Student mobilities represent a cornerstone of EELISA, offering students transformative opportunities to engage with diverse cultures, gain interdisciplinary knowledge, while acknowledgeing and seeking solutions for real-world challenges.
Among the many opportunities EELISA offers, Seasonal Schools are an ideal option for short-term immersive learning. These programs blend academic with experiential learning, enabling students to dive into complex topics through lectures, site visits, case studies, and team activities, all within an intensive programme.
This was the case for Saliha Altynbek, Engineerning Management student from BME, who paticipated in the IV edition of the “Management of Innovation and Common Good” Seasonal School at Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna. Read more about her experience below.
I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to participate in the IV edition of the “Management of Innovation and Common Good” Seasonal School, organized by Scuola Sant’Anna. The experience was truly unforgettable, and I am excited to share my journey, which was filled with valuable lessons, meaningful interactions, and inspiring moments.
The five-day program was designed to provide a hands-on learning experience, blending expert lectures with engaging field trips, interactive case studies, and immersive activities. One of the most remarkable aspects of the program was how it combined theory with practical application. Every day was filled with dynamic activities that made learning both fun and impactful.
Throughout the program, we visited a variety of places that provided unique insights into the innovative solutions driving the common good. A standout experience was our visit to Polo Tecnologico Navacchio, where we had the chance to interact with start-ups such as ABzero, Taiao, and Soundsafe Care. These interactions not only broadened our understanding of social innovation but also provided a chance to see how entrepreneurial ventures can truly contribute to the common good.
Another unforgettable experience took place at the Fondazione Casa Cardinale Maffi. Here, we participated in an emotional exercise, navigating blindfolded, following voice instructions. This exercise made me realize how much we rely on our vision and how differently we experience the world when one sense is taken away. We also had the chance to explore the realities of living with Alzheimer’s through two specialized rooms designed for relaxation and care. Speaking to an elderly Italian woman during this visit left a lasting impression on me, as it showed the human side of innovation and care.
In addition to these visits, we had a deep dive into a real-life case study at a church in collaboration with Aforisma. This hands-on approach allowed us to explore a struggle from the past and work on innovative solutions. At the end of the day, we toured the church and saw how the solutions had been implemented for the common good, not just for profit maximization, making it a very meaningful experience.
Our professors also took us to Tuscany’s largest protected park, where we had a lesson on sustainability amidst breath taking natural scenery. It was a perfect blend of learning and nature, reminding us of the importance of preserving the environment as we continue to innovate.
As if that wasn’t enough, on the final day, we visited Enel, Italy’s largest energy company. We had the chance to explore their approach to “Innovability,” a concept that blends innovation with sustainability. We learned about their strategies for working with start-ups to bring new ideas to market in a timely manner, reducing the risks of innovation by collaborating with agile partners. This gave us valuable insight into how large organizations can foster innovation in a way that benefits both business and society.
The learning didn’t stop there. Our professors and researchers created an open and participatory environment, where we could share our insights and learn from one another. What truly made this experience special, though, was the incredible group of participants. It was a diverse group—seven students from Turkey, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Italy—and the camaraderie we built during these five days was one of the most rewarding aspects. We shared laughs, engaged in deep discussions, and formed friendships that will last far beyond the program.
One of the unexpected highlights was when our professors took us to the beach. It was a refreshing and enjoyable moment that strengthened our bonds as a group and provided a wonderful break.
Throughout this journey, the professors and researchers were nothing short of inspiring. Their passion for the subject matter and their genuine commitment to our learning was evident in every session. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of such a passionate, driven group of students, professors, and professionals. The experience has not only broadened my understanding of innovation and sustainability but also inspired me to continue working towards creating solutions for the common good.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in this incredible journey—especially the professors, the testimonials, and my fellow participants. Your contributions made this experience truly exceptional, and I look forward to carrying forward the lessons learned and the connections made during this program. Thank you once again for this life-changing opportunity.
Saliha Altynbek Kyzy
Management Engineering student at Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME)
