EAIE on the road: Internationalisation Insight Series

On 27 March 2026, the second edition of the Internationalisation Insight Series took place in Bucharest, hosted at the premises of the Romanian-American University. The event was co-organised by the EAIE in collaboration with the National Council of Rectors of Romania. Representing the EAIE were staff members Laura Rumbley, Sorana Damu, Rita Dias, Lucia Guglielmi and Priscilla Osei Bonsu. 

This edition centred on the theme 'Internationalisation of the Curriculum Now!', inspired by insights from the 2024 EAIE Barometer. A closer look at the data from Romania highlighted a clear need to prioritise this topic among Romanian higher education institutions. The event primarily targeted rectors and vice-rectors responsible for internationalisation, who were eager to take practical knowledge back to their institutions. Alongside participants from Romania, we were also pleased to welcome colleagues from the Republic of Moldova.

Here is a look back at some of the key highlights from the day.

An engaging and interactive atmosphere

Throughout the event, the atmosphere was both attentive and reflective, with participants actively engaging in discussions. To create a more dynamic experience, we introduced Padlet, enabling continuous interaction and real-time input from attendees. Participants were also encouraged to ask questions of the speakers after each session, fostering meaningful dialogue. This edition of the event also featured more breakout sessions, giving them the opportunity to exchange perspectives and collaboratively develop their ideas on the spot. Together, these initiatives enhanced the overall energy of attendees and made for a more engaging experience.

Setting the Stage: Insights and Policy Perspectives

The event opened with an introduction to the EAIE and the range of resources it offers, giving participants a clearer understanding of the value of EAIE membership—particularly in relation to its training opportunities. This provided a useful foundation before transitioning into the keynote address by Prof. Romiță Iucu (PhD, University of Bucharest, Romania), who explored what is currently at stake for Romania in advancing the internationalisation of curricula. Covering several themes, he emphasised the importance of the Bologna tools in supporting the implementation of the European Degree, one of the European Commission’s key policy priorities this year. He also noted that 22 universities in Romania are currently part of a European University Alliance, and while not all institutions are yet involved, the initiative is rapidly gaining traction across the sector. To further advance internationalisation efforts, he highlighted the need for more flexible curricula, supported by initiatives such as COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) and BIPs (Blended Intensive Programmes).

Shared Practices and Lasting Impact

Building on the keynote by Prof. Iucu, the panel discussion invited participants to explore practical examples and innovative approaches to internationalisation, drawing inspiration from both local and international contexts. Moderated by Anthony Manning (Arden University), the session brought together panellists who shared best practices from their own institutions, demonstrating how experimentation and experience can support meaningful progress in internationalising curricula.

To sustain this interactive momentum, participants then joined one of four breakout sessions tailored to key themes: making the case for internationalisation in the curriculum; leveraging virtual exchange and Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL); advancing discipline-specific curricular design and implementation and exploring the role of micro-credentials and extracurricular experiences. These smaller discussions provided a valuable space for participants to exchange ideas, reflect on challenges and identify practical steps they could take back to their own institutions.

The event concluded with a final plenary discussion, where participants shared their main takeaways, followed by a networking reception that allowed conversations to continue in a more informal setting. As aptly captured by Costel Negricea, Rector of the Romanian-American University, "The final result of this Internationalisation Insight Series is the students and their experience."