People to People exchanges in higher education between the member states of the EU and the USA have a very long tradition and become increasingly important. This was reaffirmed in the Joint Statement of 10 March 2023 by President von der Leyen and President Biden : “Recognizing our shared history as well as our joint visions for the future, we believe that people to people exchanges strengthen the transatlantic partnership, especially for younger generations. We will discuss how to deepen our cooperation.”

Against this policy background, the Institute of International Education (IIE) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), two organizations whose core mission it is to strengthen academic ties, have organised this interactive roundtable with key stakeholders from both sides of the Atlantic.

In particular, the Roundtable aims at:

• assessing and mapping the current state of EU-US People to People Exchanges in Higher Education.
• identifying barriers that are hindering an intensification of mutual exchanges.
• defining areas and topics where an increase in mobility can be organised in the short- and medium-term.
• reflecting on the purpose and benefits of transatlantic partnerships in higher education.

The Roundtable will consist of two distinct sessions. In the first session the current State of Play will be assessed by various actors in the field of international exchanges. Against the background of the overarching importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, a specific emphasis will be placed on the identification of barriers, the definition of areas for progress and the benefits of equitable exchanges. The second session will contextualise the contribution of student and early-researcher mobility as a central pillar for enhanced cooperation in research, innovation and the transatlantic economy.