Five students from the English Philology programme at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities—Zofia Święcica, Wiktoria Kaczmarek, Piotr Mioduszewski, Jakub Polewaczyk, and Aleksandra Katarzyna Orent—participated in the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) titled “Green Tourism: Heritage, Natural Resources, and Innovations,” held in the picturesque town of Alytus, Lithuania, from 5 to 9 May 2025. The event was hosted by the Alytus Faculty of Kauno kolegija.
Over five intensive days, the students engaged in a combination of lectures and practical workshops led by experts in sustainable tourism, cultural heritage, and ecological innovation. The theoretical sessions covered the latest trends in environmental conservation, management of local nature reserves, and promotion of regional products.
A key component of the programme was the study visits. Participants explored historic watermills along the Nemunas River, visited traditional Lithuanian open-air museums, and toured modern ecotourism centres—places where local communities integrate environmental care with economic development. During practical exercises, the students designed their own tourist routes, incorporating elements of cultural heritage and natural resources of the region, and prepared brief presentations and promotional materials in English.
Evenings and free afternoons provided opportunities for cultural integration. The group strolled along the scenic Nemunas boulevard, explored the historic centre of Alytus, and sampled local delicacies—from traditional cepelinai to the sweet šakotis. These informal gatherings offered excellent chances to exchange experiences with participants from other countries and establish international connections.
Upon returning to Łomża, the students not only enhanced their language and interdisciplinary skills but also acquired practical competencies in tourism and heritage conservation innovations. With renewed energy and inspiration, they are now poised to undertake research and educational projects at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, promoting the concept of sustainable development and cultural exchange.
