Student Mobility Summit

Offering high-quality student mobility requires continuous efforts from University staff, both strategically and operationally. This effort is especially tested during transition periods, when new budget rules and evolving mobility requirements come into play.

So, what lessons can we draw from past transitions to prepare more effectively for the future? How can staff consistently enhance their mobility services? And how can Universities leverage their influence to shape upcoming mobility programmes?

The Student Mobility Summit 2026 offers a unique opportunity to address these questions. Through expert-led trainings, peer exchange and collaborative workshops, you will have the chance to explore strategies for improving mobility practices and navigating times of change. Joining the Student Mobility Summit 2026 will help you meet like-minded colleagues from all over Europe, share experiences and co-develop practical solutions to pressing mobility challenges. The insights gathered will support the strengthening of your International Office’s preparedness for transition periods and enhance the overall quality of mobility services.

Programme

Policy context for the future of mobility and Erasmus+

8:45	Aula Magna	Arrival and registration – in front of the Aula Magna
9:20	Aula Magna	Welcome and introduction to the event Joan Guàrdia i Olmos, Rector, University of Barcelona Yoan Vilain, EUF Steering Committee President, Humboldt University of Berlin
9:40	Aula Magna	Keynote speech: “The next Erasmus+ programme - visions and priorities as we approach 2028” Florian Pecenka, Head of Unit, Department of Education, Science and Research at Permanent Representation of Austria to the EU
9:55	Aula Magna	Panel discussion “Learning from the last Erasmus programme transitions - lessons learned and the road ahead” This panel will reflect on the recent transitions between Erasmus+ programme periods, highlighting the practical experiences from the higher education community across Europe. Speakers will share what worked well, what obstacles they faced, and discuss how the higher education sector practitioners and policymakers alike can better prepare for the next transition. Raúl Ramos Lobo, Vice-Rector for Internationalization Policy - University of Barcelona (moderator) Katalin Anna Németh, Head of Department of Erasmus+ and International Programmes - Eötvös Loránd University Klementyna Kielak, Deputy Head of IRO - University of Warsaw Valeria Costantino, Rector's Delegate for Erasmus Projects, University of Naples Federico II
11:00	Science Cloister	Coffee break
11:30	Josep Carner Building	Parallel workshops on the intersection between policy and quality mobility Participants will be assigned to their preferred topic, to the extent possible. In the afternoon, a summary of each session’s discussions and conclusions will be shared in plenary. 1. Mobility targets - good intentions with trap doors? Room 2.4 As part of this session, participants will explore how mobility targets across Europe have impacted higher education, as well as whether the resources available are sufficient to achieve them. Christina Bohle, Head of the Global Mobility Office, Humboldt University of Berlin Ana Duplava, Policy and Project Officer, EURASHE 2. Strategic change management during transition periods Room 3.2 New programme, new rules? This session will take a deep-dive in how to strategically prepare for changes that might await us in the next programme period, and not be surprised by the unexpected. Berenice Martin, International Relations Bureau, International Students Office, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya 3. How to see the future of mobility in European University Alliances Room 2.2 In this session, participants will discuss how the student mobility trends have been developing in the European University Alliances. And how to envision a better student mobility experience for the future. Meritxell Chaves, Secretary General, CHARM-EU 4. From input to influence: how practitioners can engage with policymakers Room 2.1 In this session, discover what role practitioners can play to influence higher education policies on national and European level, and why it is important to engage with policy makers to ensure political initiatives correspond to the needs of the community. Katrina Sproge, Policy Community Coordinator - European University Foundation Bálint Koós, Executive Committee Member, European Students’ Union (ESU) 5. Erasmus+ priorities and mobilities: how to better address the current horizontal priorities when implementing student mobility Room 3.4 Inclusion, Digital and Green transition, Democratic participation. With practical examples, this session will highlight how the Erasmus+ programme priorities can be addressed in student mobility and what steps still need to be taken. Ilze Ojere, ESN International Committee of Education Main Chair David Rodriguez Sanchez Head of Erasmus+ Mobility - University of Luxembourg
13:00	Science Cloister	Lunch break
14:00	Science Cloister	Mobility talks and networking 75 min open discussion. Participants walk around based on their interest and can schedule 1:1 meetings that can take in the Aula Magna. Ideally we should have about 10 topics (topics ranging from engaging students in internationalisation to good practices in BIPs or IIA renewals and the new programme will be explored), for which we have one facilitator. We should get a field in the registration form for participants to suggest topics. Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) Managing Erasmus+ mobility budgets: challenges and solutions Management of the International Office Welcoming initiatives for incoming students InterInstitutional Agreements' renewal Dealing with mobility top-ups and other financial aid for student mobility Credit recognition for long-term mobility Buddy systems for mobility
15:00	Science Cloister	Coffee break
15:30	Aula Magna	Plenary: Conclusions of the parallel sessions Helena Alves, Mobility Community Coordinator, EUF
16:00	Aula Magna	Panel discussion: Geopolitical realities and the future of mobility This panel will explore how the shifting geopolitical landscape in Europe and globally is affecting student mobility, academic collaboration, and cross-border education across the continent. The speakers will take a deep dive into the role mobility in higher education is playing in ensuring resilience, how we can safeguard the freedom of research, and how to best navigate the ongoing challenges. René Teunissen, Senior Policy Advisor - Erasmus University Rotterdam (moderator) Valeria Costantino, Rector's Delegate for Erasmus Projects - University of Naples Federico II Anne-Laurence Pastorini, Senior Project Manager, UNIMED - Mediterranean Universities Union Olga Doroshenko, Doctor of Philology, Professor, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Visiting Professor - University of Barcelona Giorgio Marinoni, Manager, HE and Internationalization policy and projects, International Association of Universities (IAU)
17:20	Gothic Quarter	Gothic Quarter Tour* Explore the historical heart of Barcelona, including the Cathedral of Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter, Plaça Sant Jaume, the Roman Wall, and Plaça de Sant Felipe Neri. *The tour is available only to participants who signed up for it through the workshop and tour survey.

Ensuring high quality mobility before, during and after transition periods

9:30	Josep Carner Building	Crisis preparedness in internationalisation - keynote speech & group discussions Martine Wierenga, Head of IRO - Erasmus University Rotterdam Klementyna Kielak, Deputy Head of IRO - University of Warsaw
11:00	Philology Cloister	Coffee break
11:30	Josep Carner Building	Parallel workshops on quality mobility aspects Participants will be assigned to their preferred topic, to the extent possible. 1. Intercultural preparedness of students Room 3.2 Discover the impact of intercultural training on the quality of students’ mobility experience and delve into resources that can help you offer this to your outgoing students. Lotte Laenen, EU Project Advisor, Ghent University Thibault Hoogstoel, Policy Officer, Ghent University 2. Bottom-up initiatives as catalysts for mobility Room 3.3 Explore the role initiatives brought forward by the mobility practitioners community can play in improving and enhancing the quality of mobility, and how you can contribute to it. Katrīna Sproģe, Policy Community Coordinator, European University Foundation (EUF) 3. Defining parameters for quality mobility Room 3.4 What is quality mobility? How can we measure the evolution of our mobility services? And what actions are most effective in improving them? Participants will leave better equipped to assess and act on their mobility offer, learning from other participants and putting quality at the center of the discussion. Christina Bohle, Erasmus+ Institutional Coordinator, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin Ilze Ojere, Chair International Committee of Education, ESN 4. Strategically developing global student mobility flows (KA171) Room 2.1 This session will focus on mobility with partner countries, exploring the most common challenges and opportunities that come with its implementation. Participants will delve into how to develop their global strategy and establish strong partnerships with Universities from third countries not associated with the Erasmus+ programme. Roman Petyur, Head of International Relations, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv Giorgio Marinoni, Manager, HE and Internationalization, International Association of Universities (IAU) 5. How high-quality staff mobility influences student mobility Room 2.2 Delve into the role of staff mobility as a catalyst for student mobility. Get to know good practices of staff mobility implementation, and understand how high-quality staff training can trickle down into improving mobility practices. Emma Maria Cavaliere, Mobility Officer, University of Padova Helena Alves, Senior Policy and Research Officer, European University Foundation 6. Digitalisation of Course Catalogues Room 2.4 Assess the state of play of course catalogue digitalisation and learn from research results on the impact it has on students’ mobility prospects. Learn about recent solutions for online course catalogues and understand how they can be used by your Institution. Manuel Caeiro Rodriguez, Professor and DACEM Project Coordinator, University of Vigo
13:00	Philology Cloister	Lunch break
14:00	Philology Cloister	Mobility talks & networking 75 min open discussion. Participants walk around the venue and choose topics based on their interests. They can also use this time to schedule 1:1 meetings. Mobility talks’ topics will range from engaging students in internationalisation to good practices in BIPs or IIA renewals and the new programme. Student welfare before, during and after mobility Integrating incoming students in the local community Soft skills development through mobility Environmental sustainability in mobility Student selection for mobility Union of Skills and Erasmus+ Learning mobility as part of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategies Dropouts from student mobility Student perceptions of the grants
15:00	Philology Cloister	Coffee break
15:30	Josep Carner Building	Quality mobility hackathons (part 1) Carefully designed, mobility-related challenges and their context will be presented to participants to prepare for the work ahead. They will then brainstorm solutions to the challenges that can support a smoother, higher-quality mobility experience. Along the way, regular check-ins will ensure these solutions are fit for purpose and give insights into how to improve them further. How to take the student mobility to the next level: improving each moment of the mobility lifecycle - Room 3.4 How should the merge between KA131 and KA171 look? - Room 3.2 How can Universities strengthen the connection with companies? - Room 3.3 How can IROs better prepare newcomer academic and administrative staff to implement high-quality mobility? - Room 2.1 How to implement quality staff training - Room 2.2 How to embed internationalisation in the Institution - Room 2.4
Evening		EUF reception

Trickling down mobility advancements into Institutional realities

09:30	Josep Carner Building	Quality mobility hackathons (part 2) This second session will focus on deepening the mobility-related solutions. Groups will continue their work and prepare the final idea presentation in plenary. Regular check-ins will ensure participants consider different perspectives and receive support in addressing potential weaknesses. How to take the student mobility to the next level: improving each moment of the mobility lifecycle - Room 3.4 How should the merge between KA131 and KA171 look? - Room 3.2 How can Universities strengthen the connection with companies? - Room 3.3 How can IROs better prepare newcomer academic and administrative staff to implement high-quality mobility? - Room 2.1 Implementing quality staff training - Room 2.2 Embedding internationalisation in the Institution - Room 2.4
11:00	Philology Cloister	Coffee break
11:30	Josep Carner Building	Quality mobility hackathons (part 3) Participants will be invited to choose a new hackathon topic and contribute to the finalisation of the solutions identified in the two previous sessions. How to take the student mobility to the next level: improving each moment of the mobility lifecycle - Room 3.4 How should the merge between KA131 and KA171 look? - Room 3.2 How can Universities strengthen the connection with companies? - Room 3.3 How can IROs better prepare newcomer academic and administrative staff to implement high-quality mobility? - Room 2.1 How to implement quality staff training - Room 2.2 How to embed internationalisation in the Institution - Room 2.4
13:00	Philology Cloister	Lunch break with Hackathon Gallery walk
14:00	Aula Magna	Digitalisation updates for mobility managers Sergi Martínez-Rigol, Director of Internationalization and Students Area, University of Barcelona João Bacelar, Executive Manager, European University Foundation
14:45	Aula Magna	Wrap-up panel (interactive) Presentation of the key conclusions from the hackathons, workshops and discussions, and reflection from invited panellists on the takeaways and homework from SMS 2026.
16:00	Aula Magna	Closing and farewell
16:30		University of Barcelona Tour* On this tour you are going to explore the intricate architecture crafted by Elias Rogent in 1863 at the Historic Building of the University of Barcelona, located in Plaça Universitat. *The tour is available only to participants who signed up for it through the workshop and tour survey.

The agenda is subject to changes.

Arrivals and Local Transportation

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Venue: University of Barcelona, Historic Building

Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 585, 08007 Barcelona

Reach the venue from Barcelona main train station (Estació de Sants)

By metro:
Take the L3 (Green Line) from “Sants Estació“ toward “Trinitat Nova”. Get off at “Plaça Catalunya” after six stops. From Plaça Catalunya, you also have the option to walk to Plaça Universitat. It’s a pleasant 5-7 minute walk that lets you experience the city’s vibrant center.

Alternatively, you can continue by Metro. At Plaça Catalunya, transfer to the L1 (Red Line) in the direction of “Hospital de Bellvitge”. After just one stop, get off at “Plaça Universitat”.

The total travel time by metro is approximately 10-12 minutes, and trains run
frequently.

Reach the venue from Barcelona airport

By metro:
Take Line L9S towards “Zona Universitaria” for 12 stops, and at “Torassa” station, transfer to Line L1 towards “Fondo”. You will need to travel for 8 stops until you reach “Universitat”, which is right in front of the University building.

By bus:
If you choose to travel by plane, at the terminal take the Aerobús. The final stop, Plaça Catalunya, is a 5-minute walk from the venue.

Taxis are readily available at Barcelona Airport and Barcelona train station. We encourage sharing taxis as a more sustainable and economical travel option.

Useful links

Visit Barcelona
Public Transport
TMB Barcelona bus and metro
Hola Barcelona App

Sustainability at the Summit

At the Student Mobility Summit, environmental stewardship is embraced as a shared value, reflected in thoughtful choices around event organisation, resource use, and sustainability.

To minimise waste, all event materials, including certificates and speakers’ handouts, are provided primarily in digital format. Eco-friendly badges and lanyards are used on site, and participants are encouraged to return them after the event to support circularity.

Participants, speakers, and team members are encouraged to travel sustainably by choosing public transport, carpooling, or ridesharing whenever possible. We thank you for joining us in these efforts and look forward to an engaging and impactful Summit.

FAQ

Is it a physical or a hybrid event?

The Student Mobility Summit is a physical event taking place at the University of Barcelona. Online streaming will not be available.

At which University of Barcelona building is the summit held?

It is held in the main building / rectorate.

Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 585
Edifici Històric
08007 Barcelona

What does registration include?

Registration includes:

Access to all keynotes, panels, and your selected workshops
Participating in all hackathons, or mobility talks
Access to all lunches and coffee breaks
Access to social events

Can I pay by bank transfer?

Yes. You can choose your payment method at the end of the registration process.

However, we recommend paying by card. If you choose bank transfer, you will first receive a proforma invoice, and the final invoice will be generated upon receiving the payment.

Will I receive a confirmation email?

Upon completion of registration, you will receive a confirmation and invoice by email. The confirmation is sent to the email address provided during registration. Should you fail to receive the confirmation email, we suggest checking the spam folder.

Would this event be eligible for the Erasmus+ staff training grants?

Yes. In order to get the Staff Training Grant Agreement duly signed please send us completed and signed agreements, and ensure the section for the receiving institution is properly filled out:

Name: University of Barcelona
Erasmus code (if applicable): E BARCELO01
Faculty/Department (if applicable): Office of Mobility and International Programmes
Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 585, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Country code: ES
Contact person: Núria Massons
Contact person e-mail / phone: ompi@ub.edu

Please, send your agreements to a dedicated email summit@uni-foundation.eu.

When will I receive the invoice for my registration?

Payments are processed through our event management system, with invoices automatically generated upon receiving the payment. For credit card payments, the invoice is generated immediately upon registration. For bank transfers, a proforma invoice is issued at registration, followed by the final invoice once payment is received. Manual invoice generation is not available.

When will I receive my Certificate of Attendance?

Each participant will receive a digital certificate of attendance after the event; there will be no printed versions as the digital format is more environmentally friendly.

Can I cancel my participation?

You can cancel your registration in writing (summit@uni-foundation.eu) up to and including January 1, 2026 (please note that cancellations are subject to an administration fee). After this date, we no longer refund registrations.

If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your registration to another attendee.

Where do I pick up my badge?

You can pick up your badge at the Student Mobility Summit information desk located in front of the main entrance to Aula Magna.

How do I apply the discount for EUF members?

To apply the reduced rate, kindly input your discount code before choosing a payment method. Please, find the manual with the list of EUF members on this link.

KEYNOTES AND PANELS

Learn about what is coming ahead in the new Erasmus+ programme, what we can learn from the last transitions and how to better prepare for change.

Workshops

Dive into different angles of quality mobility and the intersection with policy developments, exploring various topics of your interest.

Mobility Talks

In a dynamic setting, exchange your views on mobility-related topics and get inspiration from colleagues working on the same challenges.

Hackathons

Collaborate with peers to address pressing mobility challenges and develop a potential solution together.

Registration

Registration for this event has closed.

Organising partners

This event is organised under the aegis of the UB-EUF University Internationalisation Hub

Programme

Policy context for the future of mobility and Erasmus+

Welcome and introduction to the event

Keynote speech: “The next Erasmus+ programme - visions and priorities as we approach 2028”

Panel discussion “Learning from the last Erasmus programme transitions - lessons learned and the road ahead”

Parallel workshops on the intersection between policy and quality mobility

Mobility talks and networking

Plenary: Conclusions of the parallel sessions

Panel discussion: Geopolitical realities and the future of mobility

Gothic Quarter Tour*