Families in Crisis
In the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) Families in Crisis, you will work in international, interdisciplinary teams to explore global challenges that affect families worldwide.
We live in an era of major global issues. Climate change, ongoing wars, racism, and the increasing polarization of societies all have a direct impact on the lives and well-being of people, their families, and their communities. As professionals in health and well-being, we cannot ignore these challenges. That’s why the programme focuses on three key areas:
- The impact of crises on families and how professionals respond.
- Strategies to strengthen family resilience.
- Designing innovative services or interventions that foster resilience.
Teaching and learning
In this programme, we use Experiential Learning and Art Based Learning. Students build on their own crisis experiences as knowledge for assignments. Art Based Learning helps them reflect, connect with peers, and tap into embodied wisdom.
For who?
- Health and well-being students (such as Nursing, Social Work and other disciplines)
Programme overview
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Online (part 1)
During three online meetings, you will:
- Get to know your classmates
- Start working on the assignment
- Collaborate in small groups
- Share information and follow lectures
As part of the programme, you will also:
- Explore global challenges in your own country and identify culture-specific elements that shape them
- Describe the healthcare and welfare landscape in your country and reflect on how the challenge influences professionals
- Connect local experiences of the challenge to national and international Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Compare your findings with those of international peers, highlighting similarities and differences, and explain them through cultural perspectives
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On campus week (part 2)
After the online classes, you will join an in-person week at Windesheim. By working together with peers, you will design an innovative product, service, or preventive intervention that strengthens the resilience of families affected by a global challenge. You will justify your design by addressing its feasibility, sustainability, and expected impact. Finally, together with international peers, you will present both your analysis of the global challenge and your proposed innovation in a clear and professional way.
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Objective
The objective of this BIP is to gain a deeper understanding of how communities and societies influence individuals, families, and the health and welfare professionals they encounter in times of crisis, viewed from multiple cultural perspectives.
Students will:
- Conduct in-depth research on a selected crisis.
- Engage in dialogue and discussion on how this crisis is shaped by society and the health and welfare system in which a family lives.
By the end of the programme, students will have developed a richer understanding of both their own system and those of students from other countries.
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When
- Autumn 2025 (November)
- Spring 2026 (date to be announced)
Participants
20 to 30
Credits
3 ECTS credits
Assessment
- Experience paper
- Infographic + presentation
- Analysis of a global challenge + presentation
Investment
- You pay your own travel and accommodation costs, lunches and dinners
- The Erasmus+ fund might cover up to a maximum of €490,- (if available in your country)
Contact
Annet Poelstra (coach and lecturer)
A.Poelstra@windesheim.nl(opens in new tab)
Partners
Programme partners are Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, University of Vechta and South East Technological University (SETU Waterford).