This milestone is a testament to the insights and dedication of our community. The upcoming conference in Toulouse will be a pivotal moment to commemorate our commitment to the sector, bringing together professionals from around the world to connect, share and inspire.

Read on to discover some of the outstanding achievements that make this anniversary worth celebrating.

Empowering the international education sector

Since its founding, the EAIE has been dedicated to empowering international education professionals. Over the past 35 years, we have adapted to meet new challenges and seized opportunities to innovate and build a supportive and diverse network. The EAIE has become a central hub for practitioners, fostering connections between European professionals and their global counterparts. Through conferences, publications and in-person training sessions, we have provided a space where our community can come together, share knowledge, build skills and support one another in addressing their evolving needs.

Due to global uncertainty, the EAIE listened to what our community had to say and actively sought new ways to support them. We have expanded our digital offerings, creating platforms for professionals to connect and support one another. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we facilitated discussions on student mental health and provided forums to address the impact of global conflicts such as the war in Ukraine. This shift to a dynamic new portfolio of digital resources such as webinars, podcast discussions and online courses strengthened our community and brought us together, making us stronger on the other side.

Amplifying influence and engagement

The EAIE’s core belief is that international experiences enrich lives and contribute positively to society. Over the years, the EAIE has become a vital force in the sector, recognised for its role in shaping key international education discussions. With publications like the EAIE Barometer, which aims to help practitioners understand the trends in the field, we continue to earn the trust of policymakers and government agencies for data-driven insights.

Our enriching collaborations with organisations like the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) and projects like SUCTI and SUCTIA demonstrate our commitment to fostering internationalisation in higher education. These far-reaching initiatives benefit a wide range of individuals, from students to practitioners to leaders.

Acknowledging our community’s contributions

The EAIE’s success over the past 35 years wouldn’t have been possible without the contributions of countless professionals who have volunteered their time and expertise.

From serving on the Board and General Council to leading training sessions and sharing their expertise with the EAIE, our volunteers have been instrumental in our achievements. We deeply appreciate the dedication of everyone who has helped shape the EAIE into what it is today.

A new chapter in leadership

As we celebrate this milestone, we also look forward to an exciting future. After years of transformative work by Leonard Engel, we are thrilled to welcome Mervin Bakker as our new executive director. Leonard’s leadership has turned the EAIE into a beacon of excellence in international education. Under Mervin’s guidance, we are eager to build on our strengths and explore new opportunities for growth.

Join the EAIE in Toulouse

The EAIE’s journey from our first conference with 600 participants to this year’s event with over 6,000 participants is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision supported by our amazing community.

Join us in Toulouse to celebrate the EAIE at 35. Engage in meaningful discussions, connect with fellow professionals and be part of a vibrant network that is shaping the future of international education. Together, we will continue to foster collaboration and innovation as we move ‘En Route!’ to a brighter future in internationalisation.

About the author: The European Association for International Education (EAIE) is 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 3,000 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 6,500+) and takes place in a different European city each year.