The document summarizes the itinerary and experiences of a group of 26 PhD and master's students, faculty, and administrators from 9 U.S. universities who participated in a two-week international leadership academy in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. The group visited universities and organizations, learned about the European higher education system and policies, and experienced the culture and sights of Brussels, Bruges, Leuven, Paris, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam. They engaged in discussions on topics like the Bologna Process, qualifications frameworks, partnerships between institutions, and innovations in teaching. The trip provided opportunities for professional exchange as well as cultural immersion.

1. ISLA: International Summer
Leadership Academy

2. The U.S. Group: 26 PhD and master’s
students, faculty, and administrators from:
University of Toledo
Ohio Northern University
Ohio Christian University
Case Western Reserve University
Tiffin University
Ohio State University
Sienna Heights University
Adrian College
Portland Community College

3. Leaving for…

4. Belgium
Sharing special
moments
in Bruges,
Brussels, and
Leuven
France
Enjoying
the beauty
and sights
of Paris!
The Netherlands
Experiencing
Amsterdam,
The Hague, and
Rotterdam!

5. Travel Itinerary
Saturday, June 13 - Arrival in Brussels, Belgium
Sunday, June 14 - City of Bruges, Belgium
Monday, June 15 - EU Association & Mini-Europe in Brussels, Belgium
Tuesday, June 16 - University of Applied Sciences in Leuven, Belgium
Wednesday, June 17 - European Commission and departure to Paris, France
Thursday, June 18 - The Association of IUT Directors (French Institutes of Technology)
Friday, June 19 - The Association for Catholic Institutions in France & tour of the Sorbonne
Saturday, June 20 - A day around Paris, France
Sunday, June 21 - A day around Paris, France
Monday, June 22 - University of Applied Sciences of The Hague and Ministry of Education
Tuesday, June 23 - University of Applied Science of Rotterdam & Erasmus University
Wednesday, June 24 - A day around Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Thursday, June 25 - International Seminar at Hogeschool van Amsterdam
Friday, June 26 - International Seminar at Hogeschool van Amsterdam & closing dinner
Saturday, June 27 - Departure to U.S.A

6. Bruges, Belgium
Sunday, June 14, 2015
We spent our first day of the trip in the beautiful ancient city of Bruges,
which was an hour’s train ride from Brussels. Bruges is the largest city of
the province of West Flanders, Belgium. It is known as the Venice of the
North.

7. We walked the narrow cobbled streets
of Bruges, visited the Church of Our
Lady where we saw Michelangelo’s
beautiful Madonna and Child
sculpture, ate lunch at the Market, and
finished the day with a canal tour.

8. Monday, June15, 2015
Brussels, Belgium

9. Morning with Associations of the European Union:
EURASHE, VLHORA, and VLIR
Johan Cloet, Marko Grdosic, and Marc Vandewalle told
us about the Bologna Process, the use of competencies in
higher education, the qualifications frameworks,
the push to recognize prior learning, and so
much more. Higher education in Belgium and
its three communities was also a take away.

10. Afternoon at the Atomium and Mini Europe

11. Belgium has the best chocolate! Is that an ice
cream truck outside? Guess again its a
Belgium Waffle Truck with an endless
choice of toppings! Rocky even had some
pastries at the Boulangerie.

13. Leuven, Belgium
Tuesday, June 16, 2015

14. Late morning in break-out sessions
in small groups with staff members
and administrators of the UCLL.
Discussions included recruitment,
admission and study guidance,
higher education management
models in Flanders, and HBO5
(Level 5).

15. After a delicious lunch, the group
departed for the Katholik University
of Leuven and a meeting with
Professor Eddy Van Avermaet who
discussed the research university in
Flanders, the differences between
academic and professional degrees,
and the future of Bologna.
After meeting with Prof. Van Avermaet, the group had the
opportunity to meet Toon Martens, Chairman of the Board of the
UCLL. He presented on managing a university college.

16. After our visit with KU Leuven
administrators, the group was
given a personalized tour of the
beautiful city of Leuven with
stops at Pauscollege (Popes
College) a dormitory for all
boys and Universiteitshal of
KU Leuven.
We also visited the The Kangxi-Verbiest globe, which is located at
Atrechtcollege (Arras College) of KU Leuven.

17. Enjoyed an evening
in downtown
Leuven with its
beautiful Town Hall
in the city's Grote
Markt (Main
Market).

18. We ended the day with an elegant three-course
dinner at The Faculty Club of KU, which is a
unique conference and banqueting center. It
welcomes its guests to a breathtaking historic
setting within the Beguinage's Infirmary of The
Groot Begijnhof (currently a University
residence that offers temporary housing to
members of the university community), which
dates back to the 13th century.

19. The European Commission
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
On Wednesday we spent the
morning with the European
Commission in Brussels.

20. Dr. Benedict Robert from France, Unit
Coordinator on Framework, explained Erasmus
Plus, The Bologna Process, and how the European
Commission's involvement works. She also
explained the issues within higher education: aging
society, global competition, slow growth and
unemployment, skills mismatch, and prevention of
radicalization.
Felix Rohn -
Directorate-General
Employment, Social
Affairs & Inclusion,
talks about the top
three priorities in
Erasmus: Learning
Mobility, Cooperation
for Innovation and
Best Practices, and
Support for Policy
Reform.
Jan Varchola
presents on
Vocational
Education Training
for adults and how
the model works

21. To Paris on the Thalis fast train
Wednesday June 17, 2015

22. We spent the day at the Association des
Directeurs dIUT (ADIUT). We were welcomed
by Prof Stéphane Lauwick, Vice-President
(International Affairs) ADIUT. Prof. Jean-Luc
Nahel of the French Universities Rectors
Conference offered a brief panorama of French
higher education. After enjoying the spread of
delicious finger food on the premises we listened
to Prof Nada Afiouni on the perspective of the
unions (SNESUP).
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Paris, France

23. An early morning walk took us to
The Association for Catholic
Institutions in France where Sylvie
Bonichon discussed the diversity in
the French higher education
landscape, the Catholic universities,
and the national register.

24. In search for lunch at noon, we
found ourselves wandering the
streets of Paris around the
Pantheon and the Sorbonne.
Eating outside was wonderful.

25. After lunch we regrouped for a guided visit of Sorbonne
University’s charming terrain. The tour began in the Grand
Hall and proceeded through the Galleries, Peristyle, Grand
Amphitheatre, and Salle Des Autorites.

29. The group returned to The Association for Catholic
Institutions for a presentation from Yves Rueelan about
RenaSup, a non-profit making association of Catholic Lycees
preparing diplomas of higher education in high schools.

30. We had the opportunity to explore Paris and all
that the city had to offer. We visited the beautiful
Notre Dame Cathedral, The Louvre,
Luxembourg Gardens, The Avenue des Champs-
Élysées, the Eiffel Tower, and so much more!
A Weekend Around Paris
Saturday and Sunday, June 20-21, 2015

31. D Haag
THE HAGUE
DE HAAGSE HOGESCHOOL
Monday, June 22, 2015
Paris, France

32. We spent the morning at The University of Applied
Sciences of The Hague (Haagse Hogeschool) discussing
issues of research with Pierre Poell, Rutger Kappe, and
Karijn Nijhoff. We learned of a fascinating dissertation
study on matching students at admissions, and of faculty
work conditions and research activities. At the end,
Thomas de Bruijn from the National Accreditation Agency,
NVAO, focused on issues of accreditation in the
Netherlands and Flanders, while Erik Martijnse, Director
of the Department of Higher Education of the Education
Inspectorate, talked about accountability and regulations.

33. We also spent time in the afternoon at
the Dutch Ministry of Education,
Culture and Science, Research, Gender
Equality, and Communications.

35. TOUR OF THE HAUGE

38. Escargot
Filet
Mignon
Shrimp
Eel
Salmon

39. Rotterdam,
The Netherlands
Tuesday, June 23, 2015

40. Erasmus University
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
After a wonderful tour of
Rotterdam, we made our
way to Erasmus
University. We first
stopped at one of the top
floors to take in an
overhead view of the city.
Pictured is a classroom
full of brightly colored
chairs. The arrangement
and specific colors of the
chairs are linked directly
to improved student
learning outcomes. Ann
Deangelo is excited about
our goody bags from
Erasmus!

41. Erasmus University
Our first presentation was given by three
students from Erasmus University. Each one
was eager to share their stories with us. One
was an American, who is now studying for
her master’s degree. The other two were local
students. We were particularly interested in
how their social/education lives differed from
our own students.
Our final presentation of the day at Erasmus
University was on new developments in
education. We learned about problem-based
learning in the classroom. The idea is that all
students will learn by doing, instead of
theoretical learning. This gives them real
world, ‘transferrable’ skills that they can take
to the workplace.

43. We had another opportunity to
explore the sights around Amsterdam,
including the Anne Frank House!

44. The Higher Education Doctoral Students
began day one at the International Seminar
at Hogeschool van Amsterdam. Before group
presentations, Dr. Snejana Durst gave a
summarized presentation on what the group
learned over the two weeks in relation to
American and European Higher Education.
International Seminar
Day 1

45. Our first presentation was by Katherine Betts,
Rachel Crooks, Virginia Speight, and Molly
Watkins on Engaging international students as
a cultural resource. The workshop focused on
ways to capitalize on international students'
knowledge and experiences to enhance
"internationalization at home." The workshop
was based on research and practices from
different institutions in the United States.

46. Next, David Kubacki, Michael Orlando, and
Chad Shepherd discussed supporting at-risk
students with selected best practices for
student persistence with case study
application. The workshop incorporated
research to define specific areas of concern
and best practices to address them. An
interactive case study also illustrated best
practices on different campuses.

47. We enjoyed a lovely dinner
cruise down the many
canals of Amsterdam!

48. The Higher Education PhD students continued with the second day of the International
Seminar at Hogeschool van Amsterdam. Day 2 started with a presentation on the
adaptability and flexibility of higher education in the U.S. and in some European countries
by Hans Daale. Then Rolland van der Pool presented with an interactive workshop to
assess what the American students learned during their time in Europe.

51. Inspirational
Educational
Beautiful
Insightful
Comradery
Intriguing
Respectful
Enlightening
Adventurous
Relaxing
Surprising
Engaging
Tiring
Relentless
Culturally Eye Opening!