From 4 to 8 May, the Alameda campus of Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, became a meeting point for different languages, experiences, and “ways of thinking about higher education”. International Staff Week (ISW) 2026 brought together over 130 professionals from higher education institutions across 23 countries to discuss academic mobility, inclusion, and internationalisation strategies. The event featured workshops, impromptu conversations in hallways, and shared tours of Lisbon.
The initiative brought together administrative staff, heads of international offices, and professionals involved in student support. Luís Moreira, coordinator of the International Affairs Division, noted that the main objective was to create “a space for closer ties among international partners, where common challenges could be discussed in an open and collaborative way”.
During breaks, in the hallways, and between activities, participants shared perspectives on their professional experiences. Johan Magnholt from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden emphasised the “human aspect” of the initiative in his reflections on the experience.
“Lisbon had been on my bucket list for several years. Choosing Técnico came naturally, partly because of the existing collaboration [between the two schools]”, he shared. Throughout the meeting, he particularly valued how easily common ground emerged among professionals from different fields. “We talked about challenges that turn out to be common to many universities”, he noted, also describing an “immediate sense of connection”.
For Irene Visentini, from IUAV University of Venice, Italy, the link between inclusion and internationalisation was also one of the most significant aspects of the week. “We often treat these topics separately, but they end up being deeply connected”, she explained. The participant also highlighted the opportunity to learn about different approaches to similar problems. “These conversations help us rethink our own practices”.
“The programme caught my attention as soon as I read it”, said Matilda Videla, a participant from Sweden. “It struck me as a good balance between work and opportunities to get to know the people and the city”. Speaking about the week’s schedule, she mentioned how quickly the “atmosphere created” brought the different participants together. “After just a short time, we were all discussing the same challenges as if we’d known each other for a long time”.
A Fado dinner show, guided walking tours through several historic neighbourhoods in Lisbon, and a cocktail party aboard a boat on the Tagus River were some of the highlights during the week. For many participants, engaging with the city also became “an important part of the experience”.
“It was a very enriching experience, both professionally and personally”, summarised Isabele Paes, from the State University of Campinas in Brazil. “Above all, I take away the conversations, the connections made, and the opportunity to learn about different ways of working”, she added, expressing a desire to return to Técnico in the future.
The 2026 edition culminated in International Day (IDay), organised in partnership with 24 international universities, cultural institutions, and academic organisations.
