Describe the EAIE in three words or phrases.
To me, the EAIE provides its members and the wider international education community with a one-stop shop to:
- Connect a global network and establish collaboration.
- Learn by gathering knowledge on the latest opportunities and new insights from research.
- Grow as a professional and stay inspired.
What inspired you to join the association? Was there a particular moment that sparked the idea?
I’ve always felt a strong connection to the EAIE community, especially through attending events as a participant and volunteering for the marketing and recruitment section. Through these interactions, I had always found it to be a very inspiring space with a great network of professionals. That long-standing impression stayed with me.
So when my predecessor Leonard Engel moved into retirement after 14 years of service, and taking into consideration my experience working with two universities and Dutch national agencies on three different continents, it felt like the right time in my career and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at the same time.
How would you describe the EAIE’s mission in one sentence?
We serve the needs of professionals by connecting and strengthening the sector through year-round opportunities, highlighting the impact of internationalisation in an evidence-based way, and engaging with policy-makers and decision-makers to enhance policies and programs.
How would your team at the EAIE describe your leadership style?
It’s really a pleasure to lead this great international team of very talented colleagues! When it comes to my leadership style, I hope they’d say I empower them to help the EAIE achieve its goals, overcome challenges and become the best professionals they can be.
What’s one misconception about international education you’d love to correct?
The idea that international education is just a ‘nice to have’. I think for individual students and staff, higher education institutions and societies at large the flow of knowledge and people across borders is an absolute necessity, in whichever shape or form it takes. Not only does this advance knowledge and support personal development, but it also helps create a better understanding between people from all over the world.
What keeps you energised outside of work?
When I’m not working, things are usually a mix of running, tennis, cooking, and the dynamic conversations we have at home at the dinner table with three teenage boys.
What advice would you give a young professional entering the international education space?
If I had to pick one piece of advice to share with them it would be to develop yourself more broadly by trying your hand at different roles and/or organisations at the start of your career. At the same time, make a conscious effort to build up a network both within and outside your institution. At the EAIE, our community platform is designed with exactly this intention in mind.
Lastly, I would say: convince your boss to send you to a conference like the EAIE, APAIE or NAFSA early on, so that you can get a taste of what the sector has to offer. Expose yourself to the wide array of content, new developments and the wonderful people who make up our community.
What initiatives are you rolling out in the near future?
There is always something exciting in the works at the EAIE! Presently, we are developing our new strategy for 2032, which should be finalised in 2026. It is a very energising process that we are undertaking with all our volunteers, office colleagues, and external stakeholders. I can’t wait to lead its implementation.
On a smaller scale we have just launched our EAIE job board and new initiatives for engagement. Finally, the new edition of the Barometer report will be released in 2027. Keep an eye out for our survey, launching this September!
If you could accomplish one big thing in the next year, what would it be?
Apart from world peace, I hope we will succeed in remaining an open platform and safe space for international education professionals from all over the world. A place they can rely on to achieve their institutional and professional goals through our products and services.
