Strengthening Global Connections at the EAIE Conference
From September 17–20, 2024, Lilith Ding, our International Mobility Coordinator (Incoming) and Amy Riddle, our International Mobility Officer, along with colleague from the School of Management, Ninon Talote, attended the EAIE (European Association for International Education) Conference in Toulouse, France. This year’s conference was a record-breaking event, with over 7,300 participants from more than 100 countries. It served as an incredible platform for fostering international collaboration and innovation in education.
Connecting with Global Partners
The primary goal of attending EAIE was to strengthen relationships with our existing mobility partners. We had productive discussions with institutions such as FU Berlin, the University of Groningen, the University of Gothenburg, and the National University of Singapore, among others. These conversations focused on expanding and refining collaborations to ensure the best possible outcomes for our students.
We also seized the opportunity to meet potential new partners from around the world. These initial discussions opened the door to exciting future collaborations aimed at enhancing student and staff mobility.
Learning and Sharing Best Practices
Our team participated in five learning sessions that covered topics such as:
- Enhancing the Exchange Student Experience: Practical strategies to improve support systems and ensure students thrive during their time abroad.
- Innovations in Student and Staff Mobility: Cutting-edge approaches to student and staff exchanges, making programs more accessible and impactful.
- Beyond Authenticity: Step Up Your Student Communication Game: Advanced communication strategies to engage students effectively, emphasizing cultural sensitivity, inclusivity, and digital outreach.
Additionally, we attended three networking sessions with representatives from universities, agents, education consultants, and government organisations worldwide. These discussions provided valuable insights into best practices and innovative ideas that we can adapt to strengthen our mobility programs.
Exploring Toulouse
Beyond the conference activities, our team enjoyed exploring the charming city of Toulouse, known as La Ville Rose (The Pink City). Its vibrant culture and rich history provided a perfect backdrop for connecting with colleagues and partners from across the globe.
By the Numbers
Our time at EAIE 2024 was packed with activity, including:
- 11 meetings
- 1 campus visit
- 5 learning sessions
- 3 networking sessions
Looking Ahead
The EAIE Conference 2024 reaffirmed the importance of internationalisation in higher education. The connections we made, the ideas we gathered, and the opportunities we explored will shape the future of our global engagement efforts.
We are grateful for the chance to participate in this milestone event and are excited to continue working with our partners worldwide to create meaningful and impactful international experiences for our students and staff.
Written by Lilith Ding, International Mobility Coordinator (Incoming)
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