Faculty of Tourism Organised an International Conference on the Future of Student Mobility
On 20 May 2026, the international conference REX Conference 2026: Rethinking Student Mobility in Higher Education took place at the University of Maribor. The conference was organised by the Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor, within the framework of the Erasmus+ REX project.
The event brought together more than 100 participants from various countries and institutions, offering a space for discussion on the future of student mobility in higher education. The conference focused on innovative approaches to learning, international cooperation, and the integration of digital technologies such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence and other tools of digital transformation.
The conference was opened by Assist. Prof. Dr. Marjetka Rangus, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor. The keynote lecture was delivered by Dr. Charles Mansfield, who presented valuable insights into the future of higher education and international mobility.
The conference also presented the results and activities of the REX project. Project-related content was introduced by the partners: Dr. Vita Petek and Dr. Jasna Potočnik Topler from the University of Maribor, Dr. Erdem Erten and Dr. Kivanc Kilinc from İzmir Institute of Technology, Justine Cauvas from the University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Halvard Ones from Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, and Ida Velthoven from the European University Foundation.
The programme included four panel sessions addressing virtual reality in education, reflective learning, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and the future of learning and mobility. Contributions were presented by Miguel Mira, Tjaša Alegro, Kamran Khan, Mihaela Franjić, Fidha Moothedath, Dr. Valentina Jošt Lešer, Matteo Zaralli and Filomena Vignjevikj.
The conference provided an excellent opportunity for knowledge exchange, sharing good practices, networking, and strengthening international cooperation among higher education institutions and other stakeholders.
We sincerely thank all speakers, partners, participants, organisers and supporters who contributed to the successful implementation of REX Conference 2026.
