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Collaborate 2025 in Cork: International perspectives on improving students’ experience

TUM Global, News |

How can the student experience and academic support for international students be better integrated? This was the central question explored at Collaborate 2025, a workshop hosted by Munster Technological University in Cork, Ireland, in June 2025. Josh Pontrelli, Program Manager for International Campus Life at the TUM Global & Alumni Office, took part in the three-day event, which was supported through the Erasmus+ staff mobility program and brought together international professionals from the field of student affairs.
The close personal exchange in Cork sparked valuable ideas for improving the experience of international students. Image: Josh Pontrelli / TUM

Bringing together representatives from key organizations such as NASPA, EucA, and Student Affairs Ireland, Collaborate 2025 offered a rich program of keynotes, parallel sessions, and poster presentations. The event fostered a dynamic, cross-cultural dialogue around the current challenges of student support in higher education.

Building bridges between academic life and student development

At the heart of many discussions were topics such as holistic student wellbeing and the stronger integration of academic and co-curricular support – priorities that are increasingly gaining importance across universities worldwide. 

Pontrelli emphasized the value of the experience – both professionally and personally: “Collaborate balanced big-picture thinking with practical strategies, all while showcasing the warmth and academic spirit of Cork,” he said. “As valuable as the workshop was, the real highlight for me was the personal exchange with colleagues – learning from their hands-on experience was incredibly enriching.”

New impulses for student wellbeing and inclusion

In addition to ample networking opportunities, the program offered interactive workshops and short flash talks aimed at university program leaders. These sessions provided concrete takeaways on key topics such as:

  • The use of AI in student advising and support services
  • The development of inclusive co-curricular programming
  • Strategies for strengthening students’ sense of belonging on campus

Role plays and peer-learning formats made the content highly accessible and inspired participants to adapt and apply new ideas at their home institutions.

Cork as an inspiring host for global exchange

The vibrant university city of Cork provided the perfect setting for Collaborate 2025. Campus tours, cultural activities, and warm Irish hospitality created a welcoming atmosphere that encouraged informal dialogue among participants. They returned home with fresh ideas and valuable new contacts – ready to enrich student life at their respective universities.

Impressions from Collaborate 2025 in Cork by Student Affairs Ireland on Instagram

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