18 September 2026, Katja Saxer (PHBern) und Caroline Sahli Lozano (PHBern)
PHBern’s cross-institute delegation is still in Switzerland. And yet the journey has already begun–not on the map, but in the minds of its participants, with many questions and a generous dose of curiosity packed for the trip:
How can a higher education institution make its cultures, structures, and practices sustainably inclusive? What conditions enable equitable participation? How can international experience open up new perspectives for higher education development in Switzerland and at PHBern?
These questions are taking the delegation to Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE) and Inclusion Alberta. Inclusive cultures, structures, and practices have evolved at CUE over several decades. The university has also worked with organizations such as Inclusion Alberta for many years to create inclusive educational pathways and support graduates as they transition into employment.
However, concepts on paper tell only part of the story. How inclusion is practiced in everyday university life becomes visible through personal encounters, daily routines, and collaboration between the people and organizations involved. The study visit will provide an opportunity to experience this practice firsthand and understand it more deeply through direct exchange.
The study visit is part of the Movetia-funded exchange and cooperation project “Inclusive Higher Education: Global Perspectives and Cooperations”. The exchange will not end when the delegation returns to Switzerland.
On March 12, 2027, PHBern will host a conference on inclusive higher education development, with experts from Canada also taking part.
The Insights will follow the study visit from the final preparations in Switzerland and the encounters in Edmonton through to the return journey and the next meeting with the Canadian experts in Bern. Short posts will highlight key experiences from each day and introduce selected approaches, programs, and structures in higher education. They will also explore which ideas may be particularly relevant to the Swiss higher education context and PHBern.
Anyone expecting a dry travel log may be surprised. The posts will also make room for unexpected observations, open questions, personal impressions, and experiences beyond the official program.
There is still plenty of room in the luggage for new insights. Inspiring conversations, fresh perspectives, and probably a few surprises lie ahead. The Insights invite you to follow the journey.