our knowledge together," explains Lisa Grieder. "Everyone brought their own cultural background and academic expertise to the mix, much like in the real working world."

The international diversity of the group added further depth to the collaboration. Students from different universities and countries contributed a variety of perspectives, experiences and approaches to the project. "It was nice to exchange knowledge, hear about the ideas and academic backgrounds of the other students, and build on that foundation together," Nathalie Eggenschwiler reflects.

For Gabriela Ismael Calderon, one of the highlights of the BIP was the opportunity to work on a concrete project with a company, as well as the diversity of perspectives within the group. Differences in students’ levels of professional experience occasionally created challenges, but they also fostered valuable knowledge sharing, with more experienced students supporting others. "At the same time, students with less work experience could contribute insights into new technologies that others perhaps didn’t have," she notes.

Before travelling to Finland in April, participants met online three times to prepare for the other key component of a BIP, their stay abroad. These virtual sessions helped students get to know one another and build a strong foundation for collaboration before meeting in person.

Joining Forces for Sustainable Innovation

Although the rather technical topic did not directly match the students’ main field of study in circular economy, the connection to sustainability, innovation and business made it highly relevant. "The BIP topic was not exactly the main focus of our studies, but it was closely related to it," Nathalie and Lisa point out. "It was interesting to explore something beyond our own field while still connected to sustainability, especially new approaches to designing buildings and cities."

The programme also highlighted the importance of international and interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing sustainability challenges. "We are all connected by similar ideas about sustainability," says Nathalie. Lisa adds: "If we want to become more sustainable as societies, we need to work together not only within Switzerland, but internationally as well."

The "Green Beam" BIP is a strong example of PIONEER students coming together to address real-life challenges linked to SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities – while developing valuable skills in international collaboration.

What’s more, it demonstrated how BIPs offer a practical opportunity to apply the knowledge and tools acquired during their studies in an international setting. "For me as a part-time student, it was the perfect opportunity to work in an international setting," says Nathalie. "Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to do that. I really appreciated the chance to join this programme."