EAIE Podcast

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The EAIE podcast brings you voices, perspectives, ideas and insights from the world of international education. Join us as we sit down with professionals, experts and policymakers to discuss a wide range of issues affecting internationalisation in higher education today.

3D AGO

114. The Evolving World of Micro‑Credentials

In May 2021, the EAIE podcast published an episode on micro-credentials. At that moment, there was a thrilling mix of excitement and uncertainty surrounding this topic. Would micro-credentials live up to the expectations? How would higher education institutions be transformed, and how would they adapt? Maria Kelo, then the Director of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education, answered some of these questions, unaware of what the world would have in store for all of us. We now find ourselves five years later, and we deemed it was time to revisit this topic, which was actually one of the most popular EAIE podcast episodes to date. EAIE Podcast host Laura Rumbly and Maria Kelo, now the director of the Institutional Development Unit at EUA (European University Association), are back to once again dive into the constantly evolving world of micro-credentials. What key developments took place over the last several years? How is the current policy environment shaping the conversation around micro-credentials? And if we look ahead, what might the future have in store for us? Don’t miss out on this episode of the EAIE podcast! About Maria Kelo Maria Kelo is the director of the Institutional Development Unit at EUA (European University Association), which focuses on higher education learning and teaching, recognition, and quality assurance. Before joining EUA in January 2022, Maria was, for over a decade, the Director of ENQA, the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education, and a member of the EQAR Executive Board from 2013-2020. She took part in European policy-making processes within the Bologna Process and through cooperation with the European Commission. Prior to joining ENQA, Maria worked for 9 years in international higher education across different European organisations and as a private consultant, gaining significant experience in quality assurance, international higher education, and higher education reform. Maria is a graduate of University College London and the London School of Economics. Additional resources For further insights into the topics touched on in this episode, the following resources may be of interest: → EUA – Trends 2024 report → EAIE Podcast: Maria Kelo: The big new world of micro-credentials → EAIE Blog: From micro-credentials to micro-courses: The future of flexible higher education

27 min
JAN 28

113. Association milestones: EUA & IAU

We find ourselves at the start of a new year, a moment of both reflection and celebration. In the case of two of the EAIE’s partner associations, there is indeed much to celebrate: IAU, the International Association of Universities, just marked its 75th anniversary in 2025, while EUA, the European University Association, will observe their 25th anniversary now in 2026. These wonderful milestones offer timely reasons to touch base with these impressive associations to reflect on their pasts, consider the main points on their agenda for the new year and look toward the future. In this episode, EAIE Podcast host Laura Rumbley is joined by Amanda Crowfoot, Secretary General of EUA, and Hilligje van’t Land, Secretary General of IAU, to talk about these impressive milestones. We travel back in time to when these associations were formed to understand their original aspirations. We hear about key moments from the archives and lessons learned over the years. And we get a glimpse into some of the notable directions, priorities and aspirations for these organisations as they plan their next steps. About Amanda Crowfoot Amanda Crowfoot has been Secretary General of the European University Association since January 2020. She is responsible for implementing the Association’s strategic plan, acting as an ambassador for its members and leading its Secretariat. Amanda previously served as the first Director of Science Europe, the association representing major European public research funding and performing organisations. From 2001 to 2012, Amanda worked at the UK Research Office, the Brussels office of the UK research councils, first as a European Advisor and then as Director of the Office. About Hilligje van’t Land Dr Hilligje van’t Land serves the global higher education community as Secretary General of the International Association of Universities (IAU) - a global NGO with UNESCO Associate Status. For the past two decades, she has fostered the key role of higher education in societal transformation. She supervises the overall programme activities at the IAU, develops the Association’s strategic plans and oversees the everyday work of the secretariat. She positioned the IAU as a UNESCO partner in work on Education for Sustainable Development and the Futures of Education Initiative, and is an advocate for higher education as a key stakeholder for the UN Agenda 2030 – Transforming our World. Dr van’t Land represents the IAU in various working groups and expert committees at the UN and UNESCO, the Council of Europe, and organisations around the world. She publishes on higher education issues that are relevant locally and globally. She holds a PhD in comparative francophone literature, held T&L and Research positions in the Netherlands, Canada and France. Additional resources For further insights into the topics touched on in this episode, the following resources may be of interest: → EUA – Universities without walls: A vision for 2030 → EUA - How universities can protect and promote academic freedom: EUA principles and guidelines → IAU – Strategy 2030 → IAU - IAU Horizons: Dimensions of Trust in Higher Education → EAIE Podcast: Fanta Aw & LaNitra Berger: NAFSA turns 75!

49 min
12/17/2025

112. Next generation research on internationalisation, part 2

At the EAIE, we believe that advancing international higher education starts with empowering the people behind the ideas. Guided by this commitment, we were thrilled to announce our first round of EAIE Doctoral Research Grants winners in September 2025. The grants reflect our commitment to inspiring and uniting the community throughout the year by connecting professionals, policy-makers and scholars through ideas that matter. This initiative helps open doors to new voices, fresh insights, and research that can shape a more inclusive and responsible future. In this episode, part 2 of a short podcast series, we meet the final two of our five EAIE Doctoral Research Grants winners. Rúna Gudmarsdóttir (Tilburg University, Netherlands & Rannis) and Aurélie Kono (University of St. Gallen, Switzerland & Ludwigsburg University of Education, Germany) join podcast host Laura Rumbley to introduce themselves and tell us more about their research projects. What sparked their interest in pursuing a doctoral degree, how do they expect their research to make an impact on actual practice within the field and what are they hoping to achieve during this year of EAIE funding? Tune in to find out more! About Rúna Gudmarsdóttir and Aurélie Kono Aurélie Kono is a programme manager at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland and a part-time PhD student in Education Management at the Ludwigsburg University of Education, Germany. Before her current role, she worked in higher education institutions in Japan and Germany, gaining experience in programme and enrolment management, international student recruitment and international cooperation and partnerships. Aurélie holds a joint MA in International Education Management, with distinction, from the Ludwigsburg University of Education, Germany and Helwan University, Egypt. She also earned an online diploma in Management of Higher Education Internationalisation from the University of Guadalajara, Mexico and a BA in Foreign Languages, Literature and History from the Catholic University of the West, France. Rúna Vigdís Gudmarsdóttir is a PhD candidate at Tilburg University. She has worked on internationalisation in education since 2007, starting at the Icelandic National Agency for the Lifelong Learning Programme and later at the University of Iceland. From 2013 to 2017, she worked with the Erasmus+ Higher Education team at DG Education and Culture, focusing on programme management and impact assessment. In her role as the Director of the National Agency at Rannís, Rúna oversees all six sectors of Erasmus+ and represents Iceland in the European Network for the Recognition of Prior Learning (ERPL). Additionally, she serves as an administrator in the Academic Cooperation Association (ACA) and co-leads a working group on social inequalities within the European Network for International Student Mobility (ENIS). Rúna holds an undergraduate degree from the Iceland University of Education and two master’s degrees in Intercultural Education from Freie Universität Berlin and Applied Linguistics from the University of Sussex. Additional resources For further insights into the topics touched on in this episode, the following resources may be of interest: → EAIE Research Snapshot library → Announcing the 2025 EAIE Doctoral Research Grant awardees

27 min
12/10/2025

111. Next generation research on internationalisation, part 1

At the EAIE, we believe that advancing international higher education starts with empowering the people behind the ideas. Guided by this commitment, we were thrilled to announce our first round of EAIE Doctoral Research Grants winners in September 2025. The grants reflect our commitment to inspiring and uniting the community throughout the year—connecting professionals, policy-makers and scholars through ideas that matter. This initiative helps open doors to new voices, fresh insights and research that can shape a more inclusive and responsible future. In this episode, which is part one of two, we meet three of the five EAIE Doctoral Research Grants winners. Eveke de Louw (The Hague University of Applied Sciences; University of Groningen), Stanislav Avdeev (University of Amsterdam), and Joel Christoph (European University Institute) join podcast host Laura Rumbley to introduce themselves and tell us more about their research projects. What sparked their interest in pursuing a doctoral degree, how do they expect their research to make an impact on actual practice within the field, and what are they hoping to achieve during this year of EAIE funding? Tune in to find out more! About Eveke de Louw, Stanislav Avdeev, Joel Christoph Eveke De Louw is an experienced internationalisation practitioner and an expert in curriculum internationalisation, with more than 20 years of experience. In her professional career at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Eveke has held key coordinating roles, including International Student Coordinator, Team Leader, and Senior International Officer. She has also chaired various committees and played a leading role in curriculum design projects. She is currently a researcher and academic developer on internationalisation of the home curriculum at the Centre of Expertise Global & Inclusive Learning of The Hague University of Applied Sciences. In this role, she executes action-research projects exploring the role of the academic discipline in curriculum internationalisation and supports programme teams through training and consultancy. Stanislav Avdeev is a PhD candidate in Economics at the University of Amsterdam. As an empirical microeconomist with a strong interest in the economics of education and health, his research focuses on the quasi-experimental estimation of policy reforms using administrative and survey data. His advisors are Hessel Oosterbeek and Bas van der Klaauw. Joel Christoph is a PhD Researcher in Economics at the European University Institute. His work examines how incentives and institutions can advance public goods, with current research focused on internationalisation in European higher education and the design of policies that align student mobility with inclusion and quality goals. He has contributed policy analysis and commentary to international outlets and collaborates with networks that connect research to practice. Joel works in several European languages, which supports engagement with diverse stakeholders across the European Higher Education Area. Through practitioner-facing initiatives, he helps translate evidence into practical tools for institutions and public bodies. Additional resources For further insights into the topics touched on in this episode, the following resources may be of interest: → EAIE Research Snapshot library → UNESCO World Higher Education Database (WHED) → OECD "Education at a Glance" reports

31 min
11/25/2025

110. Diving into delegation visits

From handshakes and sharing cultural highlights to photo opportunities and campus tours, delegation visits are activities many HEIs across the globe spend a lot of time on. But how can your institution move from simply making these visits happen to ensuring maximum partnership impact? At the EAIE conference in Gothenburg earlier this year, the Thematic Committee Partnerships organised a Spotlight Session zooming in on this topic. How can you transform delegation visits, both incoming and outgoing, into strategic mechanisms for creating new partnerships and strengthening partnership development? In this episode of the EAIE podcast, host Laura Rumbley talks to three IHE practitioners working within the field of partnerships who are closely involved in delegation visits. Eve Brosseau is the Associate Director of Global Relations and Partnerships at University College Dublin (Ireland); Catalina Gerstmann is the Head of Strategic Partnerships at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; and Garrett Margliotti is the Director of Global Partnerships and Partner Engagement at the University of Pittsburgh (USA). Together with these three experts, we dive into the world of delegation visits and how institutions can ensure they are meaningful and impactful for all involved. About Eve Brosseau Eve Brosseau is the Associate Director of Global Relations and Partnerships at University College Dublin (Ireland). Eve leads the team responsible for managing global partnerships, institutional networks, and UCD’s engagement with Una Europa and Erasmus+ funded projects. She oversees the development and delivery of partnership strategies that advance the university’s global engagement objectives. Her role also encompasses global relations, including the coordination of inbound and outbound delegations and diplomatic engagement. Focused on fostering meaningful collaboration, Eve works closely with academic and professional colleagues to strengthen UCD’s global presence and strategic partnerships. About Garrett Margliotti Garrett Margliotti is the Director of Global Partnerships and Partner Engagement at the University of Pittsburgh (USA), where he leads the Office of Global Partnerships and Services — a one-stop hub supporting faculty and staff in advancing the university’s international collaborations and operations. With almost two decades of experience in higher education and global engagement, Garrett focuses on building sustainable partnerships that connect Pitt’s research and teaching mission with institutions and organisations worldwide. A lifelong advocate for international education and creative exchange, Garrett also maintains an artistic practice through Stratford Studios, his stained-glass design business based in Pittsburgh. About Catalina Gerstmann Catalina Gerstmann is the Head of Strategic Partnerships at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. She has held this position since 2022, during which she has led work with university partners, engaged in international diplomacy, and built institutional networks. Within her role lies identifying and supporting key collaborations with international partners aligned with the university’s mission, organising high-level delegation visits in and out, and maintaining, evaluating, and engaging with strategic networks. Additional resources → Spotlight Session Partnerships 2025 - roundtable notes → Harnessing the power of evaluation to build better partnerships → Remapping international partnerships

32 min
11/18/2025

109. The transatlantic relationship today

Between 17 and 21 November 2025, the United States is focusing on International Education Week, a suitable time to reflect on the transatlantic relationship between the US and Europe, especially in light of recent developments in this field. Earlier this year, in September, colleagues at the Institute of International Education (or IIE) and the German Academic Exchange Service (known as the DAAD) co-authored a report titled “Transatlantic Mobility in Higher Education and Research: A Cornerstone of Transatlantic Relations”. This publication offers a multifaceted set of insights into the movement of researchers, academics and students between the United States and Europe over time. Laura Rumbley welcomes three guests: Jason Czyz (President and CEO of IIE), Mirka Martel (IIE’s Head of Research, Evaluation & Learning) and Michael Hörig (Director of the DAAD’s Brussels Office, as well as the lead author of the recent IIE-DAAD report). Through their insights, personal and professional, we learn more about the transatlantic relationship today and the recent report addressing it. What led to this publication, what are some of the key highlights, and why is the transatlantic relationship so important? About Jason Czyz Jason Czyz is the President & CEO of the Institute of International Education (IIE), leading an organisation that, for the past 100 years, has advanced scholarship, built economies and promoted international exchange. During his tenure, Jason helped solidify IIE’s position as a strategic partner to the US government’s public diplomacy and educational exchange initiatives. At the same time, the Institute increased its capacity to fund rescue and emergency initiatives for displaced artists and scholars. Before joining IIE, Jason worked extensively in Africa, Central and Eastern Europe and Central and South Asia on legal reform, utility regulation and infrastructure privatisation projects. About Mirka Martel Mirka Martel is Head of Research, Evaluation & Learning at the Institute of International Education (IIE). She manages research and evaluation projects specialising in international education, leadership and development. Mirka’s oversight of key resources, including the historic Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange and the Project Atlas research initiative on global student mobility, advances the field and provides strategic insight into the future of academic mobility flows in the United States and worldwide. About Michael Hörig Michael Hörig is the Director of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Brussels Office and is responsible for representing DAAD towards the institutions of the European Union, European partner organisations and German representations in Brussels. Previously, he held different positions at DAAD, including Head of Division Strategic Planning, Head of Section ‘Development Cooperation: Partnership Programmes, Alumni Projects and Higher Education Management’ and Head of Section ‘West and Central Africa and the Centres of African Excellence.’ Additional resources For further insights into the topics touched on in this episode, the following resources may be of interest: → Report: ‘Transatlantic Mobility in Higher Education and Research: A Cornerstone of Transatlantic Relations’ → Report: ‘The Transatlantic Economy 2025’ → Report: Using Data to Open Doors

35 min
10/29/2025

108. Making space for mental health

Every year on 10 October, we observe World Mental Health Day, which aims to raise awareness of mental health issues worldwide. While mental health is a topic that touches all of us, this EAIE podcast episode zooms in on student mental health: an area that continues to receive more attention but is still occasionally overlooked or underestimated. Navigating new cultures, academic pressures, and social isolation can take a toll on student well-being, making mental health support not just a service, but a lifeline. In this EAIE podcast episode, host Laura Rumbley explores best practices that empower both students and HEIs to discuss this topic openly and act accordingly. Sophia Schmieder is the Programme Director of the Freie Universität Berlin International Summer and Winter University (FUBiS), and she shows how her HEI stepped up with a strong good-practice example. Efe Berke Akkaya, president of ESN Türkiye, discusses the importance of mental health for international students and the initiatives ESN has taken to address these issues, particularly the Erasmus Psychological Assessment project. Whether you’re a student, educator, or policymaker, this conversation invites you to join in, reflect, and possibly even act. About Sophia Schmieder Sophia Schmieder is the Programme Director of the Freie Universität Berlin International Summer and Winter University (FUBiS), the multidisciplinary short-term study abroad programme of Freie Universität Berlin. She has been leading the programme for almost 20 years and has extensive experience in developing international education formats that combine academic excellence with student well-being. Under her direction, FUBiS welcomes around 600 students from more than 40 countries each year to its three academic terms in Berlin. Sophia is particularly interested in creating inclusive, supportive learning environments and in fostering intercultural understanding through short-term international education. About Efe Berke Akkaya Efe Berke Akkaya is the current National President of ESN (Erasmus Student Network) Türkiye. Efe was born in Samsun, Türkiye, in 2001. His life took a transformative turn at 17 when he joined the AFS Programme and went on an exchange to León, Spain. Immersed in an international community for the first time, he developed a deep passion for intercultural exchange and international education—values he has carried with him ever since. In 2021, Efe joined the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) and has remained an active member ever since. He first served as the Local President of ESN Kadir Has, where he led initiatives to support and engage international students on campus. His dedication then took him to the national level, where he completed a mandate as National Vice President. Today, Efe serves as the President of ESN Türkiye. In this role, he works daily to support international students and promote mobility programmes across the country, continuing the mission that first inspired him years ago in Spain. Additional resources For further insights into the topics touched on in this episode, the following resources may be of interest: → Erasmus Psychological Assessment Booklet - by ESN Türkiye → Mental health & wellbeing support at FUBiS → EAIE Podcast: Stephanie Griffiths: Mental health: our shared responsibility → EAIE Blog: Coaching students towards emotional health

36 min
10/01/2025

107. Getting our heads around AI

Whether we like it or not, artificial intelligence (AI) has also made its way into the world of international higher education, and it is here to stay! At the 2025 EAIE conference in Gothenburg, Sweden, the topic of AI was addressed and discussed in various sessions and settings, and we’re continuing the conversation in this instalment of the EAIE podcast. There’s a whole world of AI out there to explore. Still, in this episode, we are particularly focusing on the potential applications of AI within the fields of marketing, recruitment and admissions, as well as student mobility. EAIE Podcast host Laura Rumbley talks to Brian Piper, an author and award-winning international keynote speaker who decided to dive into the world of AI in 2021. Brian shares insights into how AI can be utilised in student recruitment, the ethical considerations that need to be taken into account and the AI developments that are most likely to have a significant impact on IHE marketing in the next few years. Laura is also joined by Noah Charpentier, a student in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, as well as the national president of ESN Belgium. Noah shares the student perspective on the topic of AI, exploring how students utilise AI, the main differences in approach to AI between students and staff and what aspects of the future of AI excite him the most. About Brian Piper Brian Piper is an author, award-winning international keynote speaker, and consultant. Brian has been optimising digital content since 1996. He has created online training programmes for dozens of companies, including Xerox, L3Harris, IBM, and Volvo, and has spoken at hundreds of conferences and events. He has spent the last eight years focusing on data analytics, digital marketing, and content strategy. Since 2021, he has been diving into AI, web3, community building, and the metaverse. Brian was named one of the top higher education marketers to follow in 2023 and 2024. When he’s not creating data visualisations, he teaches wingsuit skydiving and spends time with his wife and six children. About Noah Charpentier Noah Charpentier (he/him) is the current National President of ESN (Erasmus Student Network) Belgium, where he manages 18 local sections and works to improve the lives of international students while promoting greater and better access to mobility. Alongside this, he’s a Bachelor’s student in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence at Maastricht University, the Netherlands. In April 2025, he co-created and presented the session ‘Er-AI-smus: how will AI impact mobility?’ at the Erasmus Generation Meeting 2025 (Ancona), where he discussed how AI could transform student mobility and support IROs. Additional resources For further insights into the topics touched on in this episode, the following resources may be of interest: → Cynthia Alby, Sandra Slotte, Jeroen Ouburg: A chat with real people about AI → How AI is shaking up higher education → Exploring Generative AI in IHE → Coimbra Group - AI and Digital Competence through Higher Education position paper

36 min

The EAIE podcast brings you voices, perspectives, ideas and insights from the world of international education. Join us as we sit down with professionals, experts and policymakers to discuss a wide range of issues affecting internationalisation in higher education today.

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EAIE
Years Active

2020 - 2026
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114
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Clean
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EAIE Podcast