By Tarun Agrawal,
EMA Director of Research and Innovation Unit (R&I)
Representing the Erasmus Mundus Student and Alumni Association (EMA) at the European Association for International Education (EAIE) Conference 2024 was a unique opportunity to engage in valuable networking and collaborative discussions. The event in Toulouse, France, attracted international educational professionals and institutions from the 17th to the 20th of September. I explored potential collaborations and partnerships, focusing on Erasmus Mundus programmes, such as the Erasmus Mundus Design Measures (EMDM) and Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM), which foster educational mobility and cooperation across borders.
As an EMA representative, my primary goal was to meet with university representatives to understand how we could support current Erasmus Mundus students and universities in their applications for Erasmus Mundus programmes (EMDM and EMJM). These interactions allowed me to communicate the benefits and support EMA can provide, particularly for institutions aiming to initiate or expand their involvement in Erasmus Mundus. These partnerships are critical as they promote student mobility and enhance the capacity of higher education institutions to work collaboratively on a global scale.
During the conference, I also promoted the Erasmus+ programmes and initiatives on behalf of the European Commission. The Erasmus+ programme is a flagship initiative of the EU, providing opportunities for education, training, youth, and sport across Europe. My role involved discussing the latest initiatives with attendees and offering insights into how these programs can be effectively integrated into their institutions. This was an exciting chance to see how universities from across Europe and beyond engage with the programme and the opportunities they see for expanding their international reach through Erasmus+.
One of the most insightful parts of the conference was attending the session on "Erasmus Mundus: Strategic management of large-scale cooperation." The session addressed an important issue: while Erasmus Mundus has had a clear impact on learning, teaching, and international cooperation, many universities are still not fully leveraging its potential for large-scale partnerships. The discussion centred on governance, strategic management, and the conditions required to maximize Erasmus Mundus's impact. From the findings presented in a major study to real-world examples, it became evident that institutions must participate and embed the programme into their long-term strategic planning to benefit from Erasmus Mundus fully. This requires administrative commitment and an alignment of academic goals and priorities with the programme’s strengths.
The session resonated with my professional interests in internationalization, it highlighted the importance of embedding large-scale, structured international collaborations into a university’s strategic framework. The discussion on governance was fascinating, as it illustrated how crucial it is for universities to have clear leadership and commitment to the long-term success of these programmes. This aligns with my advocacy for the internationalization of education—without an integrated approach, the potential for deeper transnational cooperation and impactful partnerships is often underutilized.
My roundtable participation, representing EMA, also allowed me to engage directly with stakeholders from various universities. This format allowed for more in-depth discussions about the challenges institutions face in implementing large-scale Erasmus Mundus projects. These often stem from managing the administrative complexities of the programmes, ensuring the sustainability of partnerships, and aligning the goals of diverse institutions. It was interesting to hear firsthand from participants about their experiences, as this helps us at EMA understand how we can better support alumni and universities in navigating these challenges.
Through these interactions, I also became more aware of the need to build stronger alumni networks that can provide support beyond the academic experience. Alumni play a crucial role in mentoring new students, facilitating connections between academia and industry, and supporting the long-term development of Erasmus Mundus programmes. This is an area I am particularly passionate about, as I believe alumni engagement is a key factor in sustaining the impact of international education programs.
Looking ahead, the EAIE Conference has reinforced my commitment to furthering international collaboration in education, through my role at EMA and academic work. The insights gained from the session on strategic management, in particular, will inform my future efforts in advocating for stronger, more structured partnerships between universities. The conversations with university representatives also gave me a clearer understanding of the challenges, which will help me in my ongoing work to support institutions in their Erasmus Mundus applications.
In conclusion, the EAIE Conference was a valuable experience. It allowed me to connect with key stakeholders, gain deeper insights into the strategic management of large-scale international education projects and reaffirm the importance of the work EMA is doing in fostering collaboration and mobility in higher education. The lessons learned from the conference will continue to shape my approach to supporting Erasmus Mundus programs and promoting the internationalization of education.
Key Action Points Moving Forward
Looking ahead, I am now focusing on concrete actions following my participation in the conference. One of the most exciting developments is the submission of a proposal for a joint session to be hosted by EMA and the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) at the EAIE 2025, to be held in Gothenburg, Sweden. This session will focus on international mobility and alumni engagement, promoting best practices for cross-border educational cooperation.
Additionally, I plan to present a poster promoting EMA during the poster session at the same event. This will further highlight the role of our association in advancing international education initiatives and the value of alumni networks in shaping the future of global academic collaboration.
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