Nutrition and Lifecycle Feeding, Balanced Nutrition and Safe Swallowing: A Challenge Throughout the Life Cycle
This course offers students the chance to understand principles of balanced nutrition and safe swallowing across the life cycle.
The Blended Intensive Programme “Nutrition and Life Cycle” invites students from different health-related fields to join a unique international learning experience!
Throughout this programme, you will explore how nutrition, healthy eating habits and safe swallowing impact wellbeing across all stages of life — from childhood to older adulthood. The online component will get you started with interactive content and collaborative tasks, working with peers from various RUN-EU institutions and building a strong multicultural team spirit.
During the on-site week, in May 2026, you will take part in hands-on workshops, real-life simulations, interprofessional challenges and visits to clinical and community settings. It’s a great opportunity to learn from experts, develop key professional skills and create lasting international connections.
If you’re ready to grow as a professional and as a global citizen, this BIP is for you!
By bringing together diverse perspectives, practical skills and real-world challenges, this BIP empowers students to think critically about nutrition and swallowing across the lifespan. Join us to expand your knowledge, collaborate internationally and take the next step in your professional journey. We can’t wait to welcome you!
20th of April 2026 to 5th of June 2026
English
To be defined by each higher education institution.
Eligible participants include students enrolled in bachelor’s, master’s, PhD's or equivalent programmes at RUN-EU partner institutions, particularly those studying in fields related to health, nutrition, nursing, speech and language therapy, gerontology, biomedical sciences, or other areas connected to feeding, nutrition and swallowing.
Application for this product is not yet possible.
Proposed application opening date: 15th of December 2025
Programme at a glance
– Introduction to nutrition across the life cycle; basics of safe swallowing; programme briefing.
• Pre-recorded sessions: 5–7 hours
– Short expert videos on feeding challenges, dysphagia, and assessment tools.
• Individual study & learning reflection: 8–10 hours
– Assigned readings, quizzes, and reflective notes.
• Group work (international teams): 8–10 hours
– Case analysis, collaborative tasks using digital tools (Miro/Padlet/Teams).
• Team-building activities: 2–3 hours
– Online intercultural activities to promote group cohesion.
– Hands-on activities on safe feeding techniques, consistency modification, assessment simulations.
• Lectures, seminars & expert talks: 6–8 hours
– Evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary perspectives, innovation in nutrition and swallowing care.
• Site visits / field activities: 4–6 hours
– Clinical, educational or community settings dealing with feeding and dysphagia.
• Project development & group work: 4–5 hours
– Designing solutions, preparing presentations.
• Student presentations & feedback: 2–3 hours
• Closing session / evaluation: 2–3 hours
Learning outcomes
By the end of this Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme, learners will be able to:
Explain the principles of balanced nutrition across the life cycle, recognising physiological, social and cultural factors influencing feeding and dietary behaviours.
Identify the main causes, risks and implications of swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) in different age groups and clinical contexts.
Apply evidence-based approaches to assess feeding and swallowing safety, integrating knowledge from nutrition, speech and language therapy, nursing and related health fields.
Collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary and multicultural teams, demonstrating professional communication, respect for diverse perspectives and shared decision-making skills.
Develop practical strategies and interventions to promote safe feeding practices in clinical, educational and community settings.
Use digital tools for research, teamwork and project development, enhancing digital literacy and innovation skills.
Reflect critically on personal and professional development, demonstrating awareness of ethical considerations, patient-centred care and the importance of lifelong learning.
Design and present a group project or solution addressing a real-world challenge related to nutrition or safe swallowing.
Selection criteria
Academic relevance
– The applicant’s field of study and motivation should demonstrate a clear connection to the themes of feeding, nutrition and safe swallowing.
Balanced representation
– Institutions may ensure diversity in terms of study level, discipline, gender and geographical distribution to promote an inclusive and multicultural learning environment.
Priority criteria
– Preference may be given to students who have not previously participated in similar international programmes.
Involved organisations and persons
Polytechnic University of Leiria
Lead Organisation- Catia Pontes (Lead Instructor)
- Débora Lucília Santo Franco (Instructor)
- Inês Isabel Sousa Lopes (Instructor)
Technological University of the Shannon
Partner OrganisationUniversity of Burgos
Partner OrganisationUniversity of Galați
Partner Organisation