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For over three decades, the European Association for International Education (EAIE) has been at the forefront of enhancing international education and fostering collaboration among higher education institutions. The annual conference serves as a vibrant platform for networking, knowledge sharing and professional development.

This year, a record-breaking 7300+ professionals from over 100 countries attended over 4 days, with 200+ exhibition stands and 240+ sessions and activities, creating a dynamic environment ripe for partnership and innovation.

The EAIE 2024 conference, themed “En Route!”, symbolized the international education community’s collective transformative journey toward an innovative future. Focused on sustainability, digital advancements, and diverse collaborations, the event encouraged professionals to actively shape the future of education. Held in Toulouse, a city known for its aerospace innovation, the EAIE Exhibition fostered networking and global partnerships through face-to-face interactions​.

As a regular exhibitor at the EAIE, the Tempus Public Foundation effectively showcased Hungary’s rich higher education landscape. At the Study in Hungary stand, visitors could learn more about the country's academic offerings, training, and scholarship programmes to a diverse international audience.

One of the main responsibilities of the universities’ representatives at EAIE was holding personal meetings with partners and potential collaborators. Alongside pre-arranged meetings, they engaged with visitors at the stand and built professional relationships during receptions and workshop sessions.

Spotlight on Széchenyi István University

Széchenyi István University made a notable impression at the EAIE, showcasing its dedication to internationalisation to fellow educators and potential partners. With a student population of 14,000, including 1,000 international students from 79 countries, SZE offers a range of STEM-focused education across nine faculties and four doctoral schools, featuring 53 English-taught programmes, including five prestigious double degree options.

Kinga Kerpics, the International Coordinator at the Centre of International Programmes and Alumni, Mobility and Scholarships Unit, noted

”We placed special emphasis on personal meetings, as they are crucial for deepening our relationships. During the event, we focused on sharing best practices and experiences to enhance our university's development and strengthen its international position.”

At EAIE, Széchenyi István University presented its innovative programmes and engaged in fruitful discussions on student mobility and joint research opportunities. Kinga Kerpics emphasised that by building face-to-face relationships, they not only strengthened existing contacts but also expanded their network through the Pannónia Scholarship Programme, increasing the overall networking effectiveness of the university.

The University of Szeged: A Veteran at EAIE

The University of Szeged has been a committed participant in the EAIE exhibition since 2014, taking advantage of the opportunity to present its profile to a global audience. With 12 faculties and over 80 full-time degree programs offered in English, the university has established itself as a regional hub of knowledge and innovation in Hungary and Central Europe and its participation in EAIE is a great opportunity to showcase its academic profile to a global audience.

Tibor Zilahi, ERASMUS+ Institutional Programme Coordinator at the University’s International Mobility Centre, said: 

„For the University of Szeged, participation in the internationalisation process is essential. This includes participation in European education and research cooperation and the successful implementation of various international mobility programmes."

Given the university’s focus on strengthening international relations and attracting more international students, their involvement in the EAIE exhibition was essential, as the conference provided a vital platform for pursuing these goals. According to the institutional coordinators present, the 2024 EAIE Conference and International Fair was well-organized and generated significant interest.

Moving forward

After the exhibition, several key tasks remain to ensure that the insights and connections made during the conference are effectively utilized. These tasks include following up with partners, sharing knowledge, managing operational responsibilities, and integrating insights into the university’s international strategy. Previous experiences show that the effort invested leads to substantial returns, as this year’s Study in Hungary stand has already facilitated significant international educational collaborations.

Looking ahead, the annual EAIE exhibition will take place in Gothenburg, Sweden, from September 9-12, 2025. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to connect with current and prospective partners at this event.

Participating Institutions in the Study in Hungary Delegation:

• Széchenyi István University
• University of Szeged
• Eötvös Loránd University
• University of Debrecen
• Eszterházy Károly Catholic University

Last modified: 05-11-2024