Erasmus+: CEERRF students in A Coruña
True to its commitment to strengthening its international outlook, CEERRF has once again participated in a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP Erasmus+). Following a successful first experience in Prague in 2024, a delegation of third-year students (M1) and Professor Aurél Bellaiche traveled to the University of A Coruña, Spain, in October 2025 for a week of intensive exchange.
This program, which combines a virtual component with a week of physical mobility, is a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in a multicultural environment and collaborate with their peers from Finland (Savonia University), the Czech Republic (Charles University) and other French institutes.
A rich week in learning and sharing
Masterfully organized by the University of A Coruña, the week was filled with intensive courses, practical workshops, and stimulating group activities. At the heart of the program was training in Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), a fundamental skill in modern physiotherapy. Students worked on critically appraising scientific articles and integrating evidence into their clinical reasoning. These skills, essential for developing a reflective and up-to-date practice, were applied to various research projects conducted in international groups under the supervision of expert trainers.
The program was enhanced by presentations from numerous international experts. Verónica Robles (University of A Coruña), the BIP coordinator, led sessions on the available evidence for the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy, guiding students in their clinical research process. Aurél Bellaiche, representing CEERRF, presented the benefits of self-rehabilitation for post-stroke patients, thereby showcasing the institute’s expertise and innovative pedagogical approach to the European community. Students also benefited from the insights of Marja Aijo (Savonia University) on Nordic walking in geriatrics and Zeltia Naia (University of A Coruña) on the rehabilitation of chronic pelvic floor pain and the role of physiotherapy in asthma management.
Beyond academics, students had the chance to discover Galician culture, notably during a visit to the Tower of Hercules (the oldest functioning lighthouse in Europe), and to strengthen their bonds through creative teambuilding activities and a giant escape game on campus. They also had the opportunity to apply their physiotherapy knowledge in practical workshops using adapted vehicles from the ENKI Foundation, discovering innovative approaches to disability and accessibility.
Participant voices : a transformative experience
The participants’ testimonials perfectly illustrate the impact of this experience.
Aurél Bellaiche, enseignant-chercheur au CEERRF, souligne : a professor and researcher at CEERRF, emphasizes: “Participating in this BIP was an extremely enriching experience, both professionally and personally. Seeing our students collaborate so effortlessly with their European counterparts and present high-quality work is immensely satisfying.”
For Dayen, this week was a revelation: “I discovered a new way of learning and exchanging ideas. Working with students from several countries allowed me to broaden my vision of physiotherapy. This experience gave me a real sense of belonging to a European community.”
Fanny Cardon, who also serves as the Erasmus+ ambassador for CEERRF students, shares this enthusiasm: “Our work in an international team on diagnosis in pregnant women allowed me to combine my interests in research and collaboration. I discovered new perspectives on physiotherapy care. This project has strengthened my motivation to innovate and evolve my future practice.” As an ambassador, Fanny plays a key role in promoting these exchange opportunities to her peers and facilitating access to these enriching experiences.
Younes describes it as a “milestone” in his journey, where he was able to “challenge [his] language skills in English and Spanish” and open himself up to very different European cultures.
Juliette captured the highlights, from the excitement of a football match to a surfing session and the discovery of local cuisine, showing that learning also happens outside the classroom.
Léna also approached this experience with commitment and curiosity. This immersion allowed her to enrich her vision of the profession and strengthen her confidence in a multicultural environment.
Acknowledgments and Future Outlook
Le CEERRF tient à remercier chaleureusement l’Université de La Corogne, et tout particulièrement Verónica Robles et son équipe, pour l’organisation exceptionnelle de ce BIP. Ces partenariats sont le pilier d’une formation en kinésithérapie moderne, ouverte sur le monde et alignée avec les standards européens. Fort de ce succès, le CEERRF continuera de promouvoir ces opportunités uniques qui préparent ses étudiants à devenir les professionnels de santé compétents et humanistes de demain.