International Experience
Candidates enrolled in the DBA-HELM take part in a high-impact International Experience at our partner institution, Boston College, and its Lynch School of Education and Human Development.
Through a prestigious partnership with Boston College’s Executive Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Higher Education, candidates benefit from the expertise of the globally renowned Center for International Higher Education (CIHE). This residency is a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between European and North American perspectives on institutional management.
Programme Highlights
- Research Immersion: During the one-week residential in Boston, candidates engage in intensive research workshops at a center globally recognized for its influence on HE policy and practice.
- Transatlantic Peer Exchange: Join seminars and networking events with students from the Boston College Ed.D. programme. This “consultancy-style” environment allows peers to compare global educational systems and solve real-world institutional challenges together.
- Institutional Discovery: Engage in field trips and visits to world-class universities in the Boston area, gaining first-hand insight into one of the world’s most vibrant educational hubs.
Residency Logistics
- Timing: The residency takes place in the third year of the programme, consistently scheduled for mid-July.
- Requirements: Participation is mandatory.
- Certification: Candidates receive an official certificate from Boston College for their participation in this specialized residency.
- Costs: Travel and Accommodations fees as well as travel and visa costs are the responsibility of the candidate.
Impact on the Thesis
This final-year residency serves as a vital catalyst for the research journey. It provides a unique “laboratory” setting where candidates can refine their research findings, receive feedback from international experts, and prepare for the final stages of their doctoral dissertation.



