Go Abroad Fair

In September 2015, the United Nations launched the 2030 Agenda. All 193 UN member states endorsed this global Agenda of 17 global goals (called the Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs) for the period 2015-2030. The SDGs provide an ambitious framework to end poverty, inequality, injustice and climate change.
During this workshop, we will take a closer look at the 17 SDGs. How did they come about? Where are they leading the world? How do they relate to each other? What is the state of play now in 2024: are we on track to achieve the goals by 2030? How are Belgium and Flanders doing? What can we do to do our own part? What lessons can we draw for the future?

Stijn Dhert is a teacher trainer and researcher at KU Leuven and Hogeschool UCLL. He supports educational organisations in change processes, with a focus on the SDGs. Stijn is an advisory member of the Flemish Unesco Commission for the Education Domain and he is national coordinator of the Flemish Unesco Schools Network (ASPnet).

The European initiative ‘Erasmus+’ is one of the best-known policies of the European Union. As a society we value the opportunity our students get to discover the world. In this session I would like to challenge you to evaluate this learning ‘opportunity’. 

Why is our society and are our students so thrilled for an adventure abroad? Why is there such a long application procedure, with limited spots? Why do we fund this kind of initiatives? Which intentions does the programme have? And when can we consider this initiative as ‘successful’?  

Drawing on insights from Hannah Arendt, Emmanuel Levinas and Byung-Chul Han on the core activities of human interaction, I will challenge common misunderstandings about the Erasmus-programme. One would be the idea that students should go abroad to change or ‘fix’ problems. Another one is of course the idea that an exchange programme is all about free holidays. 

I will argue that the core idea of an exchange is the encounter with new people, thoughts and customs which will – given their differences - give you insight in your own ideas and acts.  

Once you have gotten these whole new and maybe touching experiences, you will have to ask yourself the following questions: will I take these lessons learned into account, or just leave them for the time being? Which actions and perspectives from my own world could or should I introduce into the encounter? How will these experiences influence my decisions and acting as a professional later? 

By the end of the session, you will be prepared to go abroad with a critical stance as we will explore these questions together. You will also get a hands-on reflection model (DEAL) in your suitcase.  

Aaron Soens is a philosopher. He is head of innovation and quality assurance at Odisee, and teaches ethics to students in occupational therapy.  

This walk explores the streets and alleys of the 'Quartier Africain de Bruxelles' and the Chaussée d'Ixelles in particular. As a former colonial district, Matongé is home to a number of buildings that served administrations and other activities linked to the management of the colony. 

Bamko asbl offers decolonial guided tours crafted by feminist, ecological, and anti-racist activists with keen critical insight. Over 1.5 hours, you will gain a deep appreciation for analyses of colonial history and its ongoing impact.