From 9 to 10 October 2025, the first EPiC TLC (EPICUR Centre for International Teaching and Learning) Network Roundtable brought together directors and senior representatives from the teaching support units of all nine EPICUR partner institutions. Hosted by the University of Freiburg, the two-day meeting was designed as both a strategic retreat and a co-creation lab, providing an opportunity for in-depth discussion, strategic reflection and concrete planning for the future of international teaching support within EPICUR.
A workshop to strengthen international teaching collaboration
As EPICUR transitions from a project phase to a sustainable partnership, the roundtable responded directly addressed a key recommendation from the EPICUR Midterm Report, which was to clarify the synergies and added value of alliance-level teaching and learning support. The aim was to strengthen collaboration across local TLCs (Teaching and Learning Centres) and shape a lasting, shared support ecosystem for international teaching.
Identifying priorities through collaborative activities
Participants worked through a variety of structured sessions and creative formats such as a design lab involving idea pitching, and vision-building activities. Together, they mapped existing institutional practices, identified common challenges and prioritised five areas for advancement of the EPiC TLC platform. The meeting also hosted the first in-person discussion of a potential EPICUR International Teaching Competence Programme. Feedback was gathered throughout the process to inform recommendations regarding evaluation and long-term sustainability.
Top-rated priority: developping an EPICUR International Teaching Competence Programme
There was a clear commitment to continued, alliance-wide collaboration in teaching support, with high engagement from all participants. The top-rated priorities emerging from the group included:
The joint development of an EPICUR International Teaching Competence Programme
The establishment of long-term governance and structures for the EPiC TLC
Curriculum and learning design support for joint international courses and programmes
The group also recognised that the roundtable format could form the basis of a future governance model for the EPiC TLC. Finally, there was momentum for growth, including the potential to increase platform membership after the roundtable.
An event that resonates beyond EPICUR
Participants emphasised the value of personal exchange, mutual inspiration, and shared responsibility.
“It was an extremely productive meeting, where we discussed and exchanged ideas and practices, and planned future actions together, with an emphasis on the sustainability of TLCs.” (participant, anonymous)
The event’s impact also resonated beyond EPICUR as well. Laurent Boetsch, Executive Director of ECOLAS (European Consortium of Liberal Arts and Sciences), noted:
“This represents marvellous progress for one of EPICUR’s most important projects. Congratulations!”
Building on this momentum
Building on this momentum, the EPiC TLC will establish working groups to promote the key priorities, refine the concept for the International Teaching Competence Programme and propose long-term governance arrangements for the platform.
The EPiC TLC team would like to thank all contributors for their commitment and looks forward to continuing this important work together.
Photo credits: Lisa Wollenweber, Melitta Adam & Nele Koehler