Universities should prepare students to be active members of local, national and global communities, able to apply the acquired knowledge to solve real-world problems. In addition to disciplinary knowledge, students need future skills: social intelligence, adaptive thinking, intercultural competence, interdisciplinarity and virtual collaboration. Experiential learning, based on collaboration and critical thinking, helps to develop these skills.

Collaboration skills are developed through working in groups, and field activities create favourable conditions for improving teamwork. Based on the experiential learning model, the development of international cooperation skills should include close interaction, positive interdependence, teamwork, direct communication, reflection and personal responsibility.

Research objective and organization:
The aim of the study is to assess the results of experiential learning, intercultural competences and practical skills in the context of BIP programs. The study was conducted in 2024 and there were 40 students involved from Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Bulgaria and Poland who participated in Erasmus+ BIP programmes at Daugavpils University (Latvia) and National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest Pitesti University Center (Romania), Data collection was carried out using a qualitative method, analysing students’ reflective diaries and structuring the data according to main thematic categories.

Research results:
Students have developed an understanding of team dynamics, the ability to organise and apply team building exercises, skills to work effectively in groups, reflect on experiences, such as becoming leaders and actively participating in organised activities. The participants highlighted that practical tasks and sports activities helped them develop communication and problem-solving skills. Cultural exchange activities, such as language workshops and intercultural communication tasks, allowed better understanding of the traditions and values of different countries. The study showed that the integration of virtual and physical learning provides flexibility and helps to more effectively apply theoretical knowledge in practice. Erasmus+ BIP programs significantly contribute to the development of students' international experience, engagement in the academic community and increasing professional mobility.

Conclusions:
Throughout participation in Erasmus+ BIP programs experiential learning helps students acquire intercultural competences. Students gained the ability to work in groups of multicultural environment, better understood the dynamics of teamwork and strengthened their social skills. International cooperation initiatives are valuable both, individual student development and strengthening academic and professional networking. In the future, it is recommended to develop blended learning methods and promote the application of experimental learning opportunities in international projects.

Keywords: Experiential Learning, International Cooperation, Collaboration skills.