Learning About Digital Governance in Estonia with the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme
The Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) is a short and intensive mobility programme funded by the European Union, that combines online learning with a short trip for in-person teaching.
This summer, Dr. Julián Villodre, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Public Administration and part of The Hague Centre for Digital Governance, along with MSc student in Public Administration, Timothy, participated in the BIP, 'Civic Competence in Creative Cities: How Digital Innovations Contribute to Durable Democracies,' hosted by the University of Tartu in Estonia.
The Ersamus+ BIP offered students a unique chance to explore digital governance—an area where Estonia is a global frontrunner. 'Students had hands-on experience with practitioners on pioneering cases,' Dr. Villodre explained. The course involved a week and half of in-person learning in Tartu, followed by two weeks of online learning.
For Timothy, who had long studied Estonia’s role in digital innovation, the BIP was an exciting chance to see those advancements up close. 'I had been citing and referencing Estonian digital services throughout my academic career,' he shared. The programme allowed him to dive deeper into topics like e-deliberation and e-voting, that are not typically covered in his Master's program. While his studies at FGGA provided a strong foundation, the BIP enabled him to explore these topics in greater detail and from multiple disciplines—not just public administration but also political science, digital services, and history.
Dr. Villodre highlighted how the BIP aligns with the growing important of digitization for government-citizen interactions - a focus which is increasingly represented at FGGA, like in the new Digitalisation, Public Administration and Society track in the Bachelor of Public Administration.
One of the most enriching aspects of the BIP was its interdisciplinary and international nature. Timothy learned alongside scholars from diverse academic backgrounds, from political science to technical disciplines, and from various countries: 'Sometimes we live in a bubble, only mingling with those in our faculty, but with this program, I understood how students in places like the Czech Republic and Latvia study the same topics from different perspectives.' This diversity created vibrant and enriching discussions in the course.
Beyond academics, the BIP also included a social component, with field trips to a museum, ministries, and an eco-village. These activities offered students the chance to bond with their peers while exploring Estonia. The University of Tartu ensured a smooth experience, with both academic and social activities designed to help students enjoy their time abroad.
One of the key advantages of the BIP is its financial accessibility. Students receive Erasmus+ financing that covers travel and daily expenses. 'This programme makes it so you don’t have to worry about the financial aspect,' Timothy notes. 'You’re being paid to travel, you learn something new, and you come back filled with innovative ideas—what else could you want? If you want to make your break meaningful yet memorable, this is one of the best opportunities. I’m struggling to find any reason why you shouldn’t go!'