ACE²-EU Alliance launched an inspiring week of activities at Lietuvos Inzinerijos Kolegija HEI with partners from nine universities across Europe. The multi-day event, “Enhancing Mobility Across the ACE²-EU Alliance: Stakeholder Workshops to Drive Collaboration and Impact,” brought together students, staff, and experts to explore how international mobility can become a transformative force in higher education.
From the very first welcome, the event set the tone for a week dedicated to breaking barriers and building bridges. The opening day was filled with thought-provoking discussions on how mobility and engagement within European University Alliances can reshape the learning experience. Participants took part in hands-on workshops that highlighted both student and staff perspectives, offering fresh insights into the challenges and opportunities of mobility. The conversations emphasized the importance of stronger integration of mobility opportunities across institutions, a sharper focus on learner experience and staff development, and the value of hearing directly from students. The day ended on a high note with a lively welcome dinner and social evening, creating the perfect opportunity for participants to connect in an informal atmosphere and celebrate the start of this collaborative journey.
Workshops took centre stage on the second day, driving collaboration, innovation, and internationalisation. The morning sessions featured exchanges on best practices in internationalisation and mobility, showcasing strategies that are actively shaping the global education landscape. Two strands of discussion followed, offering powerful insights: one delved into the transformative power of mobility from the student’s perspective, while the other highlighted how developing language skills during study can bridge cultures and create new opportunities. In the afternoon, the Workshop Implementation Review provided a unique setting aboard a ship on the scenic Kaunas Reservoir. Here, participants reflected on the day’s key learnings, shared strategic insights, and mapped out the real-world impact of their discussions. The atmosphere was one of optimism and ambition, underscoring ACE²-EU mission of fostering deep cooperation across institutions, empowering students and educators, and shaping the future of cross-border education.
Looking ahead, the event turned toward addressing practical challenges in advancing internationalisation across the alliance. These include standardising procedures and documentation, creating accessible travel grants and accommodation arrangements, and improving support structures such as information packs, induction processes, and mentoring opportunities. By developing common approaches and shared solutions, ACE²-EU Alliance is working to make international mobility more seamless and impactful for learners across Europe.
As the ACE²-EU Mobility Event unfolds in Kaunas, it continues to strengthen partnerships, inspire innovation, and reimagine what mobility means for the next generation. Across discussions, workshops, and cultural exchanges, the event contributed to shaping a collective vision: to reimagine mobility as a strategic asset, preparing graduates for the future while strengthening Europe’s skills and competitiveness.
