The ‘Butterfly 2026’ course is offered as a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP). The two-week in-person component will take place in Denmark from April 13 to April 24, 2026, hosted by Zealand, Campus Slagelse.
Following the success of Butterfly 2025, Zealand is proud to present a new edition of the Blended Intensive Programme in Spring 2026. The previous programme was marked by strong collaboration across institutions and cultures, and it laid the groundwork for this new initiative. Drawing on the valuable experience gained, we aim to deliver an equally engaging and impactful programme in 2026.
Butterfly 2025 brought together students and staff from a diverse group of international partner institutions, including:
Universidad Anáhuac Cancún, Mexico
Mahidol University International College (MUIC), Thailand
Budapest Business University, Hungary
Inholland University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands
ESIC Business & Marketing School, Spain
Hochschule Stralsund, Germany
Valencia College, USA
For Butterfly 2026, we are currently in the process of identifying and confirming participating partners. Our aim is to involve 3–4 higher education institutions from Zealands’s European Erasmus+ network. While final participants are yet to be confirmed, the programme continues to build on the innovative blend of Erasmus+ actions KA-131 and KA-171, offering a unique opportunity for cross-border learning and academic exchange.
The Butterfly program will bring together approximately 60 students from partner universities across the globe.
The course workload is worth 5 ECTS as BIP (EQF level 6) within the academic scope of Innovation, Sustainability and Cross-Cultural Communication. There will be an exam and transcript offered.
Over the course of 14 days, students will collaborate in interdisciplinary and intercultural teams to tackle real-world challenges. This year’s theme centres on green and sustainable approaches to urban development, with Slagelse Municipality serving as the primary on-site case study. Guided by an international faculty team, students will apply methods such as Design Thinking to develop innovative and impactful solutions within this critical field.
The program is offered to Zealand students as a 5 ECTS elective course.
Students from various academic backgrounds are welcome to apply, provided their curriculum includes elements of Innovation, Sustainability, and Cross-Cultural Communication.
The programme is designed to strengthen participants’ communication skills and intercultural competencies, while encouraging the development of innovative and sustainable solutions to complex global challenges.
As there is a limited number of spots available for EU participants, partner institutions will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Zealand Academy of Technologies and Business, Campus Slagelse, Denmark, is proud to host the ‘Butterfly’ programme in 2026. The course will begin with online/virtual sessions starting on March 1st, 2026, followed by two weeks of in-person collaboration in Slagelse from April 13th to April 24th, 2026. During these two weeks, students will engage in intensive project work and team-building activities in Slagelse and the surrounding area.
At the conclusion of the two-week in Denmark, students will be assessed on both their theoretical grasp of the topics covered, as well as the solutions they propose for the challenges presented. The assessment will be based on several factor including feasibility, originality, and alignment with sustainability goals.
Financing: The Butterfly 2026 programme will be tuition-free and offered as an Erasmus Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) exchange course.
Non-EU (international) participants may be eligible for funding through an Erasmus+ KA-171 grant, subject to award decisions. EU participants can be funded via an Erasmus+ KA-131 grant from their home or sending institution.
Venues: The in-person component in April will take place at Zealand, Campus Slagelse. The programme will include on-site lectures, reflective outdoor group activities, group discussions, and team-building sessions. Additional venues in and around Slagelse may be used for specific activities.
Accommodation: Where possible, housing will be offered to all participants. Details are currently being finalized and will be shared with participants closer to the programme start. All accommodation will be located in Slagelse. We strongly advise against booking accommodation in the Copenhagen area, as commuting may be both time-consuming and costly.
Transportation: Participants can travel from Copenhagen Airport to Slagelse via regular train service, with a journey time of approximately one hour to Slagelse Station. Local transportation in Slagelse will not be necessary, as all key locations are within walking distance.
Arrival: Students should arrive in Slagelse, Denmark, no later than Sunday, April 12th 2026.
The final curriculum and the general course description can be found here: Butterfly 2026 -Curriculum and course description
For further details or inquiries, please contact the program consultant in charge, Ms. Signe Meilstrup at SMEI@Zealand.dk
Please note that we only can receive and confirm registrations from the BIP programme and course partner institutions.