On September 26 – 29, 2023, the Technical University of Košice participated in a key international event within the field of internationalization of higher education – the annual conference and trade fair of the European Association for International Education EAIE 2023 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

The EAIE conference is a key event for all universities aiming to strengthen the international aspect of education and global cooperation.

The theme of this year’s conference was “Connecting the Currents”. The name celebrates Rotterdam’s maritime history as a gateway to Europe and it is a metaphorical expression of the existence of multiple “currents” in international education, e.g., the diversity of thought currents, fields of expertise, fields of study and cultures. The choice of the name “Connecting the Currents” represents a guide to understand the complex world around us and to gain energy and knowledge from our diverse and vibrant international community.

The Technical University of Košice (TUKE) participated in the event as a member of the Slovak delegation led by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic (MŠVVaŠ). The participation of the MŠVVaŠ at EAIE 2023 was part of the national presentation of Slovak higher education under the brand “Study in Slovakia GOOD IDEA” in the framework of the project “Promotion of Slovak Higher Education and Science Abroad”.

At the fair, Slovak universities had the opportunity to present their activities to those interested in cooperation. The Technical University of Košice (TUKE) participated in this important event to contribute to increasing the profile of Slovak higher education abroad, to develop partnerships and networking with universities abroad and to obtain information on the latest trends in the field of internationalisation of universities.

The University was represented at the event by Ing. Natália Vašková, PhD. From the Rector’s Office of International Relations and Mobility. During the presentation of TUKE at the official stand of the Slovak Republic as well as during many bilateral meetings, she presented the University’s firm commitment to support activities strengthening its internationalisation, diversity, and global perspective.

The EAIE 2023 conference was an excellent opportunity for TUKE to develop new relations and partnerships not only in the field of education. As a result, new international partnerships were established, and mobility was developed with institutions from different parts of the world. These collaborations aim to enrich the academic experience of the university students and teachers while strengthening mutual knowledge sharing and cultural immersion.

The participation of TUKE at the EAIE 2023 conference in Rotterdam represents a significant step for TUKE towards strengthening its position in the international educational environment and its development as a place of global learning and cooperation. It has opened doors for future projects, international partnerships, and cooperation.