Date
Place

Instituto Superior Técnico, Alameda Campus - University of Lisbon, Portugal

About the Event

Training International Leaders

Step into an intensive training program designed to enhance your skills and make you a key asset to your home institution. Your participation will include engaging activities and workshops, cutting-edge strategies that will help you get ahead of the curve and gain new perspectives on critical international issues.

Técnico International Staff Week 2026 (ISW2026) is more than just an event: it’s an investment in your future. Network with like-minded professionals, forge lasting connections, and return home equipped with the knowledge and skills to propel your institution to new heights on the international scenario.

The ISW 2026@Técnico Lisboa is open to staff members from higher education institutions, such as international relations officers, student affairs professionals, researchers, and administrative staff. The event aims to foster international cooperation and promote professional development opportunities.

In May, Lisbon awakens with spring’s charm and vibrant culture. Wander the historic streets of Alfama and Bairro Alto, where Fado music echoes through the streets. It’s the perfect time to experience Lisbon’s blend of old-world charm and modern energy, along with its warm, welcoming people. Don’t miss the magic of Portugal’s rich culture and history!

ISW 2025

 

Similarly to what happened in 2025, the International Staff Week 2026, has been structured to include different formats, such as workshops and activity groups, aimed at sharing best practices and brainstorming about the current challenges faced by the internationalization process in higher education, as can be seen in the video above.

The International Day Exhibition (IDAY) is a showcase of international opportunities and Partner Universities, fostering networking and stimulating meaningful discussions among participants. It offers everyone involved the chance to present their institutions and programs to a diverse community of over 11,000 students, staff, faculty, and researchers, amplifying visibility and creating new connections across Técnico Lisboa and beyond.

Interested participants should register for the Staff Week as soon as possible and indicate the willingness to participate in the IDAY and have a booth (table, chair and posterboard) for their University (limited to availability).

Goals

  • Create a Forum for discussion of Best Practices and the Exchange of information in key areas.
  • Enhance cultural awareness: include targeted activities, such as an interactive group activity, complemented with selected social events that will  help participants learn about Lisbon’s culture and customs.
  • Meetings with colleagues from other areas to help build new professional networks and foster relationships that could lead to future collaborations or partnerships.
  • Gain insight on the processes and experience in enhancing Higher Education internationalization. Workshops and the activities proposed for this ISW can help staff members gain new skills and knowledge related to the internationalization in higher education.
  • Improve institutional processes: participants can learn about different approaches to internationalization, student mobility, academic services, and use this knowledge to improve processes at their own institutions.
  • Promote the home Institution in the event IDAY with particular emphasis on the academic offer, research and other collaborative opportunities.

Minimum Number of Participants

A minimum of ten (10) participants is required for the Staff Week to be carried out. Please forward this information to staff members who might be interested in joining us for this event and sharing knowledge, experience and best practices.

Registration fees

Network partners registration

Fee: € 250   | Payments must be made between 16 February and 24 April 2026. Deadline: 24 April, 2026(*)

(*)ATHENS | CESAER | CLUSTER | HERITAGE | IS:linkMagalhãesSE3PSiPN | T.I.M.E. | Unite!

Early Bird registration

Fee: € 300  |  Registrations open: December 2025 | Deadline: 15 February 2026. CLOSED

Regular registration

Fee: € 350  |  Registrations open: 16 February 2026  |  Deadline: 31 March 2026  |  New Deadline: 15 April 2026. 

Last minute registration

Fee: € 500  |  Registrations open: 15 April 2026  |  Deadline: 24 April 2026.

The prices are in EUR and include taxes.

Please ensure that the transferred amount corresponds exactly to the participation fee received on our end. Any bank charges or transfer fees must be covered by the sender.

Please note that refunds are not available.

The fee includes:

  • Certificate of attendance;
  • Welcome Kit;
  • 3 Coffee Breaks;
  • Interactive Group Activity;
  • Welcome Reception;
  • Workshop Sessions;
  • 2 Lunches (Alameda Campus);
  • Farewell Dinner;
  • Welcome Cocktail;
  • International Day Exhibition (participation if selected | limited stands available).

All other expenses are supported by the participants.

Accommodation and traveling

Accommodation and traveling are not provided by the organization of the ISW. Traveling and accommodation costs will be covered by the participants, although the activity is eligible for Erasmus+ funding.  Please contact the Erasmus+ or International Coordinator in your institution for information about grant applications.

Accommodation options can be found in this PDF link, which includes the full list of hotels and clickable addresses that redirect to Google Maps: Accommodation List

Registration

Interested participants are requested to complete the «online registration form».

Neither travel nor accommodation, or meals not mentioned in the programme is included. Each participant should find the necessary funding to cover the additional expenses.

International relations professionals working in higher education institutions can apply for Erasmus+ Staff Training Mobility grants to take part in this Técnico Lisboa Staff Week. We advise you to contact your home institution’s institutional Erasmus+ coordinator and ask if Erasmus+ funding is available for staff training.

Payment

Your registration will only be valid when payment is made and a bank slip (proving payment) is sent with your name to the e-mail isw@tecnico.ulisboa.pt.

Bank transfer details

  • Bank name: Banco Santander Totta
  • Branch name/address: DCE Lisboa Este, Rua da Mesquita 6, P-1070-238 Lisboa.
  • IBAN: PT50 0018 00031 7417569020 82
  • BIC/SWIFT: TOTAPTPL
  • Account reference: SANTANDER/CD
  • Holder’s name: Instituto Superior Tecnico
  • Important: The description of the transfer must comply with the following format: “ISW26 + first and last name of the participant“.
  • Invoice issuance:
    Please provide us with the information (full name, address, VAT/Fiscal Identification number, e-mail and a telephone number) for issuing the respective invoice when you send us the proof of payment. – If the invoice is issued in the name of the university, the EU VAT ID number is mandatory. (E. g., Técnico VAT number: PT501507930)

Contacts

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or require further information.

Instituto Superior Técnico
International Affairs Area (AAI)
Av. Rovisco Pais, 1
1049-001 Lisboa | Portugal

Tel.: +351 218 417 378
E-mail: isw@tecnico.ulisboa.pt  (prompt reply).

Location Map

Lisbon

Técnico Lisboa is located in the city of Lisbon, one of the oldest and most beautiful capitals. Through time, we received many cultures from the different corners of the world. Lisbon is a soulful, fashionable, charismatic city with a great climate and a lot of sunshine. It’s a place where you can wander around day or night and still feel safe.

However, Lisbon is also a dynamic city, a hotspot of innovation, rich in start-ups and spin-offs, international awards, home top-ranked universities boosting several top-level research institutions where work leading to many highly cited papers and scientific publications originates. Not only because of its history, but also because of its innovation and state of the art technology, the climate and cosmopolitan atmosphere and diverse indoor and outdoor activities. Lisbon is one of the most attractive cities in Europe, offering mobility students, locals and visitors an unforgettable and unique experience.

The programme may be subject to changes as the event date approaches. Any updates will be communicated on the website.

Programme

4

May

13:30 - 14:30

Registration / Check-in

14:30-15:30

Opening Ceremony & Family Photo

15:30-16:15

Alameda Campus Tour

16:15-17:30

Welcoming Activity

5

May

09:30-10:30

International Communication: Protocol, Culture and World Languages

This workshop focuses on developing skills for effective engagement in international and multicultural contexts. It addresses topics such as intercultural communication, international protocol and etiquette, and the influence of culture on global negotiation and working styles. It also provides an overview of major world languages, linguistic barriers, and practical communication strategies and tools. The workshop includes practical cases and simulations of intercultural interactions.

10:30-11:00

Coffee Break

11:00-12:30

Behind the Mobility Experience: Strengthening Institutional Systems for International Learning

International mobility creates transformative learning opportunities, but these experiences depend on strong institutional support working behind the scenes. This interactive collaborative session invites participants to come together and explore how institutions can better support global learning. Through dynamic conversations and shared perspectives, participants will reflect on current challenges, exchange ideas, and identify opportunities to strengthen the systems that make international mobility possible.

12:30-14:00

Lunch

14:00-15:30

Speed Networking: Connect with Our Experts

Discover different working areas of Técnico through a dynamic speed networking session. Participants will have the opportunity to meet professionals from other teams, gaining insights into their work while exchanging ideas and making new connections in an interactive setting.

15:30-20:00

Free-Time

20:00-22:30

Dinner «Fado»

Experience the heart of Portuguese culture with our Fado dinner and get a true taste of Portuguese culture.

6

May

09:30 - 10:30

ELA4ATTRACT: Empowering Latin American higher education for STEM inclusion and attractiveness

Description to be defined.

10:30-11:00

Coffee Break

11:00-12:00

From Networking to Consortia: Building International Projects Together

International cooperation projects are a key instrument for strengthening collaboration between universities and expanding institutional impact.
This workshop explores how networking opportunities created through initiatives such as International Staff Weeks can evolve into concrete collaboration projects funded by international programmes, including Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe.

12:00-13:00

Lunch

13:00-15:00

Social Cultural Activity

Discover the charm, history and hidden corners of the city on a guided walking tour through its most iconic streets and landmarks.

15:00-17:00

Social Cocktail

Enjoy a relaxing cocktail cruise on the boat, where you can sip your drink while taking in stunning views of the city from the water. It’s the perfect setting to unwind, enjoy the atmosphere and connect with fellow participants in a unique and memorable experience.

7

May

09:30-10:30

Good Practices Session

Call for Contributions:
Take the stage to share your work and inspire others.
Participants will have 15 minutes to present their work in a flexible format: presentation, poster, flyers, demonstration, or oral pitch.
This is a great opportunity to highlight your work and results, and engage with peers from across institutions.

Part I

10:30-11:00

Coffee Break

11:00-12:00

Good Practices Session

Part II

8

May

10:30-15:00

International Day

Opportunity for institutions to connect with students and faculty, to learn about international opportunities and engage with the global community.

Programme

4

May

Registration / Check-in

Opening Ceremony & Family Photo

Alameda Campus Tour

Welcoming Activity

5

May

International Communication: Protocol, Culture and World Languages

This workshop focuses on developing skills for effective engagement in international and multicultural contexts. It addresses topics such as intercultural communication, international protocol and etiquette, and the influence of culture on global negotiation and working styles. It also provides an overview of major world languages, linguistic barriers, and practical communication strategies and tools. The workshop includes practical cases and simulations of intercultural interactions.

Coffee Break

Behind the Mobility Experience: Strengthening Institutional Systems for International Learning

International mobility creates transformative learning opportunities, but these experiences depend on strong institutional support working behind the scenes. This interactive collaborative session invites participants to come together and explore how institutions can better support global learning. Through dynamic conversations and shared perspectives, participants will reflect on current challenges, exchange ideas, and identify opportunities to strengthen the systems that make international mobility possible.

Lunch

Speed Networking: Connect with Our Experts

Discover different working areas of Técnico through a dynamic speed networking session. Participants will have the opportunity to meet professionals from other teams, gaining insights into their work while exchanging ideas and making new connections in an interactive setting.

Free-Time

Dinner «Fado»

Experience the heart of Portuguese culture with our Fado dinner and get a true taste of Portuguese culture.

6

May

ELA4ATTRACT: Empowering Latin American higher education for STEM inclusion and attractiveness

Description to be defined.

Coffee Break

From Networking to Consortia: Building International Projects Together

International cooperation projects are a key instrument for strengthening collaboration between universities and expanding institutional impact.
This workshop explores how networking opportunities created through initiatives such as International Staff Weeks can evolve into concrete collaboration projects funded by international programmes, including Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe.

Lunch

Social Cultural Activity

Discover the charm, history and hidden corners of the city on a guided walking tour through its most iconic streets and landmarks.

Social Cocktail

Enjoy a relaxing cocktail cruise on the boat, where you can sip your drink while taking in stunning views of the city from the water. It’s the perfect setting to unwind, enjoy the atmosphere and connect with fellow participants in a unique and memorable experience.

7

May

Good Practices Session

Call for Contributions:
Take the stage to share your work and inspire others.
Participants will have 15 minutes to present their work in a flexible format: presentation, poster, flyers, demonstration, or oral pitch.
This is a great opportunity to highlight your work and results, and engage with peers from across institutions.

Part I

Coffee Break

Good Practices Session

Part II

8

May

International Day

Opportunity for institutions to connect with students and faculty, to learn about international opportunities and engage with the global community.