2026.09.25
News
Chuo University Strengthens International Partnerships at EAIE 2026
From September 8 to 11, 2026, EAIE 2026 (European Association for International Education), one of the largest international higher education conferences and exhibitions in Europe, was held at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom.
EAIE is one of the leading global events in the field of international education, bringing together higher education professionals and educational organizations from around the world. It serves as a platform for broad discussions and information exchange on emerging trends in international education, university partnerships, and student mobility. This year’s conference drew more than 7,000 higher education professionals from 107 countries. In the exhibition area, over 1,200 organizations, including governmental education agencies and universities from around the globe, hosted booths, engaging in active networking and multifaceted exchanges of views.
Chuo University was represented by Professor Maki Kunimatsu, Vice President and Director of the International Center; Professor Fumiko Kurihara, Deputy Director of the International Center; and two International Center staff members. During the conference, the delegation worked to strengthen relationships with existing partner institutions, discuss potential collaborations with prospective partner institutions, and gather information on international education.
Scottish Event Campus (Glasgow, Scotland), the venue for EAIE 2026
Chu-Oji welcoming visitors at the Chuo University booth. Popular with attendees, the mascot frequently drew comments of “So cute!” from passersby.
Promotional Activities and Inter-University Discussions at the "Study in Japan" Booth
Chuo University participated as one of the major universities with individual booths in the "STUDY in JAPAN" joint pavilion, organized by JAFSA (Japan Network for International Education).
University representatives and study abroad coordinators from Europe and other regions visited the Chuo booth to inquire about courses taught in English, exchange student programs, and student support systems. High interest was also expressed in Chuo's unique international education initiatives outlined in its internationalization strategy, "Chuo Global-X," leading to engaging discussions on potential educational programs and student exchanges. These discussions helped deepen understanding of Chuo University's educational and research activities while advancing talks on future student exchanges and institutional partnerships.
The booth also welcomed a former exchange student who had previously studied at Chuo University and now serves as an inbound coordinator at one of the partner institutions, acting as a liaison for collaboration with Chuo. This visit demonstrated how personal connections formed during the student exchange at Chuo can develop into enduring institutional partnerships over time.
Exploring Trends in European Higher Education
Under the theme "The Rhythm of Revolution," EAIE 2026 called for reconsidering established frameworks and emphasized the importance of driving sustainable transformation through international partnerships and collaboration.
The conference featured sessions and workshops covering key topics such as international education policy, student mobility, sustainable international collaboration, and the application of digital technologies, including AI.
Glasgow, a city known for continuously evolving while preserving its rich heritage dating back to the Industrial Revolution, provided a symbolic setting for the conference theme. In this setting, the Chuo delegation gained valuable insights into the latest trends in international higher education and learned about initiatives undertaken by institutions worldwide. The event also created valuable opportunities to engage with higher education professionals from many countries and explore potential new collaborations through networking with them.
Towards Further Advancement of International Education
As the global higher education environment evolves rapidly, universities are required to pursue flexible and strategic international partnerships. Through the implementation of its “Chuo Global-X” internationalization strategy, Chuo University is expanding its diverse global learning opportunities, including highly specialized programs offered by its faculties. Participation in EAIE 2026 provided a valuable opportunity to gather the latest insights to advance these initiatives and to strengthen networks with universities and educational institutions worldwide.
Drawing on the knowledge and connections gained through EAIE 2026, Chuo University will continue to reinforce its partnerships with overseas institutions, promote student mobility, and advance the internationalization of its education and research activities.
