Autor: Radmila Unucková

From 9 to 12 September 2025, I had the opportunity to attend the traditional higher education fair EAIE (European Association for International Education), which this year took place in Gothenburg, Sweden. Together with Vice-Dean Dr Jana Šimáková, I spent several days engaged in intensive meetings, inspiring encounters, and professional workshops.

Go Creation – a space for new ideas and connections

This year’s EAIE carried the motto “Go Creation”, reflecting a vibrant atmosphere that encouraged the exchange of experience and the development of new collaborations with European universities.

We visited numerous stands of partner institutions where we not only renewed existing partnerships but also discovered new opportunities for cooperation, explored new study programmes and courses taught in English, and discussed possibilities for future projects.

Many of the meetings took place in the form of round-table discussions, which allowed for deeper and more informal conversations about international mobility, joint projects, and other forms of academic cooperation.

Workshops that bring new inspiration

The programme also included several thematic workshops focused on various aspects of internationalisation – from digitalisation of mobility and language development to inclusion in education.

Participating in these sessions was an excellent opportunity to gain new insights and share good practices with colleagues from other institutions.

Cultural note: my first “Fika”

In addition to the busy professional programme, I also found a little time to explore Gothenburg, a city that was a completely new destination for me. I strolled through the city centre, tasted several Swedish specialties, and most importantly – discovered the delightful tradition known as “Fika.”

For Swedes, Fika is much like the British afternoon tea – a moment to pause, enjoy a cup of coffee and something sweet. Whether in a professional or casual setting, an invitation to Fika is never declined. This simple yet pleasant tradition reminded me how important it is to take a moment during the day to pause and engage in informal conversations with colleagues.

A surprise celebration

The trip ended on a personal note – with an informal meeting with the Dean, who happened to be travelling from West University through Gothenburg at the same time. We had the lovely opportunity to wish him a happy birthday, a perfect ending to a rewarding and inspiring journey filled with new experiences and connections.