The European Higher Education Fair (EHEF) 2024, themed “Pathways to Excellence,” wrapped up on November 25, drawing over 2,000 students, professionals, and university representatives from across the Philippines, the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines said in a news release.
This annual event showcased the vast educational and cultural opportunities offered by European Union (EU) member states to aspiring Filipino scholars.
Organized by the Delegation in partnership with the Embassies and Cultural Institutes of EU Member States, the fair ran on November 22-23 for on-site sessions and culminated with virtual engagements on November 25.
Seventy-seven higher education institutions and diplomatic missions from 14 EU countries—Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Finland, and Sweden—participated, highlighting diverse academic paths and scholarship programs.
On-site seminars hosted by EU embassies and cultural institutes provided first-hand insights into European higher education systems, student life, research grants, and scholarships. The language and cultural institutes of Alliance Française Manille, Goethe-Institut Philippines, Instituto Cervantes, and the Philippine-Italian Association offered guidance for language learners and cultural enthusiasts eager to embrace European cultures.
This year’s fair expanded its reach with regional hubs in Metro Manila (University of Santo Tomas), Luzon (Wesleyan University), and Mindanao (Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan). Collaborating with Philippine university partners like Ateneo de Manila University’s European Studies Programme, De La Salle University, and Xavier University, the event solidified connections between Europe and Filipino academic communities.
A collaborative celebration of learning
EHEF 2024 was bolstered by partnerships with professional organizations, including the Philippine Communication Society and the European Studies Association of the Philippines. Media support from outlets like Manila Bulletin, Malaya Business Insight, Mindanao Gold Star Daily, and When in Manila, along with PR partner COMCO Southeast Asia, ensured extensive public engagement.
The event reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to fostering global academic exchange, equipping Filipino students with the tools to excel in an interconnected world. From research grants to cultural immersion, EHEF 2024 opened doors to life-changing opportunities across Europe.
