En route in 2024: The EAIE in full motion

To paraphrase John Lennon in 'Happy Xmas (War is Over)’, another year is almost over, and a new one will begin. This transition period inevitably leads us to reflect on the routes we have travelled so far and contemplate the direction we must take to ensure that international education makes some difference to the current state of affairs, both locally and globally. The ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East are a reminder of the need for dialogue, co-operation and solidarity. The EAIE has been a staunch advocate for cultivating these ideals and will continue to uplift international collaboration and conversation. 

European-level shifts in a globalised context 

2024 has been a year of European elections and has seen the establishment of both a new European Parliament and a new European Commission, calling for a more competitive Europe. Competitiveness places higher education in a pivotal role in terms of both research and innovation and skills and training. It is these competences, which are based on understanding the challenges at hand and responsibly cooperating with other nations, that can sustain progress and peace in Europe and beyond.  

New governments, both within Europe and elsewhere in the world, might be tempted to close borders, increase protective measures and look inwards, perceiving internationalisation as a threat. We know for a fact that internationalisation is actually an opportunity that drives competitiveness, so long as global talent can circulate and symbiotically blend with local cultures. In any case, we can be safe in the knowledge that, even when borders are closed, there are always alternative ways to deliver international education. 

Only when it weaves itself into people's ties with one another, will international education be seen as a light and not a shadow, as an opportunity rather than a threat.

Deep, critical reflection is needed to ensure that the kind of international education we are promoting will actually encourage integration and intercultural understanding that goes beyond the surface level. Only when it weaves itself into people's ties with one another, will international education be seen as a light and not a shadow, as an opportunity rather than a threat.  

As more resistance comes from politics and society, we must invest more energy into proving the value of international education. And for the sake of the individuals within these societies, we must strive to be as inclusive and equitable as possible. 

Showcasing the hallmarks of international education 

The EAIE is proud to showcase strong personal narratives and stories like the one Zhang Zhang shared with us in her closing plenary speech at the 35th Annual EAIE Conference and Exhibition in Toulouse. Her speech shed light on how education in a different country not only allowed her to thrive and excel as a musician, but also motivated her to give back to her community. Such stories are powerful tools for raising awareness by appealing to feelings and emotions, and show how international education contributes to the principle of equal opportunities. 

A more ambitious EAIE research agenda is in the pipeline, as we aim to leverage even more data to underscore our overall message.

Likewise, there is a role for the EAIE to play in proving the evidence-based benefits and positive impact of our daily work in the international higher education sector. In 2024 we released the third edition of the EAIE Barometer, measuring the current climate of our sector and identifying trends in international higher education. Data was also examined under different lenses in three spin-off reports that dove into national and European-level influences, perceptions of impact and environmental sustainability and climate action. For 2025, a more ambitious EAIE research agenda is in the pipeline, as we aim to leverage even more data to underscore our overall message, feeding into critical conversations about internationalisation policy and practice. 

In 2025, we will continue actively promote international education as a tool for global understanding through human connection. The EAIE will continue to provide the platform for us to share, learn and reflect on our own practice. As an association with a commitment to growth, we are developing new structures and onboarding new volunteers to better serve our membership and mission. These new opportunities will engage and strengthen our professional community. 

Association structure and future developments 

A thank you message is in order for all the volunteers from 2022–2024 for their contributions to the association and for facilitating this recent transition phase. Those who have continued to volunteer for the Association are glad to be joined by a cohort of new volunteers from a diverse variety of professional and institutional backgrounds, forming the new EAIE governance bodies and committees. We welcome them heartily and look forward to working with them throughout the coming period. These new groups are convening and collaborating as an ecosystem; they are working together to deliver the best possible opportunities and resources for the professional development of the international education community. In 2025, we need to consolidate these new structures and ensure that the EAIE will remain agile, staying alert and ahead in the sector. 

I'm thankful that our rich diversity reflects how the world should be.

We can look forward to a range of exciting developments in the new year. From exciting innovations such as new on-demand training, a revamped digital Forum to insightful smaller-scale events where experts and our members can discuss hot topics and share best practices. The programme for the 36th Annual EAIE Conference and Exhibition in Gothenburg is being curated with care by the Conference Programme Committee in collaboration with the new Thematic Committees, who are contributing with their expertise to help select the sessions for another successful conference and exhibition.  

The EAIE is in full motion, and you can all be a part of the project by joining and participating in the newly created Communities of Practice. Housed on the Community Platform, this digital space will be relaunched with new features in early 2025 to enable peers to continue sharing and exchanging information on topics of interest all year long in a safe and trusted environment. 

I wish you all the best for 2025, a year in which new developments will build on the legacy of the past to co-create together for a strong and united EAIE community. I'm thankful that our rich diversity reflects how the world should be. Thank you all for your dedication and hard work throughout the year. I hope you all can enjoy a restful winter period and that you can spend this time with family and friends. I look forward to the exciting developments awaiting us in 2025 and, in the meantime, I wish you a joyful and fulfilling New Year.