From left, David Alexander, Senior Manager Academic Administration on George Campus, Edgar de Koker, Registrar, Thomas Kungune, Director of Academic Administration, Professor Judy Peter, Senior Director of Internationalisation, and Dr John Mashayamombe, Senior Manager Partnerships and Research Networks in conversation with a visitor to the Nelson Mandela University Stand at the 2024 EAIE Conference and Exhibition Centre in Toulouse, France.
This year’s event set a new attendance record, drawing over 7,300 participants from 110 countries. The conference theme, "En Route," symbolised a continuous journey of innovation and growth, aligning closely with Mandela University’s Vision 2030 strategic goals.
The EAIE Conference serves as a premier global platform for higher education professionals, fostering international cooperation, sharing best practices, and exploring new opportunities.
For Mandela University, attendance was essential, especially as we strive to enhance global engagement amidst the pressing challenge of declining international student enrolments.
Acknowledging University participation
The University’s participation was made possible through the support of Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa.
The Senior Director of Internationalisation, Professor Judy Peter, along with her dedicated team, also attended, promoting the University’s broader internationalisation objectives . Delegates expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase the University’s commitment to strengthening international relations, reinforcing its competitive stance in the global academic landscape.
Addressing the decline in international enrolments
With many universities grappling with the complexities of international student recruitment, the timing of the EAIE conference. It provided a vital forum to discuss innovative strategies for recruitment, enrolment, and retention of international students. Sessions focused on identifying key markets and effective methods to attract students from these regions, offering actionable insights that could enhance international engagement.
The University’s delegation actively engaged in discussions with representatives from various international institutions, seeking potential partnerships that could facilitate student exchanges and collaborative academic programmes.
Strengthening these partnerships is essential to maintaining the University’s competitive edge in the global higher education sector, especially in the face of growing competition for international student enrolments.
A central focus of our discussions revolved around study abroad initiatives and exchange programmes, particularly highlighting the Erasmus mobility grants designed to support staff and student exchanges. By fostering these engagements, we aim to increase international student numbers and enhance Erasmus-related exchanges, which would enrich the diversity of our academic community and promote intercultural skills.
The team held several meetings and engagements with partners in the massive exhibition hall. Nelson Mandela University exhibited under the banner of Study South Africa, led by International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA) and 15 other South African universities.
Collaborating for international success
Collaboration emerged as a key theme at the conference, particularly the importance of interdepartmental coordination between the Registrar’s Division and the International Education Office.
Enhancing communication and cooperation between these departments is crucial for creating seamless experiences for international students, from the application process through to graduation. Prof Peter highlighted that cultivating closer working relationships among these teams is vital for improving both recruitment and overall student satisfaction.
By refining international student services and adopting a more cohesive, student-centred approach to recruitment and support, Mandela University aims to attract more international students while enriching the experiences of current ones. This comprehensive strategy is expected to strengthen the University’s global reputation significantly.
Vision for international growth
During the conference, Prof Peter outlined Mandela University’s vision for reversing the decline in international and postgraduate student enrolments. She stressed the importance of attracting more master’s and doctoral students, recognising their pivotal role in driving research and innovation—key components of the University’s long-term success.
“I am excited to join the Mandela community and look forward to collaborating with colleagues to turn around the situation regarding international students,” she remarked during a session. Her commitment to fostering collaboration aligns closely with the themes of the EAIE conference and the University’s overarching goals.
Key discussions and conference themes
Sessions throughout the conference included international recruitment strategies, the identification of key markets for international students, and the role of recruitment agencies.
A consensus emerged about the necessity of breaking down silos between key departments, recognising that cross-functional communication is essential for enhancing student satisfaction and streamlining the admissions process.
Participants also discussed the complexities of international collaboration, addressing cultural and policy differences that can arise when partnering with universities from different countries. Despite these challenges, the benefits of international collaborations—such as joint research and academic programs—were emphasised.
The role of AI in Higher Education
The growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education was also discussed. As universities increasingly adopt AI tools, the conference highlighted AI’s potential to support students, especially those facing language barriers, and streamline administrative processes. AI applications, such as chatbots, were noted for their ability to provide quick and efficient support for routine tasks.
However, discussions also raised ethical considerations surrounding AI use in education. It was emphasised that universities must deploy AI responsibly, ensuring a balance between technological advancement and the essential human element of education.
ChatGPT is WEIRD
The conference discussed how AI models, like ChatGPT, are shaped by dominant cultural influences, primarily from Western, English-speaking nations. This results in a prevalence of Anglo-American perspectives, overshadowing the nuances of Asian cultures and Global South contributions.
The concept of WEIRD—Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich, and Democratic—was highlighted, underscoring the need for AI models to better reflect global cultural diversity and address the underrepresentation of non-Western perspectives.
Closing keynote address
The closing keynote address was delivered by renowned violinist and humanitarian Zhang Zhang, who emphasised the intersection of music, education, and social impact. She highlighted education's transformative power in fostering social justice. Zhang's inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing in Beijing to success underscores the importance of accessibility in education, resonating with Nelson Mandela University's commitment to promoting social justice and equitable access for all students.
Overall, the EAIE conference served as a pivotal opportunity for Mandela University to reaffirm its commitment to internationalisation, foster new partnerships, and explore innovative strategies to enhance global engagement in higher education.