On November 28th, the British student mobility community gathered online for the Butex Winter Workshop, with this year’s theme of Peaks and Troughs of the Sector – A platform for sharing experiences of success and challenges to promote best practices. This one-day virtual event brought together Butex members and international partners to discuss key topics, share strategies, and inspire new approaches in global mobility.
With eight sessions covering a diverse range of themes, the event offered participants valuable insights to implement in their work. Below are the highlights:
Strategic internship partnerships in Japan
The day opened with an engaging session on building impactful internship partnerships in Japan. Speakers from CRCC Asia and two of their key Japanese partners, PITTAN and CONNEXX SYSTEMS, shared case studies demonstrating how strategic collaborations can benefit students and local communities alike, while fostering sustainability and professional growth.
Navigating GDPR challenges in global mobility
Rohan McCarthy-Gill, BUTEX Chair and Head of Global Mobility at the University of Sussex, led a popular session on the complexities of GDPR compliance. Rohan showcased a solutions-based approach to ensuring personal student data protection while maintaining global partnerships.
Visa challenges and student engagement
Mid-morning sessions delved into visa issues for mobility programmes, featuring updates from the UUKi OSM Visa Working Group, and strategies for engaging students in international internships. These sessions highlighted best practices, real-world examples, and innovative approaches to keeping students motivated, particularly in the digital age.
Insights from the AGM
The annual general meeting (AGM) provided updates on key developments, including the upcoming NAFSA 2025 conference, the Butex rebrand, and plans for the new website. The meeting underscored Butex’s commitment to supporting its members with improved resources and representation in the sector.
Housing challenges and interactive tools for student research
Afternoon sessions covered finding solutions to housing challenges faced by UK students studying in the US and actionable strategies for institutions to support their students, as well as insights into the MoveON interactive map, a tool that empowers students to research and select their study abroad destinations.
Sustainability in global mobility
The workshop concluded with an inspiring session on sustainability in global mobility, which looked at ways of integrating climate-conscious strategies into mobility programmes and introduced the idea of a UK-wide Climate Action Working Group. This closing session left attendees motivated to embed sustainability into their practices, reflecting the sector’s growing commitment to environmental responsibility.
The Butex Winter Workshop 2024 highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in global mobility. From strategic partnerships to sustainability, the event provided a platform for growth, inspiration, and practical solutions.
Thank you to all who participated, and we look forward to continuing the conversation at future Butex events!
Access the Recordings
For those who couldn’t attend live, recordings and materials have been shared with members. Be sure to revisit these resources to catch up on the rich discussions and actionable strategies presented.
