The EAIE Volunteer Voices: Highlights and reflections from our Thematic Committee volunteers
Volunteers are at the very heart of the EAIE, and nowhere is this more evident than in our nine Thematic Committees. These committees channel their expertise in different areas of international education to help develop the high-quality content, activities, and services our association is known for, enriching the professional lives of fellow members. Beyond their work, however, lies something even more meaningful: the personal journeys, insights and connections they gain along the way. In this blog, we hear from Thematic Committee volunteers Jacqueline van Marle, Vicky Lewis, Alejandra Vicencio, Agata Mannino, Christelle Cronje, Martin Bogdan and Emmy Arts — as they share the highlights and reflections that have defined their volunteering experience with the EAIE.
What has been the most rewarding part about volunteering with the EAIE?
Jacqueline van Marle: The most rewarding aspect of volunteering with the EAIE has been the opportunity to engage with colleagues from across the globe who share a passion for internationalisation in higher education. The sense of community and shared purpose is what makes this experience so rewarding: together, we are shaping the future of higher education in a way no single institution could do alone.
Alejandra Vicencio: Volunteering with the EAIE has given me opportunities to raise my profile internationally. It has provided great opportunities for professional development and sharing my knowledge and expertise. I think the diversity of voices is quite important in international education, so as a Chilean woman living and working in Europe, it is important to have a space where my views and contributions are not only appreciated but constantly encouraged.
What new skills (personal and professional) have you developed through your time volunteering with us?
Emmy Arts: As a new volunteer, I’m still at the beginning of this journey, but it has already encouraged me to step outside the academic writing space and think about how to make research insights more accessible to a wider audience. Participating in session design and joint reflections within the Thematic Committee has helped me see how to better connect research and practice. I’m learning to navigate this space where different professional languages meet.
Christelle Cronje: Through my volunteering with the EAIE Thematic Committee on Student and Alumni Services, I have developed a diverse range of personal and professional skills that have enriched my contributions as Alumni Manager at the Stellenbosch Business School. I have honed my strategic planning and project management skills by actively participating in the Thematic Committee engagement sessions. Additionally, sharing EAIE information with counterparts in Africa has sharpened my cross-cultural communication and networking abilities.
TC Volunteers: Joint Annual Meeting, 2025
TC Volunteers: Joint Annual Meeting, 2025
TC Volunteers: Joint Annual Meeting, 2025
TC Volunteers: Joint Annual Meeting, 2025
Have you formed any lasting friendships or special connections at the EAIE?
Martin Bogdan: Yes, I’ve formed some lasting connections through the EAIE, particularly within my Thematic Community on Social Responsibility. A great aspect of our group is the emphasis we place not only on professional collaboration but also on building personal relationships. From the very beginning, there’s been a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among us, which has made our work productive and enjoyable. In short, we’re having a great time while doing meaningful work!
Alejandra Vicencio: Definitely! I must focus here on the mentoring programme. The colleagues I have mentored over the years have become my close friends, and I am in contact with most of them to this day. The other volunteers also become your friends and confidants, and are yet another source of support when things do not go so well, and encouragement when you are successful together.
Can you share a favourite story from your time volunteering with us?
Alejandra Vicencio: It has to be a fishbowl I developed with two colleagues on the sense of belonging. There were so many people interested that they had to close the doors for safety. And they were so engaged! We received fabulous feedback for a session that we only moderated. We didn’t present anything; instead, we provided a safe and comfortable space for colleagues to discuss a difficult topic. It was brilliant!
Agata Mannino: One of my favourite stories is about a wonderful colleague from Latin America I met while volunteering at the EAIE. We quickly connected through fun conversations and sharing past work experiences. One day she texted me during a family holiday near the city where I used to work, and we spontaneously decided to meet as if we were long-time best friends! It was such a genuine moment of good vibes, and now every time we meet again at EAIE events, the connection feels even stronger.
TC Volunteers: Joint Annual Meeting, 2025
TC Volunteers: Joint Annual Meeting, 2025
TC Volunteers: Joint Annual Meeting, 2025
TC Volunteers: Joint Annual Meeting, 2025
What would you say to someone who’s considering becoming a volunteer?
Vicky Lewis: Being an EAIE volunteer is hugely fulfilling, but like anything, you get out what you put in. So, you need to be willing and able to set aside enough time to participate fully. It’s about more than just turning up at meetings. You need to consider what value you can contribute to the community beyond that. This may mean picking up additional tasks that leverage your strengths, which can be very rewarding.
Emmy Arts: The EAIE is one of the few places where our profession is not just visible but also valued. In uncertain times, we need spaces like this to think critically, to support each other, and to protect the idea that international education is a public responsibility, not just a sector. Volunteering means joining a community that cares, that questions, and that acts!
The reflections shared by our Thematic Committee volunteers highlight how giving back to the field of international higher education can also be an incredible source of personal and professional growth.
Do you, or someone in your professional network, work in international higher education and would be a great fit to volunteer as a Thematic Committee volunteer? Applications will open in 2026! Applicants must have a strong knowledge base or professional connection to the committee’s specific topic area.
Keep an eye on our updates and consider taking this step to shape the future of international education together with us.