Programme

This session presents a pioneering Social Integration Course tailored for international students in Germany. Covering vital topics—law, culture, work rights, public services, and intercultural skills—it empowers newcomers to navigate life confidently. The goal of this session is to advocate for its adoption across universities to foster smoother transitions and more inclusive campuses nationwide.

Tripti Dhungana - Technical University of Ilmenau

Academic institutions today operate at the intersection of education, research, innovation, and international cooperation. While their openness and global engagement are essential to progress, they also bring increasing exposure to risks including illegitimate foreign interference, misuse of partnerships, and threats to research integrity and institutional security. In the context of rising geopolitical tensions, internationalisation is at times exploited in ways that challenge ethical norms, legal frameworks, and national interests. This panel will explore how governments and institutions in the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union are responding through concrete policies and tools that promote responsible and secure internationalisation. The session will be moderated by Jiřina Fryčová from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic.

Jiřina Fryčová - Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic (Moderator), Lucie Núñez Tayupanta - Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic, Otakar Fojt - British Embassy in Prague, Chris Rains - U.S. Embassy in Prague, Jáchym Hercher - European Commission Representation in the Czech Republic

Building on the discussion of national-level strategies, this panel brings together representatives from Czech universities to share their institutional responses to the challenges of responsible and secure internationalisation. Speakers will present a range of approaches, including internal coordination and communication strategies, inter-university cooperation, risk assessment procedures, and the integration of security awareness into academic training. The session will be moderated by Jiřina Fryčová from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic.

Jiřina Fryčová - Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic (Moderator), Jan Platoš - Technical University of Ostrava, Valérie Hůrská - Charles University, Jitka Langová - Palacký University Olomouc, Nina Schreierová - Czech Technical University in Prague, Ľubomír Majerník - Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

The opening presentation will introduce Hungary’s mobility ecosystem, highlighting synergies among European, regional, and nationally funded programmes. While Erasmus+ remains the basis of European academic mobility and CEEPUS offers valuable regional cooperation, Hungary has also developed unique national programmes with strategic relevance, such as the Pannonia Programme. The panel discussion will explore practical experiences and institutional strategies in creating synergies between mobility programmes.

István Verses - Tempus Public Foundation, Kornélia Lazányi - Óbuda University, Alexis Rusinek - University of Lorraine, Yvona Vyhnánková - Palacký University Olomouc

Foreign researchers bring not only valuable research output but also international prestige to universities. The International Contact Point at VSB-TUO supports their integration into Czech society. A key factor is the ability to relocate with their family, which introduces challenges that require cooperation with the city, region, and authorities (partner employment, schools, healthcare).

Marek Siwy - Technical University of Ostrava, Michaela Frydrychová - Technical University of Ostrava

The session highlights how Ukrainian universities maintain mobility, build international partnerships, and implement dual- degree programmes during wartime. It explores the role of academic diplomacy and effective crisis management in sustaining international cooperation under extreme conditions.

Viktoriia Sokolova - Alfred Nobel University, Nataliia Shpak - Alfred Nobel University

The panel brings together representatives of NEOLAiA universities to reflect on the impact they see at their universities after four years of joint efforts. The discussion will focus on sharing practices that help people engage in international collaboration and connect across institutions and professional fields, and on examples diverse ways to reach joint goals and achieve impact on different levels. The audience is invited to ask and comment to help us tailor the discussion to their needs.

Renáta Tomášková - University of Ostrava, Tomáš Drobík - University of Ostrava, Michaela Vogt - Bielefeld University, Ida Andersson-Norrie - Örebro University

Stakeholder involvement in the development of regional cooperation within the Alliance of European Universities. The necessity of cooperation between the university environment and the local community, and the benefits of this cooperation for both parties. Sharing good and bad practices in the functioning of this mutual cooperation in different European settings and at different levels, especially in regional university settings.

Kateřina Maršíková - Technical University of Liberec, Ruaidhri Neavyn - Higher Education Authority of Ireland, Ileana Maria Greca Dufranc - University of Burgos, Wayne Johnson - NHL Stenden Hogeschool

The European Higher Education Interoperability Framework (HEIF) was launched in early 2025 to address the critical lack of agreed standards that often impedes international student mobility and institutional cooperation. The HEIF was developed under the European Digital Education Hub (EDEH), an initiative of the European Commission. The Framework is organised around the essential use cases for transnational learner journeys and collaboration, starting from joint course catalogues via shared use of tools and education resources to digital credentials. The Framework tackles interoperability challenges at four levels — legal, organisational, semantic and technical — building on existing Bologna Process tools and EU legislative frameworks (e.g. recommendation on automatic recognition, GDPR. The European Student Card Initiative (ESCI) already provides Europe-wide standards and networks for a number of key use cases, such as user identity and mobility automation through the Erasmus Without Paper (EWP) APIs and network. Depending on the use case and specific scenarios, these may provide all necessary capabilities already or can serve as a starting point, with possible extensions to cover all needs identified in the HEIF. The session will provide an overview of the HEIF's resources, current related activities as well as current plans for the ESCI. Participants are invited to discuss concrete interoperability challenges. Attendees will learn how they can use the HEIF to support their institutions' international cooperation goals and understand to which extent the HEIF use cases are already supported by the ESCI.

Colin Tűck - Senior Expert, Knowledge Innovation Centre (KIC)

For more than five years, digitalisation in international education has often meant just EWP, and many are ready to move beyond that. This presentation showcases real-life examples and practical tips from international officers who are using digital tools in new and creative ways. You’ll see how a variety of digital solutions simplify and streamline tasks for both incoming and outgoing coordinators, making their work easier and more efficient. Beyond tools, we’ll dive into how adopting a digital mindset can transform daily workflows and elevate student services. By the end, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas, proven methods, and a broader perspective on digitalisation in international mobility.

Daniela Slámová - Prague University of Economics and Business, Ondřej Votinský - Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

The European Student Card is a cornerstone of digital transformation in higher education, helping students validate their status, access services seamlessly, and connect across borders. This session will provide an update on the latest developments and opportunities, showing how the initiative delivers concrete benefits for institutions and students alike. From practical steps for adoption to inspiring examples of services already in use across Europe, participants will gain a clear picture of how the ESC is enhancing mobility and collaboration in higher education.

Jeroen van Lent | IT Project Manager | NTT DATA

Masaryk University, University of Presov and Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences will share how they are efficiently implementing the European Student Card Initiative within their institutional ecosystems. The session will focus on practical steps taken to digitalise mobility processes, integrate the Erasmus Without Paper network, and enhance user experience. Presenters will highlight how EWP is embedded into their broader IT systems, ensuring sustainability, interoperability, and added value for students and staff.

Anja Sieghartsleitner - Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences, Petra Vaňová - University of Prešov, Gabriela Složilová - Masaryk University

The topic focuses on the challenges and benefits of involving universities from non-EU countries in European university alliances. It will address the obstacles these institutions, as well as the whole Alliance, face, while also analysing the advantages of participation beyond the EU framework. The aim is to highlight the importance of an inclusive approach within the European Education Area and to open a discussion on the future development of these alliances, with regard to equal opportunities and sustainable partnerships.

Dagmar Vokounová Franzeová - University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, Magdalena Rousová - University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, Inja Stojkić - University of Mostar, Davorka Topić Stipić - University of Mostar

Four speakers from UWB (Czechia) and OTH Amberg-Weiden (Germany) will lead a four-part interactive workshop. We will present the timeline of our cross-border cooperation, share lessons learned from organising five Czech-German Staff Weeks, and guide a World Café session where participants design their own cross-border CSW concepts and reflect on practical challenges, benefits, and realizations. Participants will leave with concrete ideas and tested strategies for planning similar events.

Romana Suchá - University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, Marian Mure - East Bavarian Technical University of Amberg-Weiden, Klára Frausová - University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, Annabelle Wolff - East Bavarian Technical University of Amberg-Weiden

Twinning projects under Horizon Europe in strengthening research excellence, international collaboration, and institutional capacities in Widening countries. Challenges in research and innovation capacity. What is Twinning? Why Twinning Matters (enhancing scientific visibility and networking, and support for strategic research areas and interdisciplinary approaches). Success Factors in Twinning Projects; Case Studies and Lessons Learned; Twinning Under Horizon Europe.

Emílie Trakalová - Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Vítězslav Moudrý - Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Christopher Marrs - Technische Universität Dresden, Elisa Padulosi - Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Jan Komárek - Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, David Moravec - Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

This workshop invites participants to co-create knowledge on how to maximise the potential of BIPs through effective promotion, quality design, and sustainable implementation. We’ll explore diverse formats, including BIPs as a tool for academic professional development and internationalisation at home. We’ll focus on balancing virtual and physical components, fostering interactivity and interdisciplinarity, encouraging diverse outputs, ensuring follow-up, and overcoming organisational challenges.

Jelizaveta Getta - Charles University, Helena Alves - European University Foundation, Lucie Weissova - Halmstad University

This contribution explores short-term student mobility (5–30 days) as a strategic tool to boost participation in international exchange programmes. It offers flexibility and accessibility, fostering inclusion and student diversity. Key benefits include suitability for students with fewer opportunities, easy integration into study programmes, and motivational potential. Even brief stays yield significant academic, intercultural, and personal development outcomes. The presentation discusses implementation strategies (e.g., BIPs, COILs) and addresses challenges (recognition, administration, funding) with proposed solutions. Short-term mobility is presented as a complementary and forward-looking approach to internationalisation.

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

The workshop will focus on inclusion and diversity at Palacký University Olomouc and Charles University Prague. The first part will present outcomes from a staff week on inclusion, equality, and diversity, including activities like adapted games for people with disabilities. The second part will discuss support for students with fewer opportunities during their mobility abroad, featuring the story of a student who spent a semester abroad. The goal is to inspire and share ideas from various institutions.

Simona Kostelánská - Charles University, Lucie Ješinová - Palacký University Olomouc, Jana Hrubá - Palacký University Olomouc, Jitka Králová - Palacký University Olomouc, Petra Soldánová - Palacký University Olomouc, Lucie Flekačová - Palacký University Olomouc

This session examines the barriers faced by and mobility experiences of students with fewer opportunities, drawing on data from the ESNsurvey and qualitative insights from focus groups. It then transitions to an institutional perspective, presenting evidence-informed practices universities have implemented to overcome these barriers. Participants will be introduced to practical tools, including a roadmap and guidelines, designed to advance inclusive and equitable internationalisation support.

Neli Kalinova-Schmieder - Erasmus Student Network, Martin Bogdan - The Academic Cooperation Association

Where do students live when they study abroad—and what happens when housing isn’t guaranteed? Based on insights from 5,700+ Erasmus+ students, the HOME² survey shows that access to affordable, quality housing is a growing mobility barrier. This session explores new EU-level solutions—labels, guidelines, digital tools—and how HOME² is contributing to the Commission’s Housing Task Force and Affordable Housing plan. We’ll discuss how CEE institutions can adapt, support students, and act.

Wim Gabriels - Erasmus Student Network International, Maria Teresa Gullace - Politecnico di Milano, Ida Velthoven - European University Foundation

Internationalisation is crucial in university teacher education. To engage effectively in diverse classrooms and prepare students for global citizenship, (future) teachers need intercultural competencies. This session presents a case study from a COIL seminar that explored how to promote intercultural reflexivity in student teachers. Findings show the seminar supports this development, though various factors influence its depth. Implications for teaching and research are discussed.

Annika Brück-Hübner - Justus Liebig University Giessen, Tatiana Joseph - Justus Liebig University Giessen

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 higher education institutions move beyond traditional mobility models, the focus shifts to creating internationalisation strategies that are inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with national and European priorities. This presentation will highlight the Technical University of Košice’s efforts to make internationalisation accessible to all through institution-wide initiatives and targeted national support from the Recovery and Resilience Plan. Key actions include blended mobility formats, virtual collaboration, intercultural training, and digital integration — each designed to lower barriers and embed global engagement into everyday academic life. Our university’s involvement in a European University Alliance and cross-border cooperation reflects a commitment to building capacity and fostering long-term international partnerships. We will explore how national funding and policy support act as catalysts for institutional innovation, helping to align local efforts with broader strategic goals. Particular attention will be given to the role of digital tools in expanding access and promoting sustainable cooperation models. By offering practical insights, tools, and lessons learned, we aim to contribute to the ongoing discussion around inclusive internationalisation as a driver of systemic change in higher education. This session invites dialogue on how internationalisation can serve as a lever for institution-wide innovation, and how universities can ensure that global engagement is not only smart but also truly for all.

Natália Vašková - Technical University of Košice

What impact do STEM-focused Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnerships have on skills development, innovation, and institutional collaboration in higher education? This interactive workshop explores how KA220-HED projects can contribute to the European agenda for digital transformation, green transition, and competitiveness. Participants will share experiences from current initiatives and engage in a practical group exercise to design a mini project concept using the Erasmus+ logic model — from needs analysis to measurable impact. Topics explored: • How STEM-related cooperation partnerships support EU policy priorities • The role of KA220-HED projects in driving innovation and skills for the future • Examples of impactful STEM cooperation initiatives across Europe • Translating Erasmus+ objectives into concrete project results and impact • Using the project logic model (Needs → Objectives → Activities → Results → Impact) as a practical tool

Veronika Kulaga, Gerhard Volz - OeAD, Gabriele Permoser - University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten

This lecture presents a successful example of internationalisation at the University of South Bohemia, displaying how collaboration with European scientific societies has enhanced education and research through specialized training. Since 2004, the FEBS Advanced Course on Macromolecular Crystallization has fostered scientific excellence and global networking through its unique blend of lectures and hands-on training.

Ivana Kutá Smatanová - University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vladimír Žlábek - University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice

Starting from the European approach, the workshop will present a model developed through multiple transnational collaborations. Stemming from an analysis of the strengths and opportunities of a university-centred attitude to innovation in education, the model puts at its centre the key elements that HEIs should take into account when designing joint MCs within an international partnership. Via a role-play, participants will be led to create their own MC by using the model proposed.

Lara Sorrentino - University of Florence

The panel will focus on the role of academic values in fostering international collaboration in a rapidly changing world. Participants will explore how higher education institutions can strengthen trust, openness and responsibility in international relations and adapt to global challenges through cooperation based on shared goals and values. The discussion will provide an opportunity to share experiences and explore avenues for enhancing international collaboration in support of scientific and educational development.

Izabela Zawiska - Jagiellonian University, Anna Modrzejewska - Gdańsk University of Technology, Milena Bodych-Biernacka - Polish National Agency for the Erasmus+ Programme and the European Solidarity Corps, Lukáš Pospíšil - Agricultural University of Iceland

This panel explores the internationalisation of teacher education through two European initiatives: the Erasmus+ Teacher Academy TEFF and the EUniWell Teacher Education Arena. It highlights good practices and (trans)local approaches, addressing both challenges and potentials. Participants gain insights into training (future) teachers as global citizens within transnational contexts and learn how structures, networks, and institutional practices can foster meaningful international collaboration.

Jan Springob - University of Cologne, Martine Van Rijswijk - University of Utrecht, Oliver Holz - KU Leuven

Over the past three years, Wszechnica Polska Academy of Applied Sciences in Warsaw has successfully coordinated three editions of BIP, each time in partnership with a growing network of European universities. Each edition expanded in scope, adapting its curriculum to diverse academic backgrounds – from pedagogy and public administration to IT – and emphasizing the value of short-term mobility in fostering interdisciplinary and intercultural learning. In this presentation, we aim to share our organisational experience, highlight best practices, and reflect on both the opportunities and challenges of implementing such programmes, culminating in the most recent edition, which attracted nearly 100 participants.

Marek Smulczyk - University of Warsaw

Amid escalating global challenges — including climate change, socio-political unrest, and widening inequalities — higher education institutions face increasing pressure to demonstrate their relevance and impact on both local and global scales. Central to this mandate is the integration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into educational practice, institutional strategy, and stakeholder engagement. Drawing on findings from a recent empirical study, this interactive session explores the importance of cultivating globally competent and socially responsible graduates equipped to address these global challenges. The study underscores the importance of embedding global awareness and responsibility early in the student lifecycle to cultivate alumni who are actively engaged in creating transformative sustainable solutions while fostering a continuum of engagement that extends beyond graduation. A highlight of the session is the UK Alumni SDG Ambassador initiative, a flagship programme that mobilises graduates as change agents within their communities. This initiative exemplifies how alumni networks, when strategically aligned with institutional missions, can significantly amplify impact. The session further includes an interactive activity and actionable recommendations for fostering long-term stakeholder engagement while emphasising the vital role of nurturing organisational commitment in advancing the SDGs through education and alumni leadership. Objectives 1. Recognise the strategic role of higher education in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through teaching, research, and international collaboration. 2. Examine empirical research findings that link components of global competence and social responsibility with increased commitment for sustainability and climate change. 3. Explore the UK Alumni SDG Ambassador Programme as a model for alumni engagement and community impact. 4. Formulate actionable insights to foster long-term commitment to the SDGs by mobilising alumni networks. Outline • Introduction (5 min): The Role of Higher Education in Advancing the SDGs. • Research Findings (10 min): Global Competence, Social Responsibility and Organisational Commitment to advance the SDGs. • Case Study Presentation (15 min): UK Alumni SDG Ambassador Programme. • Interactive session (15 min): participants work in groups to discuss engagment and the SDGs. • Practical takeaways (5 min) Benefits to Participants • Discover innovative alumni engagement models including best practices from the UK Alumni SDG Ambassador Programme. • Acquire practical tools and frameworks for designing student-to-alumni sustainability pathways. • Learn how to align institutional missions with global development agendas for greater social impact. • Connect with peers and potential collaborators. This session is offered by two professional experts in the fields of international higher education, and international alumni relations and sustainability, innovation and public diplomacy. The speakers represent the Netherlands and the UK.

Sandra Rincon - Tilburg University, Helen Etheridge - British Council

International graduates represent one of Europe’s most promising resources of talent — culturally agile, globally connected, and often integrated into academic and local ecosystems. Yet retaining these graduates in the European labour market requires more than just a diploma. This interactive session explores how country-based alumni networks can support talent retention, career development, and local connection to root global talent in Europe—socially, professionally, and economically. Drawing on insights from Nuffic’s recent research on international graduate retention for the labour market in the Netherlands, and showcasing Germany’s DAAD Campus Initiative for International Talents, we present scalable, evidence-based strategies for higher education institutions and policymakers seeking to engage international graduates to build institutional support, national innovation, talent retention, and public diplomacy. Session Objectives 1. Gain an overview of country-based alumni engagement initiatives. 2. Understand the role of international talent retention for innovation, economic growth, and public diplomacy. 3. Learn about key factors influencing international graduate retention, labour market participation, and barriers to staying in the host country. 4. Identify practical tools to enhance alumni support and develop local/regional strategies to build a more inclusive and sustainable international student-alumni networks. Session Outline • Introduction (10 min): European initiatives on country-based alumni and the importance of international talent in innovation, economic growth, and public diplomacy. • Research Presentation (10 min): Key findings of Nuffic’s research on international graduate retention in the Netherlands. • Case Study Presentation (10 min): Germany’s DAAD Campus Initiative for International Talents. • Interactive session: audience will work in groups to discuss various topics/questions from the session (15 min) • Summary of Practical takeaways (5 min) Benefits to Participants Participants will gain evidence-based knowledge on why engaging international talent during the student-alumni life cycle is important for institutional and national economic growth, innovation, and international cooperation. Such knowledge and academic evidence can help participants build a case for support in building international student-alumni engagement programmes. Participants will leave with practical insights (good practices) on engaging international students in starting their careers and international alumni in staying after graduation. These insights can support new or already established alumni relations programmes. This session is offered by three academic and professional experts in the fields of international higher education, alumni relations and international alumni networks’ impact through employability, economic growth, sustainability, innovation, and public diplomacy. The presenters represent Germany and the Netherlands and have more than 40 years of combined expertise in the field of internationalisation of higher education.

Sandra Rincon - Tilburg University, Ekaterina Ershova - German Academic Exchange Service, Ece Arat - Nuffic

In a lively panel discussion format, alumni programmes from Germany, France, Hungary and Czechia will be introduced. The discussion will explore the rationale behind the creation of these programmes, the challenges encountered, and the solutions developed in response. Special attention will be given to best practices in alumni management, highlighting successful examples and innovative approaches.

Julie Ševeleva - Czech National Agency for International Education and Research, Mathilde Lagarde - French Embassy in the Czech Republic, Heidi Wedel - German Academic Exchange Service, Viktória Stift - Tempus Public Foundation