DkIT Business students complete international HR project in France
A group of first and second year Business students at DkIT recently travelled to take part in the BIP (Blended Intensive Programme) Management Project in IUT Lens, France. The group travelled with lecturer Vicky Leahy to take part in the third year of DkIT’s collaboration on the NRG (Next Recruitment Generation) BIP Project.
The week-long Human Resources project comprised of students from DKIT, Lens IUT, Bucharest University, Romania and Gaya Institute, Portugal. Each working group was made up of students from all four Institutes.
The project developed and assessed students’ competencies in communication, teamwork, role-play and use of appropriate technology and media to complete the task. The challenges extended beyond language and also involved navigating differing cultural perspectives through project work.
Despite the early starts and late finishes, it was a very rewarding week for all involved. Tuesday was dedicated to cultural visits, beginning with a tour of Stade Bollaert, the home of RC Lens. Deeply rooted in the region’s mining heritage, the club is renowned both locally and internationally for its footballing tradition. The visit proved highly engaging, with students from each participating country enthusiastically sharing their own football chants.
The programme continued with a visit to the Vimy Memorial, commemorating the Canadian soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War, followed by a guided tour of a reconstructed wartime trench. The region’s strong links to both mining history and trench warfare offered students a powerful insight into the past. The day concluded on a lighter note with a seasonal visit to the Christmas Market, followed by a friendly but competitive team bowling event and a shared meal in Arras.
During the week, students completed intense preparation for their final interviews, which consisted of a role-play exercise, a discussion of candidates’ choices, and a reflective analysis of the project. Students considered both the strengths and challenges of working collaboratively within a European team. The interviews were then evaluated by lecturers from each participating institution for students to earn credits towards their degree programme. They also participated in the much-anticipated Café des languages, which offered students the opportunity to present aspects of their national cultures. This included traditional dances and songs, samples of various cuisines and discussions surrounding famous landmarks and sites.
Merci to Madame Amandine Kubiak and Madame Fahima Alili and the IUT students in Lens who organised the BIP and welcomed us. Thanks also to fellow Portuguese and Romanian Lecturers: Carlos Lopes and Ovidiu Iulian Bunea, also to Noreen Carney, International Office,Virginie Hayenne-Cuvillon Lens International Office Colette Henry, Head of Department BS DKIT and Marie-Pierre Parenton, Directrice of IUT Lens for their ongoing support. Most of all we are grateful to all the students who participated and to the 1st and 2nd year BS DKIT students who took the leap of faith and did the college and country proud!
