THE ambassador of European Union on Saturday called on Filipinos to study in Europe to expand their horizons and academic endeavors.
EU ambassador Franz Jessen encouraged Filipinos planning graduate studies to consider colleges and universities from 10 European countries represented in the ongoing European Higher Education Fair at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City
“EHEF will pave the way for Filipino students to experience these diversified and high quality programmes,” Jessen explained during a press conference as the EU formally opened the European Higher Education Fair at Fairmont Hotel this week.
“EHEF is not just a gateway between students and the universities but a means to strengthen higher education collaboration between the EU and the Philippines,” he added.
In an interview, one of the more than 300 scholars of Erasmus, Hans Kevin Madanguit said Filipinos excel when studying or working abroad.
Madanguit who got a scholarship studied in France, said that it is good to make the youth be aware of such opportunities like this to enhance further their skills.
“Filipinos are competitive among other foreign students,” Madanguit said. “Even my professor asked me are you going to stay in Europe? I will hire you.”
He SAID Filipinos always stand out when being mixed or interacted with other foreign students.
“It’s good if Filipinos should start applying in this kind of programs and opportunities so they may realized that being a Filipino is something to be proud of,” he added. “Whatever mistake you make, you are always carrying the Philippine flag. To tell you honestly, we are up there.”
Jessen said EU universities offer a multitude of academic programs and degrees, supported by their strong emphasis on cutting edge innovation, are ideal for Filipinos wanting to undertake their academic endeavors.
Ambassadors from Poland, Spain, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Belgium, France, Denmark, The Netherlands and United Kingdom briefed reporters on what courses they cater to entice interested brilliant students.
Among the courses offered by participating EU members are ecology, agriculture, human resource development, international studies, engineering, journalism, film making, food technology, trade and commerce, agrarian studies, water management, economics, and science and technology, among others.
Jessen pointed out that studying in the EU is now more attainable than ever before, with various study opportunities.
Juan Roberto Regino,who graduated with a masters degree in Business Administration from the Universidad Catolica San Antonio de Murcia in Spain, younger people and students are more inclined to further their education due to the growing competitiveness of various industries.
“With the growing demands of globalization, millennials won’t just settle for an undergraduate degree. An EU education will give you that edge. The high quality of education that EU schools provide will make you a leader in your field or profession, and EHEF is the gateway to that,” Regino said.
There are many avenues to an education in the EU, Commission on Higher Education Director III for International Affairs lawyer Lily Milla added.
“CHED is working hand in hand with the EU in presenting various options available for Filipino students, especially in terms of financing,” Milla said.
“That’s the beauty of EU schools – if you search diligently enough, you’ll be able to find a school that fits your aspirations and capacity.” Milla pointed out.
EU officials reminded that admission to EHEF is free.
