From September 17–20, Toulouse hosted the 35th annual conference of the European Association for International Education (EAIE), a key event in European higher education. This year's conference gathered over 7,000 attendees from more than 90 countries. The event featured over 240 sessions, 250 stands, and presentations from more than 900 organizations. The theme for this year was ‘En Route!’.
 

This year’s conference was especially notable as it showcased the role of European University Alliances for the first time, highlighting the importance of collective engagement in higher education. Much attention was paid at the conference to increasing internationality and inclusion in higher education.
 

VILNIUS TECH delegation at the event was led by Živilė Sederevičiūtė-Pačiauskienė, Vice-Rector for Studies, representing the institution’s strategic vision and leadership. The team included key representatives from various departments, each contributing their expertise to the conference. Representatives from the International Relations Office, International Studies Centre and the Admission and Information Centre played pivotal roles in discussions on international partnerships, student mobility and student admissions. Vice-Deans of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and the Faculty of Creative Industries discussed the perspectives of faculty engagement in international collaboration with colleagues from partner universities abroad.
 

During the conference, the VILNIUS TECH delegation had the opportunity to connect with other members of the ATHENA European University Alliance. We engaged with representatives from institutions across Europe, including Hellenic Mediterranean University in Greece, University of Maribor in Slovenia, University of Orleans in France, University of Siegen in Germany, University of Vigo in Spain, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences in Austria, Politécnico do Porto in Portugal, and Maria Curie-Sklodowska University in Poland. These interactions were instrumental in strengthening our network and exploring collaborative opportunities within the ATHENA alliance.
 

The university's participation in EAIE 2024 provided invaluable opportunities to engage with peers, exchange best practices, and explore innovative approaches to higher education. The insights and connections gained will greatly contribute to our ongoing efforts to strengthen global partnerships and enhance our academic programs.
 

As a member of the ATHENA European University Alliance, VILNIUS TECH is committed to leveraging these experiences to advance our global engagement and continue our pursuit of academic excellence. We look forward to applying the knowledge gained from EAIE 2024 to further our role in a more interconnected and resilient academic community.
 

VILNIUS TECH is part of the ATHENA European University Alliance, which constantly offers mobility and collaboration opportunities for students and staff. The ATHENA alliance partners are universities in ten European countries (Greece, Italy, Poland, Lithuania, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, France, Germany, and Ukraine).
 

The European Association for International Education (EAIE) is a key organization promoting international higher education across Europe. Its Annual Conference gathers global professionals to discuss trends, share best practices, and foster international collaboration.
 

More information about the conference can be found here.