EAIE - Conference 2022 in Barcelona

For the first time since the Covid outbreak, the EAIE (European Association for International Education) was able to hold its conference in person again and it was a great success. More than 6300 participants from over 90 countries came to Barcelona for the packed programme, where they met partner universities and attended networking events and workshops.

The programme covered key current issues in international higher education, such as virtual exchanges, the European Higher Education Initiative and the impact of the war in Ukraine. It also looked at more specialised areas ranging from incoming student marketing to intercultural skills assessment. Over 400 speakers shared their experience and inspired the attendees with new ideas.

The keynote talk by award-winning foreign correspondent Yalda Hakim was very touching, with her report on the secret schools in Afghanistan ("in times of insecurity, education is reduced first") and her statement that international education can contribute to a better future for the world.

The setting was impressive: the Fira Gran Via is one of the largest and most modern exhibition centres in Europe. It is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and hosts one of the largest rooftop photovoltaic installations. The fair was completely paperless, the more than 200 exhibitors on site distributed QR codes instead of brochures, the catering was vegetarian, regional and in biodegradable packaging, and participants who arrived by train could show this with a sticker. The compatibility of mobility and sustainability was a central topic for all the universities.

Swissuniversities was one of 200 exhibitors, and the stand, made entirely of cardboard, was highly praised and actively used as a contact point. Meetings with our international partners and exchanges with colleagues from Swiss universities were both inspiring, as Switzerland has to cope with special challenges in the international context.