European Institute 2025: Connecting Professionals & Enhancing Experiences with a European Perspective on Education Abroad

The Forum on Education Abroad’s European Institute in Bologna, Italy, from November 13-14 brought together 170 international education professionals from across Europe and beyond for two days of deep engagement, collaboration, and learning.  

Designed specifically for on-site staff and faculty, the European Institute offered a space to explore pressing issues in education abroad from a distinctly European perspective, while fostering the connections that make this work sustainable and impactful. 

​A Gathering Focused on On-Site Professionals 
On-site staff occupy a unique and often challenging position in the education abroad ecosystem. They serve as the bridge between home institutions, host universities, education abroad organizations, and families—all while supporting students through transformative experiences. Recognizing this, the European Institute was intentionally crafted to center their voices and expertise.​

 “On-site professionals are the heartbeat of education abroad. They navigate complex responsibilities every day, and this event gives them the space to share, learn, and recharge,” said Marissa Lombardi, Vice President and Chief Learning Officer of The Forum on Education Abroad. “Our mission is to support the professionals who make education abroad possible. When they thrive, students thrive.” 

Engaging Sessions on Today’s Most Pressing Topics 
The Institute’s programming featured interactive sessions led by experts from across Europe, tackling issues that shape the student experience and the work of international educators. Highlights included: 

• Gen Z and Education Abroad: Strategies for Resilience, Communication, and Learning 
  This session examined the expectations and challenges of today’s students, offering practical strategies for supporting their mental health, fostering intercultural communication, and leveraging social media as a tool for learning. 

• Conflict and Wellbeing as Tools for Powerful Learning 
  Participants explored how to balance student wellbeing with the generative potential of conflict, using self-assessments and activities to understand emotional responses and refine policies and practices. 

• Artificial Intelligence, Legal Framing, Human Rights and Opportunities 
  A forward-looking discussion on how AI is reshaping education abroad, from ethical considerations to practical classroom applications, and what it means for preparing globally mobile graduates. 

Open Forum Dialogues added further depth, covering topics like sustainable student support, climate action, cross-cultural communication, and supporting neurodivergent students abroad. 

Learning, Connection, and Community 
The energy in Bologna was palpable. “This Institute was an excellent reminder of why our work matters,” shared Melissa Torres, President and CEO at The Forum. “The sessions were rich with insight, and the informal exchanges among colleagues were equally valuable. When we convene this community, we advance not only professional practice but the future of education abroad.” 

Indeed, even after the formal program concluded, participants lingered—sharing insights, exchanging ideas, and building relationships that will extend well beyond the event. “That’s the essence of this Institute,” added Lombardi. “It’s not just about professional development; it’s about creating a community of practice that strengthens education abroad for all.” 

​Looking Ahead 
As participants departed Bologna, the sense of momentum was clear. The conversations sparked here will inform practices across Europe and beyond, reinforcing the shared commitment to excellence in education abroad. ​