Blended Intensive Program 2026
Blended Intensive Program on Jewish Culture in the Central European Context
Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra will host its Blended Intensive Program (BIP) titled “The Jewish Cultural Phenomenon in the Central European Context” from June 1–5, 2026. The program is organized by the Faculty of Central European Studies and focuses on deepening the understanding of Jewish culture, traditions, and identity within Central Europe. It offers students the opportunity to explore the cultural, historical, and social aspects of Jewish communities, reflect on them through literature, film, and art, and understand the significance of Jewish presence in shaping the multicultural space of Central Europe.
The program is designed for bachelor's and master's degree students, with an emphasis on the development of intercultural dialogue, critical thinking, and experiential learning.
Program Aim
The aim of the program is to acquaint students with Jewish culture as an integral part of the Central European area and to deepen their knowledge of its historical, religious, social, and artistic expressions. The program focuses on understanding Jewish traditions, holidays, and principles of life, as well as on reflecting antisemitism and the Holocaust in literature, film, and memory culture. Through discussions, workshops, and excursions, participants develop intercultural understanding, empathy, and the ability to perceive cultural diversity as a core value of European identity.
Program Structure
The BIP consists of online and on-site components. The online session, held on May 25, 2026, will provide an introduction to the program, presentations of participating institutions and students, and a theoretical overview of key aspects of Jewish culture, its traditions, and values. This part serves as preparation for the subsequent on-site activities.
The on-site session, taking place from June 1 to 5, 2026, includes workshops and experiential activities that explore Jewish culture in historical and social contexts. Students will analyze literary and film works with Jewish themes, discuss manifestations of Jewish identity and antisemitism, and participate in excursions to the Holocaust Museum in Sereď, a synagogue, and sites connected to Jewish communities. The program concludes with a creative group project and presentation of results.
International Cooperation and Educational Innovation
The BIP promotes international cooperation, bringing together participants to explore the cultural heritage and historical contexts of Jewish presence in Central Europe. The project is organized in collaboration with the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Palacký University in Olomouc, and Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in Budapest.
The program provides a platform for knowledge exchange, collaborative learning, and intercultural understanding. In this way, the university contributes to building an open environment founded on respect, mutual understanding, and appreciation among diverse cultural and social traditions.
Nitra – a city where history and youth collide!
