65 Erasmus+ Filipino scholars to pursue higher learning in EU

IN the coming weeks, 65 Filipino students will pursue their academic dreams in several countries of the European Union (EU) after obtaining scholarships under the Erasmus+ program.

The bloc’s mobility and scholarship program, Erasmus+ allows students to pursue Masters and PHD studies in more than one EU member-state. It gives them the opportunity to benefit from the academic expertise and cultures of various universities.

EU Ambassador Luc Véron said the Philippines has consistently ranked among the Top 10 countries that have the highest number of Erasmus+ scholars in the world from 2004 to 2020, and second most in the region from 2004 to 2021.

The 65 students were sent off in a virtual ceremony on August 5, in collaboration with Campus Erasmus composed of Erasmus+ scholars in the country.

“I congratulate the new Erasmus+ scholars as they depart for the EU campuses…this August,” Véron said. “Make the most out of your Erasmus journey, and take pride in your Filipino heritage. I encourage you to become agents of social change and transformation for [your country], and to become goodwill ambassadors for the partnership and friendship between the EU and the Philippines.”

According to the EU Embassy, Erasmus+ gives life-changing opportunities for Filipino students to experience living the European culture, learn European languages, and be integrated into European society for one to two years.

Formerly called the Erasmus Mundus Program, it promotes the EU as a center of excellence in learning, and making student mobility a reality for EU and noneu citizens alike. The Erasmus+ program is among the leading international academic mobility programs in the world, with students from the Philippines considerably benefiting from it.