KEDGE at the heart of international education: meetings and partnerships in Canada

09/12/2025
At the beginning of November 2025, KEDGE’s International Development team travelled to Canada, marking a significant step in the school’s international strategy: engaging with North American partners, exploring new avenues for cooperation, and participating in the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE/BCEI) Congress, held in Québec from 2 to 5 November.

Meeting with a long-standing partner: HEC Montreal

The visit to HEC Montréal was the first stage of the mission. Geneviève Benoît, programme manager for thirty years at the institution, welcomed the team for in-depth discussions on the university’s academic organisation and student mobility practices. The meeting provided an opportunity to explore the design of future bilateral programmes and to ensure a high-quality exchange experience for students from both institutions.

CBIE 2025 congress in Québec: shaping international education in times of uncertainty

The CBIE 2025 Congress, held from 2 to 5 November, focused on the theme “Looking Ahead: Evolving International Education in Times of Uncertainty.” The event brought together policymakers, experts, and practitioners to discuss how international education can adapt to global challenges. With over 1,300 participants, the Congress offered a privileged space for networking and exchange.

Key objectives of the congress

Discussions across panels, workshops, and conferences highlighted several major priorities:

  • Strengthening international cooperation through adaptive internationalisation strategies.
  • Innovating in student mobility, teaching approaches, and collaborative research.
  • Sharing best practices in student services, migration policies, and talent development.
  • Creating new training and networking opportunities to foster institutional connections.
  • Promoting inclusive and resilient education capable of supporting technological transformations, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence.

Notable Speakers

  • Charles-Olivier Michaud, filmmaker and opening speaker, inspired participants with reflections on human transformation, identity, and culture, topics closely linked to internationalisation.
  • Dr Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, delivered the closing address emphasising innovation in higher education, the importance of empathy in teaching, and the preparation of students to engage responsibly with artificial intelligence.

The Congress also provided a platform for discussions with ten Canadian institutions and four Asian universities, paving the way for new academic partnerships.


This mission to Canada aligns with KEDGE’s ongoing international strategy: expanding and enriching the opportunities available to students while supporting the evolution of their academic journeys. It also marks the beginning of new initiatives and partnerships, enabling KEDGE to continue innovating in the internationalisation of its programmes and preparing students for the global challenges of tomorrow.