This paper concerns the value of international exchanges at Universities. It carries forward the exploration of a link between international exchanges and the quality of higher education. The method used is based on a description of my own experience as an international departmental co-ordinator and a teacher, discussions with teachers and students who have been on exchange programmes and a critical reflection on the work that has been done at The Department of Business Administration, University of Gävle.

The study showed that teachers´ and students´ exchange creates creativity and curiosity and makes the quality of teaching better by developing knowledge from different perspectives. That means, students/teachers get knowledge i.e. on using other pedagogical methods and languages and in organising and keeping new relations. The exchange develops the social skills of teachers and students and the understanding between people from different societies. To summarize, international exchange legitimises the study programs offered in different places to the international scientific society. Teachers and students gain self-confidence on developing networks and being international citizens. For this reason, it is particularly important to consider the importance of international exchange programmes and thus create creative conditions for successful and sustainable development of higher education.