Meet the speakers
Esko Koponen
Esko Koponen is Specialist in the Strategic Services for Teaching of the University of Helsinki. His responsibilities include the strategic planning and management of international education, language policy and joint educational programmes. Esko has over 30 years of experience in international education, having previously worked in the Centre for International Mobility with European cooperation programs and international higher education cooperation, and in international student services at the University of Kuopio. Esko has run several sessions and workshops on various aspects of internationalisation both in national and international contexts. Esko holds a MA degree in Translation Studies from the University of Joensuu (now part of the University of Eastern Finland), Finland. He has been a Steering group member of the EAIE Expert Community Study Abroad and Foreign Student Advisers and has chaired and presented at numerous workshops of the Association, including the EAIE Academy. In 2020, Esko became a member of the EAIE Conference Programme Committee.
Esko receives the 2024 EAIE Award for Outstanding Contribution in recognition of his longstanding contributions and the generous sharing of his knowledge throughout his career and involvement with the EAIE community.
Receiving this award was made possible by the exceptional education and learning I've received throughout my career, alongside outstanding peers, in an outstanding association. I would like to thank the EAIE for the award, as the Association has been very important to me in my professional life.
Laura E. Rumbley
Author, editor and educator with a passion for telling the full and complex ‘story’ of international higher education.
Laura is Director for Knowledge Development and Research at the EAIE. Before joining the EAIE, she was Associate Director of the Boston College Center for International Higher Education. She completed her undergraduate studies at Georgetown University, her Master’s degree at the School for International Training (SIT) Graduate Institute and her Doctorate degree at Boston College, studying as well at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid and the Universidad de Sevilla in Spain. Laura began her career in international education as an administrator and international student adviser at Boston University, subsequently becoming involved in international and comparative higher education, including an appointment as deputy director of the Academic Cooperation Association (ACA) in Brussels. Laura has co-authored and co-edited a number of publications, including the foundational document for the 2009 UNESCO World Conference on Higher Education Trends in Global Higher Education: Tracking an Academic Revolution; the International Briefs for Higher Education Leaders series; and several books, chapters and articles focused on internationalisation and comparative perspectives on subjects affecting the academic profession and universities worldwide.
Why attend?
If you're a young professional or new to the international higher education (IHE) sector, don’t miss this webinar series. In these 30-minute interactive sessions (including Q&A), established experts will share insights on hot topics and their journeys in IHE.
In this upcoming ‘Meet the Expert’ webinar Esko Koponen, Specialist in the Strategic Services for Teaching at the University of Helsinki, will share his experiences and insights for finding and sustaining personal and professional direction in the field. Esko will talk about key principles and practices that he’s relied on in developing his career to the fullest. There will be plenty of time for questions from participants as well as an optional break-out opportunity at the end of the session for participants to meet and connect with other EAIE members.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an expert in the field, gain advice for your career and build your network.
Who is it for?
This webinar is perfect for newcomers and those embarking on their journey in international higher education. Exclusively available to EAIE members, it offers a valuable opportunity to gain insights from industry experts and meet other young professionals and EAIE members.
Please note that only current EAIE members can register for this event. If you are a member, you will need to log into your EAIE account to complete registration.