The International Open University Vice Chancellor, Professor Makie Taal, participated in an Open European University (OpenEU) Study Visit at the Universidade Aberta (UAb) in Lisbon, Portugal, held during October 20-21, 2026, as part of the collaboration between UAb, the OpenEU, and the International Association of Universities (IAU).

The objective of the visit was to learn firsthand about the educational model of Universidade Aberta, Portugal’s only public university dedicated exclusively to distance learning, as well as its practices and solutions in pedagogical innovation, digital transformation, lifelong learning, and internationalization.

The diverse participation encouraged intercultural exchange and strengthened cooperative ties between institutions from various geographical contexts. The visit reinforced IOU’s dedication to global collaboration and the creation of a more inclusive, adaptable, and accessible higher education system. This engagement further supports the ongoing global dialogue on the future of lifelong learning and digital education.