Programme

The session focuses on the increasing intensity of full-degree inbound international mobility and its impact on co-learning between domestic and international students within the Hungarian higher education context. Its objective is to explore how institutional approaches to collaboration among all students have evolved and to identify tools to support universities in enhancing these processes. The session will discuss key research findings and the implications of related capacity-building activities.

Georgina Kasza - Tempus Public Foundation, Andrea Vörös - Tempus Public Foundation, Csilla Szabó - Tempus Public Foundation

This session will present findings and insights from a joint research project by the ACA (Academic Cooperation Association) and the EAIE (European Association for International Education) on national strategies/policies for internationalisation across Europe. A presentation of key data and trends will be followed by a moderated discussion with national-level representatives reflecting on trends, challenges, and opportunities. The session will conclude with an open Q&A with participants.

Jody Hoekstra-Selten - European Association for International Education, Angeliki Psychogyiou - The Academic Cooperation Association

Join us for a dynamic panel unveiling fresh data on student mobility trends, from top destinations to the uptake of green travel grants. We’ll identify key barriers holding students back from choosing sustainable transportation alternatives and share best practices to accelerate the green transition in international mobility. Get insights, get inspired, and help shape a greener future for Erasmus+ opportunities!

Salome Dermati - European University Foundation, Neli Kalinova-Schmieder - Erasmus Student Network, Petra Šmídová - Charles University

The session will present the EU co-funded project AUREA, which aims to advance automatic recognition for credit mobility students by identifying barriers, analysing current practices, and offering policy recommendations. It supports higher education institutions with tools to assess their readiness, fosters a shared understanding across Europe, and promotes evidence-based policymaking to ensure fair and inclusive mobility. AUREA seeks to break down barriers and enable internationalisation for all.

Jeanne Cuny - European Students' Union

Internationalisation, to be truly inclusive, requires embedding it in the formal curriculum for all students. Yet many HEIs rely on ad hoc initiatives with limited reach. Educators often lack know-how, support, and incentives. Institutions, in turn, often lack the strategies and structures needed to enable and sustain change. This panel explores systemic factors for institutional change and shares innovative practices from key perspectives: IROs, strategy, pedagogical centres, and teachers.

Lucie Weissova - Halmstad University, Simon Holmesson - Halmstad University, Lukáš Kala - Mendel University in Brno, Bartłomiej Wróblewski - Charles University

Today's global geopolitics suggest that the order we once believed we could impose on global affairs has been lost. Multiple wars, assaults on leading institutions of learning in the US, and a global economy upended by unnecessary tariffs have ushered in a period of deep anxiety. This session will explore critical perspectives on geopolitical challenges by three international education leaders from Czechia, the Netherlands, and the USA including: · Internationalisation and its relevance to global geopolitics · The urgent imperative for collaborations through new institutional, global and regional partnerships · Intercultural communications as a response to the need for more successful human interactions in a world in turmoil.

Eva Janebová - Mestenhauser Institute for International Collaboration, Lenka Henebergová - Charles University, Harvey Charles - Gateway International Group, Jos Beelen - The Hague University of Applied Sciences

Virtual Exchange (VE) remains underdeveloped in rural regions like the Mekong Delta, despite its strong potential for advancing internationalisation. Based on a survey of nearly 100 participants at Tra Vinh University (Vietnam), we highlight VE capabilities and key challenges. In an interactive World Café, we will showcase practical approaches to the challenges, exchange experiences, and collaboratively develop strategies to strengthen digital collaboration in rural/less-developed areas.

Nicole Ondrusch - Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences, Hoa Châu Thị Hoàng - Tra Vinh University, Mai Khanh Nguyen Thi - Tra Vinh University, Veronica Quandt - Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences

The presentation will highlight how strengthening STEM education is essential for the EU’s competitiveness. It will focus on future and transferable skills expected from STEM graduates, based on a national survey conducted by Brno University of Technology among almost 400 STEM employers, as well as outcomes from national and international initiatives. The role of universities will be explored, showing how curricula are being adapted with industry to equip STEM graduates for a changing labour market.

Ladislav Janíček - Brno University of Technology

International students and alumni matter - for our universities, economies, job markets, and societies. This session presents case studies from the Czech and Estonian national agencies on how they advocate for international students at national and international levels. Learn how they approach evidence-based advocacy, build strong narratives, and use data, economic impact, and tailored messaging to engage governments and other stakeholders.

Soňa Lippmann - Czech National Agency for International Education and Research, Eero Loonurm - The Education and Youth Board

This workshop provides university staff with a structured introduction to the European Solidarity Corps (ESC), an EU-funded initiative that fosters youth volunteering and civic participation. The session will explore strategies for supporting student engagement in local and international solidarity activities and identify opportunities for institutional involvement.    This will also be exemplified through a participating institution, Charles University, the largest and one of the oldest universities in Central Europe, which combines a strong academic tradition with active engagement in societal challenges. As one of the two Czech universities holding the ESC Quality Label, it has hosted international volunteers since 2023. The presentation will highlight how volunteering activities are integrated into the university environment, where volunteers support local and international events, contribute to student integration, and co-create community outreach initiatives. Examples of good practice will illustrate the added value of ESC for students, staff, and the wider community, and offer inspiration for other higher education institutions.

Olivia Hynne - Nord University, Natálie Wolfová - Charles University, Lenka Martináková - Czech National Agency for International Education and Research, Theodor L. Háva - Czech National Agency for International Education and Research

An interactive futures literacy lab exploring how European Universities can co-create inclusive and lasting international student communities. Drawing on best practices from the Aurora Alliance, participants will imagine alternative futures, prototype new initiatives, and reframe assumptions about student communities in a changing, digitalised world. Through creative collaboration, this workshop will empower professionals to build future-proof student engagement programmes.

Niels Hexpoor - Palacký University Olomouc

This interactive workshop helps institutions make Erasmus+ staff mobility more inclusive and strategic. Participants identify overlooked staff groups, uncover key participation barriers, and develop targeted communication tools. Attendees leave with practical strategies to reach underrepresented staff and strengthen internationalisation across the institution.

Alina Stocklöv - University of Konstanz

As part of an international student project, we developed "Didactic Bingo"—an interactive tool for evaluating teaching behaviours in intercultural classrooms. Designed by seven Erasmus students at the University of Warsaw, it supports feedback through low-effort, engaging observation. We’ll share its creation process, first results, and potential for wider adaptation.

Marek Smulczyk - University of Warsaw

This session explores the accomplishments of European Alliances in fostering long-term international cooperation through strategic partnerships in the CEE region and beyond. We will share findings from a survey involving 20 Alliances from the 4EU4ALL ‘Internationalisation and Global Outreach’ working group and present case studies of sustainable engagement programmes from Aurora, EUNICE, and Ulysseus. Our aim is to share enablers and best practices and to demonstrate how the Alliances are advancing the internationalisation of European higher education with a global impact.

Selma Porobić - Palacký University Olomouc, Magdalena Sikorska - Eunice European University Alliance, John Gardiner - Ulysseus European University Alliance, Silvia Rucinska - Pavol Jozef Safarik University Kosice

On the occasion of the 20 years of collaboration between the public SUNY Empire State University and the private Czech partner University of New York in Prague, this session explores how a long-term dual-degree partnership has adapted to shifting educational, economic, and legislative demands. Focusing on mobility, regional specifics, and long-term sustainability, we offer lessons and strategies for building resilient academic partnerships in emerging and transitional regions.

Todd Nesbitt - SUNY Empire State University, Jana Ter-Akopow Čemusová - University of New York in Prague

Presentation/discussion on the imporance of Quality Assurance in EMJM programmes, which ensures academic excellence, transparency, and continuous improvement across institutions. It will be showed safeguards of the integrity of joint degrees, promoting mutual trust, and enhancing international recognition. It will be also presented student-centered learning and alignment with European Higher Education standards, which fosters a high-quality, globally competitive education.

Martin Mejstřík - Charles University

This session delves into how joint support structures within a European University Alliance can drive impactful teaching and learning transformations across member institutions. Perspectives on the co-creation of the EPICUR Centre for Teaching and Learning's offers and activities will be explored by the Centre's Co-Lead and the Director of International Affairs of one of the nine EPICUR partner universities. Participants are invited to discuss transfer potential across institutional contexts.

Dorthe Hutz-Nierhoff - University of Freiburg, Donna Hurford - University of Southern Denmark, Léa Ziri - University of Haute Alsace, Lisa Hüther-Pape - University of Freiburg

This session is designed for colleagues managing international alumni relations and seeking to enhance their work with new insights. Topics include alumni meetups and reunion activities ideas, LinkedIn engagement, the integration of AI in daily tasks, fundraising, international professional networking, and other inspiring ideas.

Oleg Fetisov - Czech Technical University in Prague, Anita Straujuma - Riga Technical University, Rachel Bray - European Organization for Nuclear Research

"Career Project Preparation for French-Speaking Students and Intercultural Differences in the European Labour Market" is a Virtual Exchange course offered by four EDUC universities. Since 2021, it has helped students enhance their intercultural competence, increase their motivation to study and work abroad, and develop employability and work-related skills. The presentation will showcase best practices, discuss challenges encountered, and explore changes implemented based on alumni feedback.

Hana Delalande - Masaryk University, Marie Beillet - University of Paris Nanterre, Marta Kobor - University of Pécs, Helene Muscat - University of Rennes

This session presents “Europa macht Schule,” a German programme where international students lead intercultural projects in local schools. It promotes global citizenship, early awareness of mobility opportunities, and internationalisation at home. A best practice from Fulda will be showcased, including perspectives from a former participant. The programme aims to expand beyond Germany through European cooperation.

Gideon Zoller - Institute for Interdisciplinary Research

How can we prepare students for a labour market shaped by uncertainty, complexity, and mobility? This session introduces a practical, semester-long career course piloted at three Czech universities and grounded in the Chaos Theory of Careers. The course fosters adaptability, networking confidence, and future-ready skills aligned with global employability and lifelong learning. We share tested strategies, data, and critical reflections.

Přemysl Gubani - Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

The SALTO Centre for Inclusion & Diversity ET and ACA will publish a guide on creating inclusion officer roles in HEIs using Erasmus+ tools. In a panel with a featured interviewee, working both in a higher education institution and in a European University Alliance, they will share key findings, challenges, and benefits. The discussion will focus on practical steps, advocacy, and real-life examples. Attendees will explore and discuss how to implement this role in their own institutions.

Martin Bogdan - The Academic Cooperation Association, Aaron Szczerba - Technical University of Darmstadt, Petra Habulin Musladin - Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes

International Credit Mobility is a valuable opportunity to strengthen global partnerships. However, successful project preparation and implementation often hinge on the active engagement of academic and administrative staff. How can failures in communication be prevented and smooth implementation ensured?

Veronika Meca - Technical University of Ostrava, Lenka Heczková - Technical University of Ostrava, Monika Krejzková - Technical University of Ostrava

The session explores common challenges and differences in Recognition of prior learning (RPL) practices across the EHEA. Experts from the European RPL Network will compare practices of different European countries . The discussion will focus on how RPL contributes to lifelong learning and strengthens competence profiles relevant to societal needs. It will also reflect on developments at the European policy level. Audience insights and experiences will be actively invited to enrich the dialogue.

Tilman Dörr - German Rectors' Conference, Agnes Witzani - Agency for Quality Assurance and Accreditation Austria

Internationalisation has to be inclusive and inclusion has to be international. The SENSEI academy, a partnership in excellence under Erasmus+ is bridging this gap in a unique cross-sectoral way that brings together universities, schools, teacher training institutions and enterprises across Europe. The session will showcase practical training activities and provide information on the SENSEI approach, which is applicable to many sectors.

Uwe Brandenburg - Global Impact Institute, Andjela Kostić Minić - Center for Professional Development in Education in Leskovac, Jana Chocholatá - Masaryk University, Monika Votava - Labyrinth - gymnázium a základní škola Brno

Discover how AI can support international offices with practical tools to streamline communication, simplify content creation, and enhance support for international students. In three interactive sessions, participants will explore AI-driven techniques for creating engaging mobility slogans, simplifying and translating texts, and designing visual step - by - step guides. No prior experience is needed — just curiosity and a smartphone to enrich the experience.

Leila Inštitorisová - Masaryk University

At U!REKA, cocreation is more than a value—it’s the foundation of everything we do. At VSB-TUO, we’ve embraced this spirit to develop truly U!REKA Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs), built through deep collaboration across our alliance. In this presentation, we’ll share how our BIPs embody the U!REKA vision, highlighting the power of collective design, shared ownership, and meaningful intercultural learning.

Monika Maňáková - Technical University of Ostrava, Marcela Maturová - Technical University of Ostrava

While sending students for mobility is clear due to the existence of many regulations and guidelines, ensuring internationalisation at home initiatives is left for interpretation by every institution. Mobility alumni, when asked about the satisfaction of reintegration after mobility, have rated such services, on average, at 2.66 out of 5 (ESNsurvey XV, n=10,532). In this interactive session, participants will brainstorm and collaborate on how to engage mobility alumni in internationalisation processes and how youth organisations can create synergies to support HEIs in this aspect. The session will be facilitated by two young leaders of the Erasmus Student Network, Veronika from the Czech Republic and Anna from Poland, enabling the cross-country practice sharing.

Anna Kowalczyk - Erasmus Student Network Poland, Veronika Plchová - Erasmus Student Network Czech Republic