Study visit to Canada
Strengthening ties with affiliate members of EURASHE
12-16
Apr 2027
Toronto and Calgary | Face-to-face
In her 2026 State of the Union speech, Ursula von der Leyen announced that Canada will become the first associate member of the EU, strengthening an already existing collaboration at a much deeper level.
Though the exact meaning of ‘associate membership’ is not yet clear, EURASHE already holds strong ties with Canada through our two affiliate members: Humber Polytechnic, located in Toronto (Ontario), and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), based in Calgary (Alberta).
Within this context, EURASHE is happy to invite all the membership to an exciting and unique opportunity in spring 2027: a study visit to Canada to strengthen ties with these institutions.
Participation is reserved for EURASHE members only.
Objectives of the visit
The Canadian Polytechnics are great peers for EURASHE members and are looking for partners in Europe. Participants who join the trip will learn about how the Polytechnics operate, the Canadian higher education system, inspiring stories, and visit some iconic landmarks.
By joining this trip, you will:
- Establish strategic partnerships by exploring concrete collaboration opportunities with Canadian institutions.
- Be inspired: learn how other applied HEIs operate outside of Europe and go back home with new ideas for your own institution.
- Expand your network beyond the institutional setting, through building meaningful relationships with other higher education professionals in an informal environment.
We are planning to gather a group of 10-20 people, chaperoned by one or two members of the EURASHE Secretariat depending on the number of participants.
Who should join
This trip is meant for Rectors/Presidents, Vice-Rectors/Vice-Presidents, Partnership Managers and leaders from applied higher education institutions who are looking to build strategic collaborations with their Canadian equivalents. Participation in the trip is reserved for EURASHE members only.
Programme
| 11.04 | Arrival in Toronto |
| 12.04 |
Visit to Humber Polytechnic Networking lunch with other Ontario polytechnics and local policymakers |
| 13.04 | Day trip to Niagara Falls |
| 14.04 | Fly to Calgary |
| 15.04 |
Visit to SAIT Networking lunch with other Alberta polytechnics and local policymakers |
| 16.04 | Day trip to Lake Louise |
| 17.04 | Departures |
Cost estimate
Total: € 2.500
- Air travel: €1000 depending on flights
- Accommodation: €130/night for 6 nights = €780
- Subsistence and other expenses: €75/day for 6 days = €450
- Local travel contribution: €45/day for 6 days = €270
Accommodation and transport
The trip is entirely self-paid. EURASHE will help with finding accommodation and transport for the entire group, with the help of our Canadian partners. This means that interested participants will receive information on which hotel to book on which date(s) and then make the reservation on their own.
Busses will be arranged for the day trips at Niagara Falls and Lake Louise as well as daily transfers to/from the hotel. For this, participants will be expected to pay a travel contribution beforehand (€270 per person) to EURASHE. This payment will also serve as confirmation that you are taking part in the study visit.
Important dates
- 1st October 2026: registrations open, participants express their interest
- 16 November 2026, 13:00 CET: online info session [register here]
- Nov-Dec 2026: interested participants confirm their participation
- 15 January 2027: list of participants finalised, begin travel arrangements
Contact
Should you have any questions about the trip, please contact events@eurashe.eu