Mentoring the Motivated

This is why our International Relations team actively participates in workshops and conferences around the world

During those events, where networking is at its center, higher education professionals exchange best practices, discuss emerging trends, and shape the future of international education. As currently AI and sustainable mobility are the most discussed topics, these exchange opportunities help us continuously improve the opportunities we offer our students.

• Senior Exchange Coordinator Daniel D’Assisi recently visited the University of Antwerp to participate in its annual Partner Days, held alongside the Blended Intensive Program (BIP) on Leadership Development:
  
  “The visit provided valuable insights into how another university organizes and delivers a Blended Intensive Program. It was inspiring to see the students' enthusiasm and to connect with MCI students on site. Most importantly, the event offered an excellent opportunity to network with colleagues from across Europe, share insights and explore future collaboration.”
• Senior International Relations & Admissions Manager Stefan Trenker participated in the staff week “Human Centered Admissions in a Digital Age”, organized by the Erasmus University Rotterdam:
  
  „Participating in the staff week on Human Centered Admissions in a Digital Age gave me the possibility to experience and discuss with colleagues how AI and automation are shaping credential evaluation and digital record security, helps to safeguard human judgement and ethics, and trust in increasingly digital processes.“
• In June, Sarah Wegscheider, MCI Exchange Coordinator, participated in the Ulysseus Double Degree Workshop in Seville:
  
  "This workshop brought together colleagues from across the alliance to strengthen and further develop double degree programs, creating more opportunities for students to earn two individual degrees from prestigious universities across Europe. By exchanging ideas and best practices, we make achieving a double degree a more accessible, enriching, and impactful experience for students"
• Martina Schwab, MCI Exchange Coordinator represented MCI at IROICA Staff Training 2026 in Iceland to explore the topic "Are We Powerless? Internationalization in a Fractured World”:
  
  "Participating in this workshop gave me the opportunity to gain valuable insights, exchange best practices, and stay up to date with the latest developments in international higher education. The discussions with colleagues from across Europe inspire new ideas and allow us to share MCI's experiences."
• Kim Fladda, International Relations Manager, participated in the Staff Week Training “Generational Challenges in International Higher Education“ at our partner university ESCI-UPF in Barcelona:
  
  "The biggest takeaway from Barcelona was how similar our challenges are, no matter which university we come from, especially when it comes to generational differences in how students communicate and what they expect from us. When a student comes to us with a problem, our instinct is often to jump straight to a solution. But most of the time, what actually helps is slowing down and really listening first, because behind almost every conflict, there's a need or an interest that hasn't been named yet. The tools we learned are great, but they only work if you actually practise them, not just once."
• Meanwhile, Senior International Relations Managers Cornelia Graber and Leena Kasbekar represented MCI at NAFSA 2026 in Florida—the world's largest conference dedicated to international education:
  
  "Attending NAFSA 2026 was an excellent opportunity to connect with international partners, explore emerging trends in higher education, and build new relationships.This year's theme, "Global by Design",
• Associate Dean International Relations Susanne Lichtmannegger attended the APAIE Conference 2026 in Hong Kong, held under the theme “Asia-Pacific Partnerships for the Global Good,” meeting colleagues from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond:
  
  “The discussions at the conference reflected several current developments in international higher education: growing interest in transnational education, changing mobility flows influenced by geopolitical developments, and a strong focus on recruiting international students, particularly across Asia.”