As part of its mission to expand access to meaningful study abroad opportunities, SAF leaders are always on the move: meeting partners, listening to their needs, and building new bridges in international education.
This year’s European Association for International Education (EAIE) Conference and Exhibition in Gothenburg, Sweden, was another important moment in that journey. The event – Europe’s largest higher education gathering – drew more than 7,000 participants, including university delegates, policymakers, and researchers, for four days (September 9-12) of networking, learning, and collaboration.
Representing SAF at the conference were Carol Carmody, co-founder of SAF and Senior Associate Vice President for International Partner Development at IES Global, along with Natsuko Kambayashi, Assistant Director of SAF Japan. Together, they met with more than two dozen current and prospective partner universities, putting in valuable face time that deepened long-standing relationships and opened new opportunities for students across Asia, Europe, and Australia.
Discussions spanned everything from visa challenges and the rise of intra-Asia study abroad to innovative program models, including new offerings at IES Centers across Europe and a new internship pathway at UC Berkeley that combines a spring academic semester with a summer working experience in the Bay Area.
“Events like EAIE show us just how essential international education has become, and how creative institutions are in finding new ways to support students,” said Carol. “For SAF, it’s about more than maintaining partnerships – it’s about opening doors. We’re constantly looking ahead, working with universities across Asia, Europe, and beyond to expand access and encourage true global mobility.”
For Natsuko, the conference was also a chance to spotlight Japan’s perspective. “Many Japanese universities are excited to expand their bilateral partnerships in Europe and explore new program formats,” she said. “It was encouraging to see the shared optimism among institutions worldwide about the future of study abroad, even as we’re navigating evolving visa and mobility challenges.”
Beyond the personalized meetings and partner conversations, the conference was full of memorable highlights. A sold-out opening reception at one of Scandinavia’s most popular theme parks set the tone, with attendees riding rollercoasters and other rides, letting their hair down in a lively, light-hearted atmosphere.
The following evenings included a Midsommar-themed waterfront gathering, a live choir performance featuring a medley of ABBA classics, and a closing ceremony capped by a keynote from bestselling journalist and digital futurist Andreas Ekström.
For SAF staff, these events created the perfect backdrop for impactful conversations. They reconnected with long-time collaborators, such as Japan’s Komazawa University, where new leadership under Prof. Sarah Moate is shaping the future of study abroad. They also shared upcoming initiatives like study tours for Spring 2026 and introduced SAF to institutions curious about joining its growing global network.
With the 7,000+ attendance up noticeably from previous years, this year’s EAIE signals the growing energy and momentum behind international education. In conversations with SAF, partners from Asia, Europe, and Australia shared a cautious but hopeful outlook on the future of student mobility, pointing to customized programs and hands-on internship opportunities as areas where demand continues to grow.
Looking ahead, next year’s EAIE in Glasgow promises fresh opportunities to strengthen ties with UK partners and showcase the unique strengths of IES Abroad’s London Center. For SAF, these annual gatherings are more than just conferences – they’re a reflection of what defines the organization: an international team dedicated to building relationships, exploring new horizons, and staying deeply engaged in the future of global education.
Reach out to an advisor to see how you can be part of SAF’s mission to broaden access and create more opportunities for students worldwide.
