Speaking & Presentations

Keynote addresses, invited talks, and workshops worldwide

Recent Highlights

Keynote presentation

Third Space as a way forward in EU-ASEAN HEI relations

Keynote, EU-ASEAN HEI Policy Meeting, Brussels, 2025

Navigating Institutional Hybridity through Third Space

Keynote, DAAD DIES meeting, Berlin, Dec 2025

Diversity as a Resource in Education

ERASMUS+ TCA, Leiden, 2023

Embracing Diversity Delivers Better Teams

Keynote, Villamoura, Portugal, 2022

Conference audience

"I've seen Robert speak and present at conferences around Europe, the US, and Asia, and he is consistently memorable and elucidating. His ability to engage audiences with a combination of data and practical insight inspires conversations that last long after the event is over."

Dr Rachael Merola
Visiting Research Professor, Center for Research and Teaching in Economics, Mexico City

"Having worked closely with Robert as my PhD supervisor and colleague, I have experienced firsthand his exceptional expertise and deep understanding of internationalisation in higher education. He combines strong academic insight with practical experience, and his collaborative approach fosters ongoing meaningful dialogue and critical reflection. His ability to connect theory, policy, and practice makes him an engaging and highly valuable speaker, workshop presenter, or advisor for any organisation interested in further exploring internationalisation in higher education."

Dr Grada Okken
Program Leader, Master in International Teacher Education, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences

Selected Presentations (2014 onwards)

  1. Coelen, R.J. (2025) Navigating Institutional Hybridity Through Third Space, 3-4 December, Berlin (keynote)
  2. Coelen, R.J. (2025) Third Space as a way forward for EU-ASEAN Higher Education Collaboration, 26-27 May, Brussels (keynote)
  3. Coelen, R.J. (2023) Diversity as a Resource in Education, ERASMUS+ TCA, 14 April, Leiden
  4. Coelen, R.J. (2022) A continuous learning line embracing diversity from primary to tertiary education. 11 November, Franeker
  5. Coelen, R.J. (2022) Why university internationalisation education should be expanded into embracing diversity. 9 November, Zielona Gora, Poland
  6. Coelen, R.J. (2022) Embracing diversity delivers better teams and better results, Villamoura, Portugal, 10 March (keynote)
  7. Coelen, R.J. (2021) A new perspective on internationalization to diffuse borders. Manipal, 7 October (Keynote)
  8. Coelen, R.J. (2021) A new perspective on Internationalisation, Agera, Lyon, France, 17 June (Keynote)
  9. Coelen, R.J. (2020) ACA Seminar, Keynote address: Challenges for Universities in Europe, Brussels, 24 January
  10. Coelen, R.J. (2020) Education in an international classroom, Workshop RuG, Campus Fryslân, 30 January
  11. Coelen, R.J. (2019) Leveraging diversity in Higher Education. Internationalization of Higher Education Forum, Tongji University, Shanghai, 22 October
  12. Coelen, R.J. (2019) The gap in understanding of the benefits of study abroad between universities and employers, CAHE annual International Forum on Higher Education, Lanzhou, 12 October
  13. Sagberg, U.K., Kouwenaar, K., Guillerme, G., Coelen, R.J., Schiewer, H-J., and Husebø, D. (2019) The EAIE debate: The ‘Macron’ initiative – the right step towards a European Champions League?
  14. Coelen, R.J., Tran, L., and Akiba, H. (2019) Encompassing multiple voices: a comparison of study abroad trends and practices across Australia, Europe and Japan. EAIE Conference, Helsinki, 25 September.
  15. Coelen, R.J., Rumbley, L., and Hunter, F. (2019) Share and learn: doctoral students in international higher education. EAIE Conference, Helsinki, 24 September
  16. Coelen, R.J. (2019) Innovation in education in OECD countries. Belt & Road Initiative Seminar for Syrian Ministry of Education staff, Shanghai 31 July
  17. Coelen, R.J. (2019) Education reform in OECD countries. Belt & Road Initiative Seminar for Syrian Ministry of Education staff, Shanghai 30 July
  18. Coelen, R.J., and Price, C. (2019) The Use of agencies and interuniversity networks to recruit international students, Prague, Czech Republic, 10 & 11 June
  19. Coelen, R.J., and Beelen, J. (2019) Learning Outcomes and Internationalisation of Higher Education, Workshop at Adam Mickiewicza University, Poznan, 5 & 6 June
  20. Coelen, R.J. (chair), Hietbrink, J., Van Werven, I., and Okken, G. (2019) Which competencies does the international/intercultural context of the fields of International Business and Education require from graduates in these fields? Session at SIETAR Europa Congress 2019, Leuven, 30 May
  21. Coelen, R.J. (2019) Internationalisation of Higher Education and Employability at Rektoren Konferenz, Hannover, 26 April
  22. Coelen, R.J. (2019) IBO Expert Sessie over internationalisering, Den Haag, Ministerie van Financiën, 13 Maart (panellist)
  23. Coelen, R.J. and Jones, E. (2018) Panellist at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences Symposium on Internationalisation, 6 December 2018
  24. Coelen, R.J. (2018) Internationalisation of Higher Education, A Quality Spiral for All, China Association for Higher Education (CAHE) Annual Congress, Ningbo, 3 November
  25. Coelen, R.J. (2018) The benefits and pitfalls of international student mobility – an international perspective, Symposium Design the Future: Internationalization of Higher Education, Tongji University, Shanghai, China, 20 October 2018
  26. Coelen, R.J. (2018) Students and responsibility for their own education. Symposium, Education for a Better Future, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China, 16 October 2018
  27. Merola, R., Jensen, S., and Coelen, R.J. (2018) Inside the mind of the Chinese student. EAIE Conference Session, Geneva, 13 September 2018
  28. Coelen, R.J. (2018) Developments in Internationalisation of Higher Education. At Manipal Higher Education Meet, in Manipal, India, 12-14 July
  29. Coelen, R.J. (2018) Current trends and issues of internationalisation of higher education. At Connect & Experience Map Launch Event, Karlsruhe, 20 June
  30. Coelen, R.J. (2018) Van A naar B(eter) Internationalisering in Friesland, Wetsus, Leeuwarden, 15 June
  31. De Graaf, T., Coelen, R.J., and Menéndez, S. (2018) Closing Panel Discussion at “Leadership in Internationalisation of Higher Education”, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, 13 June
  32. Brandenburg, U., Brajkovic, L., Coelen, R.J., Koponen, E., and Hudson, R. (2018) Putting the pieces together: what do we safely know and where are the gaps? Closing Panel at “The impact of internationalisation”, ACA, Brussels, 11 June
  33. Egron-Polak, E., Coelen, R.J., Brajkovic, L., and Casals Sala, M. (2018) Setting the scene: impact, internationalisation, assessment. Opening Panel at “The impact of internationalisation”, ACA, Brussels, 11 June
  34. Coelen, R.J. (2018) Basic education reform, East China Normal University, 1 June
  35. Coelen, R.J. (2018) Innovations in Education in OECD countries, East China Normal University, 30 May
  36. Coelen, R.J. (2018) Development of Education in OECD countries, East China Normal University, International Forum on Rural Education, 20 April (keynote address)
  37. Coelen, R.J. & Price, C. (2018) Maximising your student recruitment effort through agents and networks, a workshop, EAIE, Prague, 17-18 April
  38. Coelen, R.J. (2017) The Future of Internationalisation of Higher Education, MCI Management Centre, Innsbruck, Austria, 28 November
  39. Coelen, R.J. (2017) Wat is zo moeilijk aan internationalisering? Erasmus Hogeschool, Brussel, 20 November
  40. Coelen, R.J. (2017) From Confucian heritage Culture teaching to student-centred higher education – what are the issues? Tongji University, Shanghai, China, Masterclass, 19 October
  41. Coelen, R.J., Walenkamp, J., Beelen, J., Pluymakers, M., and Klienbannink, L. (2017) Staff Development in Internationalisation of Higher Education Conference 20-21 September 2017 (Conference Co-organiser)
  42. Coelen, R.J. (2017) From Transmission to Construction – The quest for more innovative and inventive graduates. Meeting of Heads of Departments, Tongji University, 11 July, Shanghai (Invited Speaker)
  43. Coelen, R.J. (2017) Internationalisation of Education – The quest for global citizens. Conference of Physics Teachers and Academics - Curriculum Development, 9 July, Shanghai (Keynote Speaker)
  44. Coelen, R.J. (2017) Student-gecentreerd Onderwijs. Landelijke O & O Bijeenkomst, 16 juni, Utrecht (Keynote Speaker)
  45. Coelen, R.J. (2017) Internationaal is het nieuwe normaal. HO-Link Congres, 15 juni, Noordwijk (Invited Speaker)
  46. Coelen, R.J. (2017) Hoe kan internationalisering de kwaliteit van het onderwijs verbeteren? NVAO Bijeenkomst, 12 mei, Brussel (Keynote Speaker)
  47. Coelen, R.J. and Kreiner, H. (2017) Partnerships and Networks: Consortia and Recruitment Agents in Student Recruitment. Workshop at the EAIE Academy, Marseille, 26-28 April
  48. Coelen, R.J. (2017) Leerresultaten zijn student-gecentreerd. NVAO Congres, 23 februari, Rotterdam (Invited speaker)
  49. Coelen, R.J. (2016) Virtual Collaboration Across Cultures. Conference Virtual Collaboration across Cultures in Higher Education. Beezr, 28 November, Amsterdam (Keynote Speaker)
  50. Coelen, R.J. (2016) Internationalisation of Higher Education – A quality impulse for TU9. TU9 Internationalisation Quality Seminar, RWTH Aachen, Germany, 14 November (Invited Speaker)
  51. Coelen, R.J. (2016) Case studies of Transnational Education. OBHE Conference on Transnational Education, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 10 November (Session Chair)
  52. Coelen, R.J. (2016) Internationalisation of Higher Education, A response to globalisation. SKVC Conference, Vilnius, Lithuania, 3 November (Keynote Speaker)
  53. Coelen, R.J. (2016) New Trends in IoHE: A European and Global Perspective. Tongji University 3rd Seminar on IoHE, Shanghai, China, 19 October (Invited Speaker)
  54. Coelen, R.J. (2016) Crises in International Education – What is international about it? ACA Seminar on Crises in International Education, Brussels, 13 October (Keynote Speaker)
  55. Coelen, R.J. (2016) Internationalisation of Higher Education, Why? Workshop at the Opening of the Academic Year for Van Hall Larenstein UAS, Velp, 25 August (Invited Workshop Presenter)
  56. Coelen, R.J. (2016) International Mindedness. Guest lecture to staff of AFNorth International School, Brunssum, 6 May (Keynote Speaker)
  57. Price, C., and Coelen, R.J. (2016) Partnerships and Networks: Consortia and Recruitment Agents in Student Recruitment. Workshop at the EAIE Academy, Bucharest, 21-22 April
  58. Coelen, R.J. and Gulik, van, P. (2016) Proposed Learning Outcomes for the IBMS program. National IBL 2-day conference, Rotterdam, 10 March (Invited Speaker)
  59. Coelen, R.J. (2016) The hidden competences of international student mobility. International Blended Learning Conference, Landstede Onderwijs Groep, Raalte, 16 February (Keynote Speaker)
  60. Coelen, R.J. (2016) Why internationalise pre-tertiary education? Conference Stichting International Onderwijs, The Hague, 3 February (Workshop Presenter)
  61. Coelen, R.J. (2016) Wat is het belang van interculturele competenties voor het onderwijs van de toekomst? Gastcollege Master’s Degree Special Educational Needs (SEN), Hogeschool van Utrecht, 6 januari (Guest Lecturer)
  62. Coelen, R.J. (2015) The Future of Internationalisation of Higher Education in Hotel Management, Professional Seminar, Stenden Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand, 26 November (Keynote Speaker)
  63. Coelen, R.J. (2015) Why is international student housing crucial? Kences Expert meeting, 20 November, Wageningen (Keynote Speaker)
  64. Lauridsen, K., Coelen, R.J., and Haines, K. (2015) Dutch-Flemish Best Practice in Internationalisation Conference, 19 November, University of Groningen (Panel Member)
  65. Coelen, R.J. (2015) The importance of Internationalisation of secondary education. Erasmus+ Conference, Madrid, 18 November (Keynote Speaker)
  66. Coelen, R.J. (2015) Why Internationalise Higher Education? Excellence Day, Saxion UAS, 16 November, Enschede (Keynote Speaker)
  67. Coelen, R.J. (2015) Imperatives for Internationalisation of Education. International Day, 5 November, The Hague University of Applied Sciences (Workshop Presenter)
  68. Coelen, R.J. (2015) Plenary Closing Session, Class of 2020 Conference, 4 November, Amsterdam (Panel Member)
  69. Coelen, R.J. (2015) Internationalization of Higher Education Forum (TJ-IHE Forum), Tongji University, 21 October, Shanghai, China (Keynote Speaker)
  70. Gariglio, M.I., Didkovskaia, M., Coelen, R.J., Carrier, M, Searle, A. (2015) English Medium Instruction: case-studies of opportunity and challenge. Going Global Conference, British Council, 2 June, London (Invited Speaker)
  71. Coelen, R.J., Gore, T., Howard, L., Kopelman, P. and Van-Cauer, K. (2015) Europe: Internationalisation, Culture, Competition. Going Global Conference, British Council, 2 June, London (Invited Speaker)
  72. Coelen, R.J. (2015) Internationalisation of Higher Education, Why? HIB Studiemiddag, Vereniging van Hogescholen, Amsterdam UAS, 4 June (Keynote Speaker)
  73. Coelen, R.J. (2015) Opening Keynote Lecture, SIETAR Nederland, Jaarcongres, 12 June, Utrecht (Keynote Speaker)
  74. Coelen, R.J. (2015) The Use of Agents in the Recruitment of International Students. ACA Annual Congress, 14-16 June, Brussels (Invited Speaker)
  75. Coelen, R.J., Hunter, F., and De Wit, H (2015) The Future of Internationalisation of Higher Education in Europe. EAIE Conference Session, 15-18 September, Glasgow (Speaker)
  76. Coelen, R.J., Saarinen, M., Ripmeester, N (2015) Do employers know what is on offer? EAIE Conference Session, 15-18 September, Glasgow (Session Chair)
  77. Loon, I., Milne, D., Jooste, N., Coelen, R.J., and Archer, W. (2015) 10 Years of the global student experience. EAIE Conference Session, 15-18 September, Glasgow (Session Chair)
  78. Coelen, R.J. (2015) Internationalisering van het onderwijs. Schooldecanendag, Nijenrode Universiteit, Breukelen, 26 March (Keynote Speaker)
  79. Coelen, R.J. (2015) Learning Outcomes, not just an Academic Exercise. Seminar Program Centre for Higher Education Internationalisation (CHEI), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, 18-21 March (Invited Speaker)
  80. Coelen, R.J., Dermout, M. (2015) Internationalisering: de keten van voortgezet onderwijs naar de werkplek; interculturele competenties en de doorlopende leerlijn. Workshop, EPNuffic Jaarcongres, 12 March (Workshop Chair)
  81. Coelen, R.J. (2015) Internationalisation of Higher Education, impact on Employability. At Stenden UAS and EPNuffic Workshop, Utrecht, 11 February (Workshop Chair)
  82. Coelen, R.J., Proctor, D., Gengatharan, V., and Kouwenaar, K. (2014) Waking the Giant: The role of academics in the next wave of internationalisation. EAIE Annual Conference, 16-19 September (Chair)
  83. Choudaha, R. (Chair), Sebastian, E., Healey, N., Coelen, R.J. (2014) Transnational education strategies: what works, what doesn’t? EAIE Annual Conference, 16-19 September (Invited Speaker)
  84. Choudaha, R., Coelen, R.J., Sohmen-Pai, D, Dunnett, S.C. (2014) Global Engagement Strategies: What works and what doesn’t? Presentation at APAIE Conference, Seoul, 19 March (Invited Speaker)
  85. Pol, P., Coelen, R.J., Hoffmann, R., Yudkevich, M., Meng, L. (2014) The Geopolitics of global higher education. ACA Annual Conference, Bordeaux, 15-17 June (Invited Panelist)
  86. Coelen, R.J., and Godbert, A. (2014) The Gulf Education Hubs. ACA Annual Conference, Bordeaux, 15-17 June (Invited Speaker)
  87. Sterken, E. and Coelen, R.J. (2014) A Public Analysis of the Internationalisation Strategy of the University of Groningen. NUFFIC Annual Congress, Utrecht, 11 March (Invited Speaker)
  88. Coelen, R.J. (2014) Internationalisation of Education. TTO Landelijk netwerk voor twee-talig onderwijs en Europees Platform Tweedaagse Netwerkvergadering, 14-15 March, Zeist (Keynote Speaker)
  89. Assefa, M. and Coelen, R.J. (2014) Conference Wrap-up at Symposium on Global and Local Internationalisation, Amsterdam, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, 26 June (Invited Speaker)

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Available for keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, and advisory sessions on internationalisation of higher education.

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