Welcoming the world to St Andrews: EAIE 2026
This September, as Scotland hosted the European Association for International Education (EAIE) Annual Conference in Glasgow, the University of St Andrews welcomed more than 125 representatives from higher education institutions and organisations from around the world.
Organised by the Global Office on behalf of the University, two days of events in St Andrews gave international colleagues the opportunity to experience the University and town, reconnect with existing partners, meet new colleagues and learn more about the University’s academic community, student experience and approach to global collaboration.
The EAIE Annual Conference is one of the world’s largest higher education conferences, attracting around 7,000 delegates. With colleagues from across the University’s global network gathering in Scotland, the St Andrews events provided an opportunity to take conversations beyond the conference venue and showcase what makes the University and its community distinctive.
St Andrews Partner Day: strengthening global connections
The first of the two events, held on 7 September, brought together 25 representatives from established and emerging partner institutions and organisations for a dedicated Partner Day, providing an opportunity to reconnect in person, share strategic updates from St Andrews and explore developments in international education and global partnerships.
Discussions also focused on shared challenges and opportunities for collaboration, with colleagues reflecting on how international partnerships continue to evolve.
The day began with a welcome from Samantha Lister, Director of the Global Office and Professor Brad MacKay, Deputy Principal and Vice-Principal (International Strategy and External Relations), before a series of interactive sessions exploring student experience, global partnerships, research and staff opportunities, and the changing UK higher education landscape. A particular focus was the University’s reassociation to the Erasmus+ programme, providing an opportunity to celebrate this development and discuss plans and ambitions with European partners.
Professor Mark Brewer, Dean and Head of the Business School, also shared the School’s approach to international partnerships and its developing role within the University, giving partners an insight into the School’s strategy and its work to build connections with institutions around the world.
The afternoon offered a chance to experience St Andrews beyond the meeting room. Student ambassadors led walking tours of the town, giving visitors an insight into the student experience and the place they were visiting from a student’s perspective.
Guests then headed to the driving range at St Andrews Links, where three students from the University Golf Team helped partners put their golfing skills to the test. The day concluded with refreshments in Parliament Hall, providing a relaxed setting for further conversations and networking, with some St Andrews treats also on offer, including fudge donuts, which proved a particular hit with the group.
University of St Andrews Campus Experience Day
The following day, more than 100 international delegates travelled from the EAIE conference in Glasgow to St Andrews for a Campus Experience Day. The day was designed to give colleagues from across the world a broader insight into the University and the student experience, combining presentations and discussion with opportunities to explore the campus and town.
Guests arrived in true Scottish fashion, led through St Salvator’s Quad by the University piper, before being welcomed by Samantha Lister, Director of the Global Office, and Professor Brad MacKay, Deputy Principal and Vice-Principal (International Strategy and External Relations). The morning focused on different aspects of the St Andrews student experience and the University’s international connections.
Deirdra Farmer, Visiting Students and Programmes Manager, led a session on how St Andrews welcomes students from around the world. A panel discussion brought together colleagues from Student Services, the Student Experience team and the Students’ Association, alongside Lauren Garrett from strategic partner William & Mary. Together, they explored the support, opportunities and wider experience available to students studying at St Andrews. Professor Mark Brewer also shared the Business School’s strategic approach to international partnerships and global collaboration, giving delegates a further perspective on how academic Schools are developing international connections.
The afternoon moved outside the classroom, with student ambassadors leading walking tours around St Andrews and sharing their experiences of the town and University.
Back at St Salvator’s Chapel, Dr Christine McGladdery from the School of History gave delegates an introduction to the history of St Andrews. With the chapel bells ringing as guests entered, the setting provided a fitting opportunity to connect the University’s history with its present-day community.
The session was followed by a performance on the clarsach, Scotland’s traditional harp, from Kory Buckingham, a St Andrews student and President of the University’s Music Society. Experiencing one of Scotland’s oldest national instruments within one of the University’s oldest buildings offered a memorable conclusion to the formal programme.
The day finished with Jannetta’s ice cream and informal networking, giving delegates another opportunity to continue conversations and make new connections before returning to Glasgow.
A week of connection and collaboration
Hosting colleagues from across the world in St Andrews was a valuable opportunity to bring our international community together in person, strengthen existing relationships and create space for new conversations. Coming so soon after the University’s reassociation to Erasmus+, it was also a particularly timely moment to welcome European partners and look ahead to future opportunities for collaboration.
The week also provided plenty of opportunities to continue conversations with colleagues at events across Glasgow as part of the EAIE conference.
The Global Office would like to thank all the colleagues and students who contributed to the EAIE activities in St Andrews. From welcoming our guests and sharing their expertise to leading tours, presenting, performing and helping create such a warm welcome, the events were made possible through contributions from across the University.