ROTTERDAM, 31 August 2023 – The city's maritime history and its role as a hub for international exchange will be highlighted as Rotterdam hosts the European Association for International Education Conference from 26 to 29 September 2023.
The EAIE Rotterdam 2023 event will span four days, packed with opportunities for learning, networking, and building partnerships. The conference will feature over 250 activities, including 17 networking events, interactive sessions, campfires, and plenary discussions. More than 500 speakers from institutions and organizations worldwide will share their insights. Additionally, over 200 organizations and institutions will exhibit at the event. The conference is expected to attract more than 6,000 professionals from over 90 countries, making it a global hub for those in the field of international higher education.
Who will be there?
The conference is expected to attract a diverse group of professionals involved in international higher education, including rectors, vice-rectors, directors of international offices, and government representatives.
Conference theme: The significance of 'Connecting currents'
The theme for this year's conference, “Connecting currents,” resonates with Rotterdam's maritime history and its role as a gateway to Europe. The conference aims to explore the fast-moving and unpredictable currents in international education, from virtual learning to climate action.
Notable Speakers
Ligia Deca, the Minister of Education in Romania, and Pedro Nuno Texeira from the Government of Portugal, will engage in a minister's roundtable discussion titled “Politics and Policies of Internationalisation: Views from the Minister's Office.” The session will take place at Dock 10A, Level 2, on Thursday, 28 September from 14:00 to 15:00.
Jahkini Bisselink and Hajar Yagkoubi, former United Nations Youth Representatives and experts on Gen Z, will deliver a joint keynote. They will delve into the values that drive this generation's choices, from work to consumption. Their talk, “Gen Z: How We Choose, Why We Choose and Why Should You Care,” is scheduled for the Opening Plenary at the RTM Stage on Wednesday, 27 September at 11:00.
Glenn “Typhoon” de Randamie, a Dutch hip-hop musician and philosopher, will close the conference with a talk that explores his journey from an insecure stutterer to a successful word artist. His session will be at the Closing Plenary, RTM Stage, on Friday, 29 September at 12:00.
Key Sessions on Timely Topics
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Spotlight on the ChatGPT Effect: This panel discussion will explore the AI-driven transformation of education, focusing on ChatGPT's role in shaping 21st-century international education. The session will feature Sven Schütt, a thought leader in AI, and Emiel Romein, an IT professional. It's scheduled for Thursday, 28 September, 14:00–15:00, at Rotterdam B, Level 3.
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The EAIE Debate: This session will tackle the question of whether academics are the only drivers for internationalisation in higher education. The audience will have the chance to interact with the panelists and cast their vote. The session will be on Thursday, 28 September, 15:30–16:30, at Dock10B, Level 2.
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Aligning Internationalisation and Sustainability Strategies: This session will discuss how universities can integrate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with their internationalisation strategies. It's set for Thursday, 28 September, 14:00–15:00, at Rotterdam C, Level 3.
EAIE Rotterdam 2023 schedule
Sustainability initiatives
Efforts are being made to minimise the environmental impact of the conference. Rotterdam Ahoy, the venue for the event, has implemented various sustainable practices, including the use of solar panels and an urban water buffer system.
Local collaborations
The conference is partnering with local universities for campus visits and is organising a Learning Journey around the city to focus on education.
How to get there
Directions to Rotterdam Ahoy
Rotterdam Ahoy is located at Ahoyweg 10, 3084 BA Rotterdam, The Netherlands. The area is easily accessible by public transport and offers ample parking facilities.
