Our colleague Petra recently represented EIL/AFS Ireland at The PIE Live Ireland 2026, joining international education professionals from across Ireland and beyond to explore the opportunities, challenges and future direction of international education.
Held on 12–13 October at O’Reilly Hall, University College Dublin, The PIE Live Ireland 2026 brought together higher education institutions, policymakers, recruitment organisations and industry leaders for two days of insightful discussions, networking and collaboration.
For Petra, the conference offered a valuable opportunity to connect with others working in international education, share the values that drive EIL/AFS Ireland’s work and explore how educational charities can contribute to a more inclusive, sustainable and student-centred future.
Looking Beyond Recruitment: Putting Students First
One of the strongest messages emerging from the conference was that the future of international education must be about more than attracting students from overseas.
While Ireland continues to be an attractive destination for international learners, discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring that students feel welcomed, supported and connected throughout their experience.
From accommodation challenges and rising living costs to cultural adjustment and student wellbeing, the conference reinforced the need for honest communication, realistic expectations and meaningful support.
This is particularly relevant to our work at EIL/AFS Ireland.
We believe that successful international education begins long before a student arrives in their host country.
Through pre-arrival orientations and intercultural preparation, we help students develop the confidence, understanding and practical knowledge they need to navigate a new environment.
Petra was particularly encouraged to see the importance of belonging and pre-arrival preparation recognised throughout the conference, reflecting an approach that is already central to our work.
Building Bridges Through International Partnerships
Another major focus of The PIE Live Ireland 2026 was the evolving landscape of international partnerships.
Discussions explored opportunities for collaboration across Asia, North America and emerging education markets, as well as the growing importance of transnational education — enabling students to access international learning opportunities through partnerships that extend beyond traditional study-abroad models.
A recurring message was that strong international relationships are built on shared values, mutual understanding and long-term commitment.
For EIL/AFS Ireland, these principles resonate deeply with our mission.
As an educational charity, we recognise that international education is not simply about mobility. It is about building bridges between cultures, creating opportunities for personal growth and fostering greater understanding between people and communities.
The Importance of Community and Belonging
A particularly thought-provoking discussion focused on the public perception of international education in Ireland.
With increasing pressures around housing, affordability and public services, the sector faces important questions about how international education can grow sustainably while maintaining the trust and support of local communities.
The conference highlighted the importance of demonstrating the positive contribution international students make to Irish society, not only economically but also socially and culturally.
At EIL/AFS Ireland, we see intercultural exchange as a two-way experience.
International students bring new perspectives, experiences and ideas to their host communities, while local communities play a vital role in helping students feel welcomed and included.
Creating opportunities for genuine interaction and mutual learning is essential to ensuring that international education benefits everyone involved.
Giving Educational Charities a Stronger Voice
One of Petra’s key reflections was the need for greater recognition of non-profit organisations within the international education sector.
While much of the conference focused on recruitment, institutional growth and commercial opportunities, Petra identified an opportunity for future conversations to explore the unique contribution of educational charities.
Organisations like EIL/AFS Ireland bring a valuable perspective, placing intercultural understanding, educational access, student development and community engagement at the heart of international experiences.
Petra shared this feedback with the event organisers, advocating for greater visibility of the non-profit sector in future discussions.
Her participation also created valuable opportunities to connect with representatives from across the sector, including The PIE and Independent College, opening conversations about potential future collaboration and ways to raise awareness of our work.
Looking Ahead: Collaboration with Purpose
Reflecting on the event, Petra highlighted the value of connecting with people who share a commitment to international education and discovering opportunities to work together.
The conference reinforced an important message: the future of international education depends not only on growth, but on the quality of the experiences we create, the relationships we build and the positive impact we have on communities.
As EIL/AFS Ireland continues to support intercultural learning and international educational exchange, we look forward to building on the conversations and connections made at The PIE Live Ireland 2026.
Thank you to The PIE for bringing the international education community together, and to Petra for representing EIL/AFS Ireland and championing the important role of educational charities in shaping a more connected world.
Together, we can help make international education more inclusive, meaningful and impactful for everyone.
