Text: Yevheniia Verbytska & Eliise Zaitsev
Erasmus+ Exchange as pilot of the three party collaboration with Laurea, UWI and the University of Johannesburg: Laurea Degree Students Yevheniia Verbytska and Eliise Zaitsev, Senior lecturer Marja Isokangas.
Laurea continues to expand the reach of its pedagogical model, Learning by Developing (LbD), by implementing it in international settings in the Caribbean through an exciting project-based course that was held at the University of the West Indies (UWI) in Barbados in July 2025. Barbados is an incredible country known not only for its beauty but also for its vibrant academic and entrepreneurial spirit. UWI operates across several Caribbean islands, with five campuses strategically located throughout the region.
The international course focused on the theme “Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Sustainability in Service Development.” It gave students the chance to address a pressing local societal and economic issue, while simultaneously gaining global perspectives through collaboration in multicultural teams on real-world challenges.
The program began with a friendly online meeting where participants from Finland and Barbados met for the first time. The atmosphere was relaxed, open, and full of anticipation. Students received study materials in advance, which allowed them to familiarize themselves with the topics and prepare for the first assignment—coming up with three initial ideas for a service-based innovation project.
Cross-Cultural teams were formed during the first on site session, and immediately began working on our concepts. This hands-on approach—where academic study and applying what you’ve learned happends simultaneously—is what makes the LbD method so engaging and effective.
The course was co-delivered by professors Alfred Walkes and Wendy Hollingsworth from the University of the West Indies and Marja Isokangas from Laurea. UWI students responded positively to Laurea’s teaching method, describing it as inspiring and encouraging solution-oriented, disruptive, and creative problem-solving.
My Experience by Laurea Degree student Yevheniia Verbytska
It was my first time traveling so far from Finland, and I felt both excited and a little nervous. But from the very beginning, the experience was amazing. The topic itself—innovation and sustainability in services—was fascinating.
We used the materials provided before the course and combined them with our creativity to generate ideas. Working in international teams was eye-opening. I was inspired by how students from Barbados approached the tasks and how naturally we blended our perspectives. We combined their understanding of local needs with our fresh ideas, which resulted in meaningful service innovations to present during the final pitch.
Each lecture was supported by slides that helped us follow the topic, in Laurea’s parts also videos were shown as example or inspiration. The lecturers used engaging examples to explain key concepts in a way that felt relevant and easy to understand. We also had guest speakers who shared practical insights into investments and bank loans. Their input made the topics come alive and helped us connect theory with real-world application—it was both valuable and inspiring.
I may not have the words to fully describe how enriching this experience was, but I know one thing for sure: I came back with new skills, new friends, and unforgettable memories. Getting positive feedback at the end of the course confirmed that it was a success in every way.
My Experience by Laurea Degree student Eliise Zaitsev
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to attend a week-long international summer school in Barbados, hosted by the University of the West Indies. The theme? Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainability in Service Development – a truly inspiring combination set against the stunning backdrop of the Caribbean.
From the moment I arrived, the atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming. Students gathered not only to learn, but also to share ideas, build new networks, and explore how sustainable innovation can be applied to real-world challenges – espicially in small island economies like Barbados.
One of my favorite parts was working in diverse teams on a real-world challenge: designing a sustainable service concept that could work in the Barbadian context. It pushed us to think creatively and practically, especially considering cultural and environmental aspects that we don’t always think about back home.
But it wasn’t just about studying. The afternoons and evenings gave us time to explore the island – swimming in crystal-clear water, trying local food, dancing to calypso music, and talking late into the night with new friends. Barbados itself became a teacher in many ways, showing what community-driven sustainability can look like.
This experience reminded me that real innovation happens when people from different worlds come together. I didn’t just learn about sustainable development – I lived it for a week. And I came back not only with new knowledge, but with new motivation, friendships, and a wider view of what’s possible.
Barbados may be small in size, but it offered big lessons – and I feel lucky to have been part of it.
Suurin osa Showcasen blogeista on toteutettu osana Laurean opintojaksoja. Koko koulutustarjontaamme voi tutustua nettisivuillamme. Tarjoamme kymmenien tutkintoon johtavien koulutuksien lisäksi myös paljon täydennys- ja erikoistumiskoulutuksia sekä yksittäisiä opintojaksoja avoimen AMK:n kautta!