Scheduled to take place in the vibrant city of Toulouse, France, from 17 – 20 September 2024, this year’s EAIE conference promises to be the most dynamic and engaging event yet.
Themed ‘En Route!’, the program focuses on digital technologies, sustainable practices, and innovative support for the educational community, reflecting the EAIE’s mission to foster internationalisation and collaboration in higher education.
Each year, the conference attracts thousands of professionals from over 100 countries. Last year’s event saw more than 6,700 participants, and interest continues to grow. Attendees can expect a packed schedule with more than 240 sessions and activities designed to meet diverse professional needs and interests.
The conference week kicks off on a Tuesday with 17 workshops, where participants can delve deep into specific topics, guided by expert facilitators from the EAIE community. Additionally, various campus tours at local universities offer an insider view of the French education system, fostering cross-cultural learning. Pre-registration is required for both workshops and campus experiences, ensuring participants can tailor their experience to their interests.
The subsequent three days feature over 200 sessions covering a wide range of topics related to internationalisation. These sessions are presented in various formats to maximise engagement and knowledge sharing. From traditional panel discussions to interactive formats, there’s something for everyone, offering several different avenues for engaging with fellow participants.
Topics range from marketing and recruitment strategies, Erasmus+ program key actions and initiatives, strategic planning, student and staff mobility, the collaborative online international learning (COIL) program, internationalisation at home, diversity, equity and inclusion, environmentally sustainable practices within international higher education and much more.
From traditional panel discussions to interactive formats, there’s something for everyone
The theme ‘En Route!’ highlights journeys of collaboration, learning and growth. The opening and closing plenaries include motivational keynotes by inspiring women leaders: Élisabeth Moreno, a former French Minister, businesswoman, and philanthropist, and Zhang Zhang, a classical violinist and humanitarian. Their stories promise to inspire and motivate participants.
The Ministers’ roundtable session will feature European government ministers discussing the politics and policies of internationalisation, providing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the sector. The EAIE Barometer Report session will present the latest data on the health and vitality of internationalisation in European higher education based on a comprehensive survey conducted among EAIE members.
The critical conversations series will tackle significant challenges in international higher education, with this year’s focus on ‘responsible internationalisation’.
Nine spotlight sessions offer in-depth discussions on the latest developments in international higher education from research on internationalisation to European-funded programs, just to name a few.
Participants can also look forward to the lively EAIE debate on university rankings and two life skill sessions aimed at enhancing personal and professional development. Speed networking will offer structured opportunities to connect with peers, while mindfulness and yoga sessions will promote mental health and well-being.
Evening events include four new networking journeys that provide informal settings for building connections and exploring Toulouse.
The EAIE Exhibition Hall is a hub of activity, with over 200 organisations showcasing their offerings. This is the place to meet colleagues from around the world, establish new relationships and strengthen existing ones.
Simply put, the 2024 EAIE Conference and Exhibition in Toulouse is an unmissable event for anyone involved in international higher education. With its comprehensive and varied program, it offers a unique opportunity to learn, network and collaborate.
Join us in Toulouse this September and be part of a transformative journey in the world of international higher education. Visit the EAIE website to learn more and register for this exciting event.
About the author: This is a sponsored post by the European Association for International Education (EAIE), a non-profit, member-led organisation serving individuals actively involved in international higher education. The EAIE connects thousands of higher education professionals and provides a forum for professional development, information dissemination and networking, with 3000 members from Europe and around the world. The organisation celebrates its 35th anniversary this year and will commemorate this big milestone, leading up to and during this year’s conference.
At the EAIE, fresh ideas and best practices can flourish and shape the field of internationalisation. EAIE activities are geared towards helping professionals succeed in their work. In short, the EAIE is dedicated to promoting and driving responsible international education in Europe and beyond.The EAIE Conference and Exhibition is the EAIE’s largest event as it attracts thousands of participants (record number of attendees was last year in Rotterdam in 2023 with 6500+) and takes place in a different European city each year.
