International Collaboration in Business IT

Expanding international horizons in higher education 

From 10 to 14 March 2025, the Business Information Technology degree programme of the School of Management in Sierre hosted an intensive workshop week as part of the Blended Intensive Program (BIP), an initiative under the UNITA alliance. In collaboration with the West University of Timișoara (Romania), this programme brought together business IT students to work on real-world data-driven projects, fostering an immersive and collaborative learning experience.

UNITA - connecting the academic world

UNITA (Universitas Montium) is an alliance of eleven European universities focused on promoting internationalisation and cross-border academic collaboration. This initiative offers students the opportunity to work in multicultural teams while developing essential skills in project management, data analysis, and data visualisation.

A hybrid and immersive learning experience

The international data cycle project is based on a hybrid learning model, combining remote and on-site teamwork. Starting in February, students worked together virtually using platforms such as GitHub and Microsoft Teams. The week in Sierre was a pivotal phase in the project, where Swiss and Romanian students met in person to refine their solutions. The experience was further enriched by team-building activities.

“The week was amazing. I really enjoyed working with the people in Switzerland. They were very welcoming. We got along very well. This intensive week helped us make good progress in the project,” said Mihai Plesa, Business Informatics student at the West University of Timișoara.

Strategic skills for a globalised digital industry

This programme is not only technically demanding, covering areas such as data flow management, modelling, and visualisation, but also prepares students for the challenges of digital transformation. By working in an international, collaborative setting, students gain firsthand experience in global teamwork, a crucial skill in today’s IT landscape. Whether in startups, SMEs, or multinational corporations, IT professionals increasingly work across borders, making adaptability and cross-cultural collaboration essential skills. 

Cultural immersion and international networking

Beyond its academic and technical benefits, this intensive week placed a strong emphasis on intercultural exchange and communication. With teamwork at the heart of the programme, building cohesion among remote teams was a key priority. To foster meaningful interactions, social and cultural events were organised throughout the week. Swiss students introduced their Romanian peers to the rich cultural heritage of Valais, including a visit to the thermal springs of Leukerbad and a traditional raclette tasting, making this a truly immersive cultural experience.

“Beyond the academic and technical components, this program offers students a chance to immerse themselves in a different culture. We believe that learning happens not only in classrooms but also through social interactions and shared experiences,” explained Nicolas Debons, professor and head of the Business Information Technology degree programme at the HES-SO Valais-Wallis.

A strongly supported initiative

This initiative is endorsed by the HES-SO and coordinated by Nicolas Debons, head of the Business Information Technology degree programme, and Sébastien Gard, professor at HES-SO Valais-Wallis and head of the international data cycle project module. The project was organised in collaboration with Claudiu Brandaș, Mihaela Muntean, and Otniel Didraga from the West University of Timișoara. 

“This cultural exchange adds tremendous value to the programme. Students learn how to adapt to new environments and communicate effectively across cultures,” emphasized Claudiu Brandaș, Professor and Head of the Department of Finance, Information Systems and Business Modeling at the West University of Timișoara.

By strengthening IT project management skills in an international context, this UNITA BIP week offers a unique opportunity for future digital professionals. It also reinforces the HES-SO's commitment to strategic European partnerships, helping to shape a new generation of highly skilled professionals equipped to drive innovation and excel in an increasingly interconnected digital world.