Wittenborg Strengthens International Presence at EAIE 2025 in Gothenburg

Strong Visibility for Wittenborg at EAIE 2025 in Gothenburg

With more than 7,000 participants from 106 countries, the 35th edition of the EAIE (European Association for International Education) Conference transformed Gothenburg, Sweden, into a hub for international higher education. This year’s theme, “GO-create,” encouraged collaboration and co-creation, and the energy across the conference reflected it: ideas flowed freely, networking was constant and partnerships began to take shape.

Representing Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences were President Peter Birdsall and Head of Business Development and Operations Stephen Orme. Orme, who was appointed to his role earlier in 2025 and has been involved with EAIE committees since 2008, attended the event both as a representative of Wittenborg and as one of the five EAIE board members.

Birdsall and Orme represented Wittenborg at Nuffic’s NL Pavilion, where they discussed study-abroad programmes, forged international partnerships and explored new opportunities for collaboration.

“It was really valuable to collaborate with other Dutch institutions and have a shared space where we could meet, connect and represent Dutch higher education as a whole,” Orme explained.

His dual role meant a packed schedule, balancing high-level EAIE responsibilities with strategic meetings on behalf of Wittenborg.

“For me, it was two things: attending as a Wittenborg representative and as an EAIE board member. That made the week very full but also gave Wittenborg excellent exposure,” he said. “Indeed, the combination has just been really rewarding. I’m thankful to Wittenborg for supporting me in both capacities.”

For Orme, the venue itself also contributed to the conference’s energy. Unlike the previous year’s conference, Gothenburg’s layout made it easy to navigate and connect with others.

“I noticed a higher level of energy at this year’s conference. The venue was compact and easy to navigate, which made it easier for people to connect and get involved. Overall, it was a very successful week,” he said.

In addition to the social programme, including the Opening Reception at Liseberg theme park, Orme and Birdsall attended various sessions and keynotes. Orme also participated in multiple evening events including the Baltic, Romanian and Dutch receptions as well as the President’s Reception with Birdsall. He highlighted three major discussion themes: geopolitics, the enduring value of international education and artificial intelligence (AI).

In particular, the closing keynote by Swedish journalist, author and Gothenburg native Andreas Ekström explored how the ongoing AI revolution is reshaping learning, innovation and decision-making. Building on this theme, Orme later joined a panel discussion organised by The PIE to discuss AI as well as the role of agents, aggregators and the future of student recruitment, drawing on insights gathered during the conference.

Reflecting on the week, Birdsall said the event was both inspiring and a reminder of Wittenborg’s unique international character. He noted that EAIE consistently highlights the school’s global identity, with more than 1,500 students from over 100 countries and an internationally focused curriculum, teaching style and literature.

Among the many standout sessions, one of the most significant explored how international higher education in Europe should navigate shifting political landscapes and the growing threats to student mobility. “Although I have known EAIE board members and presidents in the past, having our very own Stephen Orme serve as one of the five members of the board truly puts Wittenborg on the map,” Birdsall said. “He represents us in so many ways and brings Wittenborg into key discussions with stakeholders.”

He added that the conference also generated promising new connections, including talks with European universities interested in expanding Erasmus and EU projects, as well as institutions from India, China and Africa.

“The conference is always a warm gathering of like-minded people celebrating internationalisation and the values we hold so dearly,” Birdsall concluded. “Thanks to the EAIE board, the staff who make it all possible and the leadership of Mervin Bakker for a truly memorable experience. I’m already looking forward to the next EAIE conference in Glasgow.”

WUP 22/09/2025 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press