EPOKA University was represented at the International Days hosted by Odisee University of Applied Sciences in Brussels by Dr. Heliona Mico, Lecturer at the Department of Law, and Dr. Alba Gerdeci, Head of the International Relations Office.

The event opened with a welcome address by Ann Verreth, General Director of Odisee, followed by a keynote speech by Philippe Eiselein titled The Power of Collaboration, which highlighted the importance of partnerships and knowledge sharing in higher education. Another keynote by Iryna Shteimiller on Erasmus+ and Ukraine offered a heartfelt reflection on the war's impact on internationalization efforts. After a networking lunch, participants attended sessions on impactful North-South partnerships and Odisee’s Community Service-Learning approach, presented by Aaron Soens. The day concluded with a guided cultural tour of Brussels and a visit to the Winter Market, providing an enriching cultural experience.

Following, the program featured workshops tailored for international officers, coordinators of internationalization, and researchers. The day began with a keynote on Intercultural Competencies by Bleri Lleshi. Afternoon workshops covered topics such as promoting sustainable travel, starting and sharing international research projects, and best practices for successful international student exchange programs. Dr. Gerdeci and Dr. Mico actively contributed to these sessions, sharing insights from EPOKA University and exploring new opportunities for collaboration.

The final day focused on professional development and practical solutions for challenges in internationalization. Following a networking session, workshops maximizing the impact of Erasmus+ staff mobility, strategies for building communities with engaged students, and tackling administrative challenges in international programs.

Dr. Gerdeci and Dr. Mico’s active engagement throughout the event strengthened EPOKA University’s international presence, fostered connections with other institutions, and provided valuable insights to enhance the university’s global partnerships and internationalization strategies. 

In addition to the International Days program, Dr. Gerdeci and Dr. Mico met with representatives of the Business Management, and Construction Department in Aalts to explore collaboration opportunities and to share ideas for international traineeship for students.