On Monday, May 27th, the new board of the largest European organization uniting specialists in the broad field of higher education internationalization was announced. For the first time in history, a Polish representative, Edyta Lachowicz-Santos from the University of Economics in Katowice, will join the five-member team. The new term will begin in September during the annual Association conference in Toulouse.
Edyta Lachowicz-Santos, the Director of the Internationalization Office at the University of Economics in Katowice, was selected for this position through a rigorous competition process and appointed by the EAIE General Council during its last meeting in Amsterdam. She has been associated with the public economic university in Katowice for over two decades. During this time, she has represented the university and Poland at numerous international fairs, seminars, and conferences, leading sessions and publishing works on topics such as internationalization. She was also involved in the establishment of the Silesian Universities Network (SUN), serving on its Council. At her home university, she is responsible for implementing the internationalization strategy. One of the recent initiatives was the establishment of the first Welcome Point in the Silesian Voivodeship for international students and staff. The University of Economics in Katowice hosts many international events and, in 2020, received CEEMAN IQA accreditation, followed by EFMD Accredited status for the International Business program in 2022.
As an expert, she also collaborates with the National Agency for Academic Exchange. She has been involved in EAIE networks since 2002. From 2012 to 2020, she was a member (and from 2016, the chair) of the Expert Group on employability skills, graduate careers, and international internships. In 2015, as the first Polish woman in history, she was awarded the EAIE Rising Star award, which recognizes institutions and individuals for outstanding achievements and contributions to EAIE and the internationalization of higher education. From 2020 to 2024, she served as a member of the EAIE General Council.
The EAIE Board, as the executive body, is a group of leaders who direct the Association's work and shape its future by developing and implementing strategies approved by the General Council. The Board also represents EAIE in contacts with external partners such as the European Commission, thus significantly influencing the processes related to the internationalization of higher education in Europe. Alongside Edyta Lachowicz-Santos, the new EAIE Board members include: Sara López Selga (President) - Pompeu Fabra University (Spain), Tayyeb Shah (Vice President) - Espalier Ventures (UK), Joanne Pagèze - University of Bordeaux (France), Stephen Orme - Studyportals (Netherlands).
The European Association for International Education (EAIE) was founded in 1989. It currently brings together over 3,000 members from more than 90 countries worldwide, operating in the higher education sector. Its main goal is to provide a platform for mutual learning, networking development, and the exchange of knowledge and experience.
What awaits EAIE in the new term?
“The past year has been a time of significant organizational changes in the Association. The Board will be responsible for monitoring the functioning of the new structures and supporting EAIE experts - volunteers in their new roles. Another challenge will be setting strategic goals for the coming years. The current EAIE Strategy outlines the mission, vision, and values until 2026. The tasks of the newly elected Board members will include setting priorities for the next years and planning further Association activities" - says Edyta Lachowicz-Santos.
The largest event organized annually by EAIE in a different European country is the annual conference and exhibition, attended by over 7,000 higher education internationalization professionals. The world's leading universities are represented there. Poland annually showcases its scientific potential at the "Study & Research in Poland" national booth organized by the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA).
Managing such an influential organization is a significant responsibility, but also a prestige and distinction for Poland and this part of Europe. There is a lack of representatives from this region in high positions in organizations crucial for the development of higher education. In the current geopolitical situation, the topic of internationalization seems even more crucial. Internationalization is not an end in itself but a means to improve the quality and excellence of higher education and research in the face of global competition. I am glad that Poland's voice will be heard in such important debates for Europe - adds Edyta Lachowicz-Santos.
Through her membership on the EAIE Board, Edyta Lachowicz-Santos will have the opportunity to present the perspective of Central and Eastern Europe.
Source of Information: EAIE Announcement
More about EAIE: EAIE Stor
Join us