APAIE 2026

Conference and Exhibition

Asia-Pacific Partnerships for the Global Good

23–27 February 2026 
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Poster Discussions 3

Join the authors to discuss their poster content on Wednesday 25 February at 11:30 – 12:30, in the Poster Lounge in the Exhibition Hall.

Mobility as a two-way street: reinventing reciprocity in international academic exchange

Justyna STANISLAWSKA

Abstract:
National mobility schemes can do more than move people—they can forge durable, mission-aligned partnerships that deepen research collaboration and social impact. Drawing on the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) portfolio—including Polish Returns, NAWA Scholarships, and the Research in Poland platform—this session unpacks how program design, co-funding models, and shared governance convert short-term exchanges into long-term institutional networks. Using recent case studies with Asia-Pacific and Global South universities, we will analyse the catalysts (joint supervision, seed grants, sandwich PhDs) that transform individual mobility into multi-layered cooperation and scalable joint projects. Participants will leave with an adaptable framework for embedding reciprocity, equity, and sustainability into their own mobility initiatives, thus advancing the APAIE 2026 theme of “Partnerships and Mobility” and contributing to the broader SDG agenda.

Learning objectives:
– Identify design principles that turn mobility programs into sustainable, multi-institutional partnerships
– Compare co-funding and governance models that foster reciprocity and capacity building
– Evaluate practical tools (e.g., joint supervision, seed-funded projects) that scale small exchanges into strategic networks
– Draft an action checklist for integrating equity and SDG alignment into mobility schemes

Target audience:
International officers, partnership managers, mobility coordinators, government agency representatives, and strategists focused on building equitable, SDG-aligned global networks through student and staff mobility.

Rebounding Japanese student enrolment in U.S. education: successes and strategies

Takeo SUZUKI

Abstract:
Following decades of decline and a sharp pandemic-induced drop, Japanese student enrollment in U.S. education is rebounding. This paper analyzes post-2020 recovery trends shaped by government initiatives, institutional collaborations, and shifting student preferences. Strategic efforts illustrate renewed momentum. U.S. institutions are responding with more flexible, affordable, and culturally responsive models. These developments signal the potential for a more inclusive and sustainable era of U.S.–Japan educational exchange.

Learning objectives:
– By engaging with this poster session, participants will gain a nuanced understanding of how Japanese student enrollment in U.S. education is recovering after years of decline and the sharp drop during the pandemic. They will explore the driving forces behind this rebound, including strategic government initiatives, renewed institutional partnerships, and
changing student motivations.
– The session will highlight how U.S. colleges and universities are adapting their approaches—offering more flexible, affordable, and culturally responsive models to better serve Japanese students. Through this lens, participants will consider how these innovations may signal a shift toward a more inclusive and sustainable model of U.S.–Japan educational exchange.
– Ultimately, attendees will walk away with practical strategies they can apply to strengthen their own institutional efforts in international recruitment, student support, and transnational collaboration.

Target audience:
This session will benefit international recruitment professionals, enrollment strategists, government and policy advisors, and those focused on East Asia, transnational education (TNE), and U.S.–Japan partnerships seeking to understand postpandemic mobility and student-centered engagement strategies.

Transforming international agreement processes through workflow automation

Rachel RUI

Abstract:
As international partnerships grow in scope and complexity, administrative inefficiencies in agreement processing can delay valuable collaborations. This poster illustrates how the University of Tennessee’s Office of Global Research, Innovation, and Partnerships successfully implemented a workflow automation system to modernize its agreement review and approval process. The new system digitized routing, improved collaboration across siloed units, and significantly reduced turnaround time. It also enhanced data collection on partner type, region, and academic discipline, helping the institution align agreements with strategic priorities. The poster outlines key outcomes, lessons learned, and practical tools to guide other institutions in adopting similar systems. By showcasing real metrics and process improvements, this case study offers a scalable roadmap for operational efficiency and strategic decision-making in global engagement.

Learning objectives:
– Understand how workflow automation can streamline international agreement processes
– Learn implementation steps and common challenges for adopting automated systems
– Explore how data generated from automated workflows can support strategic global engagement

Target audience:
International office administrators, global partnership managers, and institutional operations staff interested in workflow optimization, data-driven strategy, and partnership management.

Well-being and socio-cultural adaptation of international students from the Asia-pacific region

Laura KOVÁCS

Abstract:
The poster presents research on the well-being and socio-cultural adaptation of international students in Hungarian higher education. The aim is to support their integration and academic success, while informing academic professionals about effective institutional practices and service models.

In the autumn semester of 2023/24, 45,755 international students were enrolled at Hungarian universities. According to data from 2023, Asia became the leading sending continent, with 43% of students enrolling from there. Nearly 30% of survey respondents were from the Asia-Pacific region.

The research highlights the critical role of mental health in achieving long-term academic success. Institutions must offer preventive and intervention-based support services to maintain or restore students’ mental health. Such services can reduce dropout rates, improve academic performance and boost overall student satisfaction. The research also notes the increase in serious mental health issues during and after the pandemic, emphasizing the growing need for institutional attention.

By presenting a European case study, the poster highlights the importance of student well-being in creating positive university experiences. It encourages discussion on international best practices and promotes intercultural awareness. Audience engagement will further support the development of institutional services that better meet the evolving needs of international students.

Learning objectives:
– Explore institutional practices aimed at supporting international students’ well-being and successful integration. Through concrete examples that can ease socio-cultural adaptation.
– Identify best practices in prevention and early intervention include regular well-being monitoring and staff training
– Identify institutional support services that can help detect early signs of distress and promote resilience.
– Use empirical data -highlighting international students from the Asia-pacific region- to develop targeted student services and capacity-building programs. The findings contribute to evidence-based improvements in service design, and staff training, ensuring the support of international students throughout their academic journey.

Target audience:
– International student support staff.
– Mental health professionals in higher education.
– Researchers, professionals in multicultural and intercultural education.
– Student organization representatives and peer mentors

Navigating Student Demands and Institutional Realities in Outbound Student Mobility

Thommy GATLING

Abstract:
Now in its sixth year, the Australian Foreign Arrangements Scheme requires public universities to disclose formal agreements with certain foreign entities, aligning them with national foreign policy objectives and enhancing transparency in international partnerships.

While the Scheme promotes oversight, it has significantly increased the compliance burden on universities, particularly amid growing national security and defence-related regulations. Feedback from the sector suggests that the Scheme is not well-understood by foreign partners, complicating international collaborations.

This poster examines the Scheme’s scope, objectives, and its implications for institutional autonomy, accountability, and transparency. It considers the outcomes of the recent independent review of the Scheme, and explores how universities have adapted partnership assessments and contract provisions to meet regulatory requirements.

Ultimately, this poster seeks to spark discussion on striking a balance between government oversight and the operational flexibility required for globally engaged higher education.

Learning objectives:
– Understand the purpose and scope of the Australian Foreign Arrangements Scheme and its role in aligning university agreements with national foreign policy.
– Analyze the impact of the Scheme on institutional autonomy, compliance, and administrative burden for Australian public universities.
– Evaluate how universities have adapted partnership assessments and contractual provisions in response to regulatory requirements.
– Explore the challenges international partners face in understanding and engaging with the Scheme.
– Discuss strategies for balancing government oversight with universities’ operational flexibility in global higher education collaborations

Target audience:
University administrators, including staff members with responsibilities for international partnerships, compliance, and government-reporting.