Researcher Cristina Sin, integrated member of CeiED, participated in the EDULOG 2025 International Conference – International students: a profitable industry or the prevalence of academic and socio-cultural values?, which took place on May 22–23 at the Belmiro de Azevedo Foundation, in Porto.

The event brought together internationally renowned researchers and experts in the field of student mobility and higher education internationalisation to discuss the role of international students in the context of globalised higher education. The conference focused on a key debate: are international students seen primarily as a source of revenue, or as agents of academic, cultural, and social enrichment?

Cristina Sin served on the scientific committee of the event and took part as a speaker in the panel “International Students in Challenging Environments”. Alongside Orlanda Tavares, from the University of Minho, she presented a talk titled “International students in Portugal as a semi-peripheral destination”, offering a critical analysis of Portugal’s positioning as a semi-peripheral host country for international students. Her presentation highlighted the specific challenges in such contexts, particularly regarding institutional support and academic and social integration.

The conference offered a space for reflection on the balance between economic interests and academic values in the attraction and support of international students.

The event was promoted by the Belmiro de Azevedo Foundation through the EDULOG initiative, which aims to contribute to building a high-quality education system.

Cristina Sin’s presentation can be viewed here.