Successfully Implemented Erasmus+ BIP Project "Media Literacy for Future Leaders"

The project placed particular emphasis on critical thinking and intercultural communication, helping future leaders to understand the challenges of information circulation and to recognize disinformation. Participants enhanced their skills in media content creation and analysis, gained insights into the specifics of AI-generated information, and strengthened their international cooperation and networking competencies.

Students from LBTU participated alongside peers from partner universities in Germany, Estonia, Poland, and North Macedonia – namely Hochschule Offenburg, Estonian University of Life Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, and South East European University. The programme was led by an international team of lecturers, including five LBTU faculty members from ESAF and guest lecturers – Professor Edlira Palloshi Disha from North Macedonia, media science professor Ursula Doliva, and associate professor Magdalena Sidlowska from Poland.

The programme began with an introductory online seminar on March 31, followed by an intensive on-site study week in Jelgava from April 7 to 11. This week featured lectures, seminars, practical workshops, and a cultural programme. Participants explored cultural and historical landmarks in Jelgava and Riga and visited Rundāle Palace. The project concluded on April 25 with student presentations at the international conference "Students on Their Way to Science", showcasing their knowledge of media literacy, information perception, and communication.

Student presentations covered a wide range of topics – from analyzing the spread of fake news influenced by technology to examining the importance of digital etiquette in intercultural communication. Some focused on the role of critical thinking in today’s information-saturated world, while others explored podcast creation as an effective media communication format.

At the end of the course, participants received grades, allowing them to transfer the acquired credits to a similar course at their home university. Such international study programmes offer young people the opportunity to study alongside peers from other European countries, share experiences, and gain new perspectives.

Students highly appreciated the week spent in Jelgava and the knowledge gained, highlighting both academic value and personal growth. As one participant noted:
"I would like to sincerely thank you for the wonderful experience during the Blended Intensive Programme in Latvia. It was an incredibly enriching opportunity, both academically and personally. I am truly grateful for the chance to participate, to meet inspiring peers, and to learn from outstanding professors. The organization and hospitality throughout the programme were exceptional. I truly appreciate all the efforts that made this an unforgettable experience."