Why we took the train: Conference goers share their highlights and travel tips

As part of our continued commitment to sustainability, we’re proud to lead by example in the international education sector through a series of meaningful initiatives. One of these is our long-standing partnership with CANIE (Climate Action Network for International Educators), an organisation dedicated to promoting low-carbon travel across the industry. Now in its fourth year, this collaboration is helping to reduce the environmental impact of academic travel while inspiring bold climate action throughout our community. 

Whether you’re travelling to #EAIE2025 by plane, train, bike, or car, every journey presents an opportunity to make a positive difference. In that spirit, we’re excited to highlight five travellers from last year’s EAIE Conference and Exhibition in Toulouse, France, who took on the #TravelWithCANIE challenge. Discover their stories, packed with personal reflections and practical tips, to help you prepare for your sustainable journey to Gothenburg this September. 

Disconnect and enjoy the ride 

CANIE traveller: CJ Trembely, Founder and Managing Director, Alethea Global Consulting Cooperative 

Travel route: Vancouver → Paris (flight), Paris → London → Toulouse (train). 

Highlight: "By joining #TravelWithCANIE for EAIE, I saved 194kg of CO₂ emissions by opting not to fly between London and Toulouse. Beyond the tangible impact, it was an opportunity to normalise train travel among colleagues who, like me, had to cross an ocean for parts of the journey." 

CJ’s Tip: "Ask your European friends for help navigating trains. Plan to disconnect on the train and enjoy the ride, unless you have work that can be done offline. Then, use the time away from distractions to do deep work." 

Make sure to do some sightseeing! 

CANIE traveller: Matt Tips, Policy Advisor, KU Leuven 

Travel route: Brussels → Paris → Toulouse (train) 

Highlight: "While we lost our connection in Paris, the SNCF immediately put us (and 30 other Belgian and Dutch EAIE travellers) on the next TGV. It meant my friend and I, who were travelling together, got to spend a few extra hours exploring Paris, which was an unexpected bonus. We dropped off our luggage easily through the "radical storage" app, had a nice lunch and then had a drink with a view of the Eiffel Tower!" 

Matt’s Tip: "For Gothenburg, I recommend booking in advance to save money and to include stops in cities like Copenhagen or Malmö, allowing you to stretch your legs and do some sightseeing." 

Plan to disconnect on the train and enjoy the ride, unless you have work that can be done offline. Then, use the time away from distractions to do deep work.

- CJ Trembely, Alethea Global Consulting Cooperative 

Take in the magical views  

CANIE traveller: Margherita Pasquini, Study Abroad Coordinator, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. 

Travel route: Prato → Florence → Milan → Geneva → Paris → Toulouse (train). 

Highlight: "It was a highlight to take a train that goes underwater, while enjoying the lights and the always magical atmosphere of ‘La Ville Lumiere’ in the evening. I also loved looking out of the window for hours onto the French and Italian Riviera." 

Margherita’s Tip: "Have a data plan in case the Wi-Fi doesn’t work well and book your trains in advance." 

Connect with fellow travellers 

CANIE traveller: Paulina Swann, International Mobility Manager, Nottingham Trent University. 

Travel route: London → Paris → Toulouse (train). 

Highlight: "I enjoyed reading, chatting with fellow passengers, and watching the world go by. Despite the long distance, the time passed surprisingly quickly. I also really loved travelling through the beautiful French countryside. The vineyards, rolling hills, and sunny weather made the journey hugely enjoyable." 

Paulina’s Tip: "Bring your favourite snacks, make sure your phone is fully charged, and take the opportunity to connect with fellow travellers; it can make the journey even more rewarding." 

Have a data plan in case the Wi-Fi doesn’t work well and book your trains in advance.

- Margherita Pasquini, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore 

Use an Interrail pass 

CANIE traveller: Kirsten Foerster, Outbound Mobility Officer, Aberystwyth University 

Travel route: Aberystwyth → London → Paris → Lyon → Nice → Perpignan → Collioure → Toulouse (train). 

Highlight: "Some of my highlights included university visits, stunning coastal views, incredible food, and the chance to turn travel into meaningful connections.’’  

Kirsten’s Tip: "I used an Interrail pass, which meant I only had to pay for the occasional seat reservation, perfect for flexible, low-stress travel. If you are heading to a future EAIE, I’d highly recommend this approach; It is sustainable, scenic, and gives you the chance to connect with partners along the way." 

Your journey matters  

With so many inspiring stories from past travellers, it’s clear: sustainable travel is already in motion. From stress-free rides to soul-stirring scenery, rail travel offers a peaceful, low-impact way to arrive engaged and refreshed at the EAIE Conference and Exhibition 2025. By choosing to #TravelwithCANIE to Gothenburg, you are not just aligning with our shared sustainability goals but redefining what mindful, meaningful travel looks like. 

Eager to begin your networking experience early? Join the Travel Green group on the Community Platform to meet fellow travellers, share tips and even coordinate experiences together. Travel with purpose, arrive as part of a community.