# Great Place to Open Your Eyes - Experiences from EAIE 2023 in Rotterdam

> Insights from the EAIE 2023 conference in Rotterdam, focusing on the values, challenges, and potential of Generation Z in higher education.

## The EAIE 2023 Conference
The European Association of International Education’s (EAIE) annual conference in 2023 in Rotterdam gathered a record-breaking attendance of over 6000 participants. These participants, representing higher education institutes and other education-related entities, spent a week in meetings, sessions, workshops, and exhibitions. While the scale of the event has grown to a point where spontaneous interactions can be difficult, the forced meetings of strangers often proved to be fruitful.

## Keynote Insights: Understanding Generation Z
A highlight of the conference was the opening plenary featuring Jahkini Bisselink and Hajar Yagkoubi, advocates for sustainability, youth, and human rights. Their address focused on the reality of Generation Z (born 1997–2012), who currently populate university campuses worldwide.

### The Reality of Gen Z
For Gen Z, the world has been characterized by a relentless series of crises, including climate change, pandemics, the war in Ukraine, and the energy crisis. Unlike previous generations who witnessed notable positive changes, Gen Z faces constant exposure to global turmoil via digital media. This has left many feeling powerless and struggling with a sense of despair regarding the future.

### Values and Action
Bisselink and Yagkoubi emphasized that Gen Z is deeply value-driven and action-oriented. Key characteristics include:
*   **Expectation of Integrity:** They expect institutions to uphold their claimed values and act upon them.
*   **Aversion to Hierarchy:** They prefer flat structures over traditional hierarchies.
*   **Core Pillars:** Transparency, equality, and positive societal and environmental impact are central to their worldview.
*   **Challenging Norms:** They are active in challenging prevailing systems, as seen in the actions of figures like Greta Thunberg and various university takeovers in Finland.

## The Power of Fandoms
An increased need for communality, social networking, and self-expression has led to the rise of collective action through "fandoms." Whether it is the BTS Army or other passionate communities, the unity within these groups demonstrates a capacity to change the world. The success of BTS’s song ‘Butter’ on the Billboard charts in 2021 serves as a testament to the global influence these communities can wield.

The speakers suggested that if these fandoms were to find common goals and values, they could be a powerful force for change. Bridging the generation gap and nurturing the spirit of Gen Z may be the greatest contribution educators can make toward a better future.

## Authors
*   **Marja Gröhn-Rissanen**, International Coordinator, Senior Lecturer, marja-liisa.grohn-rissanen@savonia.fi
*   **Virpi Oksanen**, MScEcon, International Coordinator, Senior Lecturer, Virpi.oksanen@savonia.fi