Halmstad University strengthens global partnerships during EAIE 2025
During last week, Halmstad University was proud to be one of the host institutions for this year’s European Association for International Education (EAIE) conference – one of the world’s largest events in higher education. While the main programme welcomed over 7,000 delegates to Gothenburg and other cities across western Sweden, Halmstad University hosted two days on campus for current and prospective international partners. The event focused on building relationships, sharing experiences and exploring new opportunities for global strategic collaboration.
“We are not just a place for education, but for transformation.”
Susanna Öhman, Vice-Chancellor
Experiences and insights on campus
The international visitors had the chance to experience both the University campus and the city of Halmstad as both a destination and a place to live. The programme featured presentations of student and research projects, guided tours, and a panel discussion with international students, the Student Union and representatives from the University. The conversation focused on how Halmstad University supports international students before, during and after their studies – from arrival and integration to academic and career development. The guests also enjoyed a choreographed dance performed by students in their traditional colourful coveralls.
Current and prospective international partners visited the University during EAIE 2025.
A university for transformation
Vice-Chancellor Susanna Öhman opened the days by describing Halmstad University as a young, innovative and forward-looking institution – a place where ideas turn into action.
“We are not just a place for education, but for transformation. Our focus areas – Health Innovation and Smart Cities and Communities – shape both research, teaching and collaboration. We make a real impact on society through close collaboration with businesses, public organisations and international partners.”
The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted the University’s modern and international campus, home to students and researchers from all over the world. She emphasised that partnerships are essential to driving progress.
Vice-chancellor Susanna Öhman opened the partner days during EAIE 2025.
Strategic partnerships in focus
Simon Holmesson, Head of the International Office, shares that the journey to bring EAIE to Sweden has taken nearly a decade – and has been closely tied to the University’s shift towards more strategic international partnerships.
“For several years, we’ve worked to identify more strategic partners, and many of them were here in Halmstad during the partner days. In a time of growing polarisation, international collaboration is more important than ever. It is about building understanding and creating encounters that change us.”
Simon Holmesson illustrates his message with lessons from the film Forrest Gump: the importance of perseverance, the value of relationships and the power of curiosity when facing the unknown.
Global learning for future readiness
Around 50 representatives from international partner institutions visited Halmstad University during the event, including several from the European university alliance HEROES, which Halmstad joined in 2024. The alliance brings together nine institutions across Europe to strengthen regional resilience through professional education, applied research and collaboration.
Marjo Arola, from Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences in Finland, was visiting Halmstad for the first time:
“It’s valuable to see your activities in person and to meet both our HEROES partners and your other collaborators. Universities can learn so much from each other – from mobility practices to joint educational initiatives. Inviting partners in this way also allows us to network with one another, which is very rewarding.”
Will Coghill-Behrends, from Minnesota State University in the USA, highlighted both the academic and societal importance of international exchange:
“There isn’t a single industry or discipline today that isn’t global. Our responsibility is to prepare students for an interconnected and multifaceted world. At a time of rising populism and nationalism, it’s even more important to strengthen our global relationships to promote human rights, education and equity.”
Looking ahead together
Simon Holmesson expressed high hopes following the event:
“I hope that our partners – both existing and prospective – leave Halmstad University with new ideas, connections and projects to develop together.”
Halmstad University was also represented throughout the main EAIE conference at the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre in Gothenburg. Several activities were organised by the host consortium, which included Halmstad University, Chalmers University of Technology, University of Skövde, Jönköping University, University of Gothenburg and University of Borås.
Text: Anna-Frida Agardson
Photo: Dan Bergmark
