The IC Global Café: The State of European Internationalisation

Internationalisation has become a defining feature of higher education in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), shaped by regional, national and institutional ambitions and dynamics. The UK, for example, has recently launched its new International Education Strategy in which partnerships with the rest of Europe feature and has also announced it will rejoin the Erasmus+ scheme in 2027 re-opening opportunities for student mobility. Recent research by the Academic Cooperation Association (ACA) and the European Association for International Education (EAIE) mapping national policies has highlighted both the diversity of approaches and the evolving policy landscape shaping internationalisation.

At this IC Global Café, we will explore findings from the National Policies for Internationalisation Project (NAP) and will discuss how internationalisation is being strategically pursued at national levels today across the EHEA. We will delve into the ongoing dynamics that are both challenging and empowering these strategic efforts.

Facilitator & Expert speakers

Facilitator:

• Inés Teresa-Palacio, IC Global Fellow, The IC Global Partnership

Expert speakers:

• Irina Ferencz, Director, Academic Cooperation Association (ACA)

Irina Ferencz is Director of the Academic Cooperation Association (ACA), the European association of national-level funding organisations for international cooperation in higher education. She has been professionally active in the field since 2008, having a specific expertise in the areas of student and staff mobility in the European context (data collections, trends, policies), as well as in assessing and advising on strategic internationalisation activities at institutional and national level, amongst other topics. Her expertise is derived from working directly with higher education institutions, funding organisations and policymakers at national and European level, stakeholder bodies, and international data collectors, on comparative, policy-oriented initiatives, and projects, resulting in multiple publications.

• Beverley Orr-Ewing, IC Global Fellow & Director, GlobalEd Consult

Beverley is an experienced independent consultant in international higher education, specialising in study abroad and global learning. With extensive experience as a former Director of the Centre for Study Abroad at a prominent Russell Group university, she brings a deep understanding of the sector’s complexities and opportunities. Beverley is highly regarded for her strategic approach to developing innovative solutions that enhance student mobility and enrich global learning experiences. Her expertise lies in crafting tailored strategies that align institutional goals with the dynamic demands of international education.

A key aspect of her work involves building and strengthening global partnerships, ensuring that institutions collaborate effectively to maximise the benefits of international education. Beverley’s work is driven by a passion for expanding access to transformative study abroad opportunities, fostering global partnerships, and promoting academic excellence. She is known for her ability to navigate the evolving landscape of higher education with insight and creativity, ensuring that institutions and students alike thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.