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 sit at the crossroads of education, research, innovation, and the protection of democratic values. While academic freedom is fundamental, concerns about its restriction are growing. Their openness and international focus make them vulnerable to illegitimate influence. Rising geopolitical tensions have led to the misuse of internationalisation, threatening ethics, laws, and security. This presentation shares national policies and tools to enhance secure internationalisation.

Jiřina Fryčová Czech Ministry Of Education, Youth And Sports, Co-speakers TBA

In a moderated panel building on earlier presentations, university representatives will share diverse approaches to promoting secure internationalisation at various levels. These include communication strategies, collaboration, and information-sharing between universities, conducting due diligence, and incorporating the topic of illegitimate influence in academia into PhD coursework.

Jiřina Fryčová Czech Ministry Of Education, Youth And Sports, Co-speakers TBA

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

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 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

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, Christina Bohle - Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Ewa Krzaklewska - Uniwersytet Jagielloński

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.

Sabri Ben Rommane - 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

We are happy to share a case study of the launch of new questionnaires to collect experiences from placements and internships abroad. We have been working on the questionnaire in a team of nine people for three quarters of a year (custom solution), and we are very pleased with the results in the first two calls. We would like to inspire others to do so, as we see sharing experiences as one of the key elements in motivating and removing barriers for Generation Z.

Martin Jaroš - Masaryk University, Jakub Motyčka - Masaryk University

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.

Natálie Vašková - Technical University of Košice

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

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, Daniela Frison - University of Florence, 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.

Julia 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