Inner Development Goals in Practice:
How to Become a Professional for a Sustainable Future 2nd Edition
Grow from within. Create change beyond!
What does it take to build a more sustainable future? While the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a global roadmap for addressing today’s most pressing challenges, sustainable change also requires people with the inner capacities to navigate complexity, collaborate meaningfully and turn ideas into action.
This Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), hosted by the Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave, brings together students from different countries and disciplines to explore the connection between inner development, wellbeing, personal growth and sustainability.
The programme is based on the Inner Development Goals (IDGs), a research-based framework of 23 skills and qualities organised across five dimensions: Being, Thinking, Relating, Collaborating and Acting. These inner capacities – including self-awareness, openness, empathy, critical thinking, communication and the ability to work with others – can help individuals navigate complexity and contribute to positive change.
Throughout the programme, participants will explore the connection between inner development, wellbeing and sustainability, develop greater self-awareness and reflect on their personal and professional growth. They will discover and strengthen their own Inner Development Goals, learn how to approach sustainability challenges and develop meaningful solutions connected to the SDGs, while developing skills for effective collaboration in international and interdisciplinary teams. Participants will also explore how the IDG framework can support personal, professional and societal transformation, reflect on their talents, values, strengths and areas for further development, and create a professional vision board representing their aspirations and future direction.
The BIP provides an opportunity to step outside the traditional classroom and invest in something equally important: developing the person behind the professional. By connecting inner growth with outer action, participants will be encouraged to reflect on who they are, how they relate to others and how they can contribute to a more sustainable, meaningful and purposeful future.
Learn. Connect. Reflect. Grow. Act.
Sustainability starts with the way we see ourselves, others and the world around us. This BIP is an invitation to pause, question, connect and discover new possibilities for personal and collective growth. Take the opportunity to step beyond your comfort zone, meet people from different cultures and perspectives, and leave with new insights that can shape the way you learn, work and contribute to the future.
Your inner development can be the starting point for meaningful change. Are you ready to explore it?
16th of February 2027 to 12th of March 2027
English
To be defined by each higher educational institution. Generally, most students will have this BIP certified in their diploma supplement as a minimal condition.
Bachelor students who are interested in learning and developing Inner Development Goals.
For further information about grant details, please contact the International Relations Office (IRO) or RUN-EU at your home institution.
Programme at a glance
Introduction of teachers and universities
Introduction of Students
Short introduction of the BIP programme
Purpose of the Virtual Programme
Introduction IDGs: Preparation for the next session: intro movie about your university and presentation of stage 1 and 2 of the DBE cycle
Introduction: Reminder:
’Taste of Culture’ – food and snacks
‘Fair’ - “Come as Your Inner Superpower” - dress to represent an inner strength you would like to bring to a more sustainable future.
Presentation of the first delivery
09:00–09:45 Reflection and intention setting
09:45–10:45 Official opening and welcome
10:45–11:15 Coffee break
11:15–12:30 Getting to know one another
12:30–14:00 Lunch
14:00–15:30 Group presentations — Deliverable 2
15:30–16:00 Break
16:00–16:45 Feedback and project planning
17:00–18:30 Taste of Culture — “Come as Your Inner Superpower”
TUESDAY | 9 MARCH 2027 — SUSTAINABILITY, COMMUNITY AND MUSIC
09:00–10:00 Student Sustainability Conference
10:00–12:30 The Kettle is on Growing herbs, growing communities and growing ourselves
12:30-14:00 Lunch
14:00–15:30 Music workshop — “Listening, Connecting, Creating”
15:30–15:45 Break
15:15–16:45 Project development studio
WEDNESDAY | 10 MARCH 2027 — NATURE AND CONNECTION IN ESPOSENDE
09:00–09:45 Daily reflection
09:45–10:45 Leadership from within
10:45–11:30 Travel to Esposende
11:30 – 13:30 Nature-based experience
13:30–14:30 Lunch (Pic-nic)
14:30–15:30 Cooperative outdoor challenge
15:30–17:30 Reflection in nature
17:30–18:15 Return to Barcelos
THURSDAY | 11 MARCH 2027 — PAINTING AND PROJECT CREATION
09:00–09:45 Yoga or mindful reflection
09:45–10:45 Painting workshop — “Imagining a Shared Future”
10:45–11:15 Coffee break
11:15–12:30 Project development studio
12:30–14:00 Lunch
14:00–15:00 Vision Board workshop
15:30–16:00 Break
16:00–17:00 Final project studio
17:00–17:30 Peer gallery walk
FRIDAY | 12 MARCH 2027 — SHARING OUTCOMES AND CLOSING
09:00–09:45 Closing reflection or gentle yoga
09:45–10:45 Exhibition set-up
10:45-11:00 Welcome and opening of the final showcase
11:00–12:30 Final project presentations — Deliverable 3
12:30–14:00 Lunch
14:00–14:30 Programme evaluation and group reflection
14:30–15:00 Closing ceremony
Learning outcomes
By the end of this Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme, learners will be able to:
Develop a professional approach to tackle sustainable and meaningful solutions for an SDG
Develop and discover a deeper sense of Self Awareness and Inner Development
Develop their Inner Development Goals for personal and professional growth
Learn how to work effectively in international working groups according to the DBE cycle
Understand the Inner Development Goals on a deeper level and know how to use their own goals, talents and skills
Reflect on their personal and professional development based on their personal growth
Create a professional vision board for the final presentation
Selection criteria
Selection will be based on interest and motivation for the topic.
Involved organisations and persons
NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
Partner Organisation- Joanna Wedrychowicz (Instructor)
- Tialda Dijkstra (Instructor)
Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave
Lead Organisation, Host Organisation- Paula Loureiro (Lead Instructor)
- Teresa Dieguez (Instructor)
Technological University of the Shannon
Partner Organisation- Noëlle O Connor (Instructor)
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. Grant Agreement Number: 101124674
