Fresh from the energy and excitement of ICEF Berlin, a group of international education professionals swapped meeting rooms for mountain roads, setting off together on an unforgettable cycling challenge to Santiago de Compostela. What followed was a two-day journey of endurance, camaraderie, and unwavering determination—an experience that captured the spirit of our industry at its very best.
Representing three organisations, David from FrenchXpert, Agustin and Alejandro from Expanish, Pablo from Estudio Sampere, and a close friend embarked on the 200-kilometre ride, conquering an extraordinary 3,350 metres of elevation along the way. The route demanded grit, resilience, and teamwork, but also rewarded the group with breathtaking landscapes, shared laughter, and a renewed sense of purpose.
ICEF Berlin is always a highlight—an opportunity for global partners to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships, and explore new opportunities. Yet for this group, the event became the unlikely prelude to an adventure that pushed them beyond their comfort zones and brought them closer together in ways no conference hall ever could.
Cycling towards the historic pilgrimage destination of Santiago de Compostela, the team faced steep climbs, shifting weather, and the natural fatigue that comes with long hours on the road. Each kilometre became a reminder of perseverance, both in personal achievement and in the collective mission of our industry: creating pathways, opening doors, and moving forward—often uphill, but always together.
Although the challenge was physically demanding, the real triumph was the shared experience. International education unites people across borders, and this ride became a powerful symbol of the connections nurtured within the sector. Conversations flowed as freely as the kilometres passed—about students, programmes, leadership, and the future of global mobility.
The ride was also a testament to the humanity behind our professional roles. Away from laptops and schedules, the team rediscovered the value of simple companionship, mutual support, and the joy of accomplishing something extraordinary together.
Arriving in Santiago marked more than the end of a cycling route; it was a moment of reflection and pride. The group celebrated not only the physical achievement but the shared message it carried—that collaboration can take us further, that resilience defines our growth, and that the connections made in this industry can become lifelong friendships.
As they settle back into their day-to-day responsibilities with sore legs and happy hearts, this journey stands as a reminder of what we can achieve when we move together with purpose. The ride to Santiago was an adventure, a challenge, and most of all, a celebration of the people who make our industry stronger.
2026 SchoolsandAgents (C) - Developed by Websuccess