the University of Innsbruck hosted its first International Days under the motto "Together. International.".
With the inaugural International Days 2026, the University of Innsbruck placed a special focus on raising the visibility of its international activities. The programme reflected the many facets of internationalisation at the University. Over the course of two weeks, a variety of events offered students and staff the opportunity to discover international opportunities, make new connections and broaden their knowledge and skills.
A joint opening event with the Network of Areas (NoA)
The official kick-off took place on 13 October with an opening event at the Ágnes Heller House, featuring welcome addresses by Vice-Rector Janette Walde and presentations by University of Innsbruck researchers engaged in international research and cooperation activities in collaboration with the NoA. The event brought together University representatives and external guests. A particular highlight was the exhibition "Good Practices: Together. International.", which showcased examples of internationalisation in practice at the University of Innsbruck.
A diverse programme
The International Days programme featured events exploring different aspects of internationalisation. Information sessions on Erasmus+ and other mobility opportunities provided insights into ways of gaining international experience during one's studies and throughout one's professional career. Students had the opportunity to find out more about study abroad opportunities and exchange experiences with fellow students who are already actively engaged internationally.
International networks and partnerships were also at the heart of the programme. The Aurora information and discussion event, the Fulbright information session and other initiatives offered insights into existing partnerships and opportunities for exchange and cooperation in research and teaching.
The programme was complemented by lectures, cultural events and training opportunities for University of Innsbruck staff. Topics such as research security, global challenges and international experiences for general university staff encouraged reflection and exchange. A film screening organised in cooperation with the Center New Orleans and a pub quiz hosted by the Erasmus Student Network provided further opportunities to connect.
Cooperation with Erasmus Student Network Innsbruck
The International Days also provided an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with the Erasmus Student Network Innsbruck . The student organisation, which is particularly active in the areas of incoming student mobility and welcoming international students, is now working more closely with the Organisational unit International Affairs, based at the Claudiana. An agreement formalising this closer cooperation was signed on 20 October in the presence of Vice Rector Manfred Lechner, Head of Organisational unit Thomas Baumgartner and Erasmus+ Coordinator Larissa Jenewein.
Representatives of the University of Innsbruck and the Erasmus Student Network Innsbruck signed an agreement on 20 October to strengthen their cooperation. From the left: Larissa Jenewein (Erasmus+ Coordinator), Thomas Baumgartner (Head of International Affairs), Vice Rector Manfred Lechner, Martin Obex (Head ESN), Bruce Meise (ESN)
Together. International.
The two weeks of events were guided by a theme that extends beyond the International Days and reflects the mission of the University of Innsbruck as a whole:
"For the University of Innsbruck and all its members, internationalisation does not constitute a certain state, but rather a conscious process aiming at the comprehensive integration of an international, intercultural or global dimension in all areas of activity of the university - in teaching, research, administration as well as social responsibility."
( Internationalisation Strategy of the University of Innsbruck based on the Development Plan 2022-2027 )
