PURPOSE:
The Importance of the Erasmus Blended Intensive Programme in Midwifery Education. In today’s globalized healthcare landscape, midwives must be adaptable, culturally competent, and prepared to collaborate across disciplines and borders. At Tallinn Health University of Applied Sciences, the midwifery curriculum includes two Erasmus BIPs—Breastfeeding and Early Interaction Basics and Beyond and a Public Health Course. These programs are offering students the opportunity to engage in international, collaborative learning, supported by structured reflection and peer feedback. Research and student feedback indicate that combining asynchronous virtual study with in-person intensive collaboration leads to deeper learning and more sustainable skill development BIPs address both needs, providing a balanced pedagogical approach that improves both academic and professional outcomes.

DISCUSSION:
The Erasmus BIP model effectively enhances intercultural competence, self-regulation, and professional identity in midwifery students. Blending virtual and physical learning fosters critical thinking and collaboration. Despite technological challenges, outcomes suggest BIPs are a scalable, evidence-based approach for global midwifery education.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Evidence from the TOTEMM project (Borrelli et al., 2024) shows that midwifery students participating in an inclusive mobility model reported significant improvements in intercultural sensitivity, empathy, and non-judgmental attitudes. Quantitative analysis indicated a statistically significant increase in intercultural awareness between pre- and post-mobility assessments, while qualitative feedback highlighted enhanced confidence and openness. According to Henderson et al. (2017), students benefit from online environments due to flexible scheduling, ability to revisit materials, and autonomous task management.

KEY MESSAGE:
BIPs represent an accessible, scalable solution that does not require excessive resources yet brings clear benefits. Short-term mobility increases access to international experience for more students, making BIPs a realistic and impactful element of modern curricula.It supports students in developing the cultural competence, interpersonal skills, and resilience necessary to thrive in diverse clinical environments and ultimately contribute to improved maternal and newborn health outcomes globally. Poster session 3 (Group B)