By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios
There’s no denying that when it comes to higher education, Filipinos tend to be American-centric, or perhaps even Anglocentric which is inevitable given the fact that the Philippines has been exposed to American culture, interests, values, and English language, among others.
American colleges and universities truly offer great education not just for baccalaureate degrees, but also for post-baccalaureate degrees. But Europe just like America has been known for its world-class education system. Mindful of the value of education being a great equalizer and empowering people, 85 higher education institutions and diplomatic missions joined together to provide career growth opportunities by opening their doors for Filipinos to study in Europe at the EHEF 2023 event.
Embassy officials from Belgium, The Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Hungary, The Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Finland, and Sweden, and representatives from different participating European Colleges and Universities together with their teams will be present to guide and provide answers to the concerns about the selection of schools and programs that best fits one’s interests and passion.
Officials from European Member States grace the opening of EHEF2023
Similar to previous EHEFs, this year’s fair features a hybrid format with an on-ground event from September 30 to October 1 at the East and Grand Atriums of Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City. And an online edition on October 2, at ehefphilippines.com and on its FB page at @ehefphilippines where EU higher education institutions will virtually present their offerings and key programs to students and professional aspirants.
Erasmus and Goodwill Ambassadors joined to opening of EHEF 2023 to also share their journey as former EHEF students who benefited from the program
Revolving on the theme, “Pathways to Excellence” the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines and the European Union Member States’ Embassies aim to provide an immersive platform where aspirants can freely explore diverse fields of study and open global opportunities through the fair.
As the biggest and longest-running education fair in the country, EHEF offers a unique opportunity for Filipino students, professionals, academe, researchers, and university officials to engage directly with some of the top higher education institutions from the EU.
EHEF partner Universities join the EHEF 2023 opening
More than that, EHEF, whether on-site or online, will hold fun activities and seminars from known academics and EU university alumni. Furthermore, you can participate in language sessions from EU representatives themselves!
EHEF Regional Hubs participants
Caught your fancy? Here are more reasons why you should come to EHEF:
Meet and directly engage with EU education institution representatives and EU alumni
EU Delegation Working Group in the Philippines
Get a chance to personally converse with exhibitors from the EU and consult various programs that can help you jumpstart your plans and land you on your dream university in the EU. Beyond that, you can also meet and greet alumni from the EU and learn firsthand the amazing things that await you.
Discover different courses that fit your interests and passion
Dr. Ana Isabel Sanchez Ruiz, Charge d’affaires, ai., of the EU Delegation
In line with this year’s theme “Pathways to Excellence,” the exhibitors from the EU provide different courses that appeal to your interests! Courses ranging from business, medicine to the humanities are provided by each EU university coming to this year’s EHEF. You can directly engage with the university representatives to know more about what they offer just for you!
Apply for scholarships as an international student
Kent Tangcalagan and Ruby Baracca hosted the opening of EHEF 2023
If you’re worried about tuition fees and accommodations, EHEF will provide options! The EU universities participating in this year’s EHEF have scholarship grants just for international students. In addition, the university of your choice provides dormitory rooms as part of your enrollment.
Mr. Johnny Rios, Operations Head of Shangri-La Plaza welcomes guests from the diplomatic community, and participating colleges and universities from Europe.
At the fair, you may participate in sessions that will provide in-depth information on higher education systems, research grants, and scholarship opportunities like Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, open for students and educators alike.
Overall, the main goal of EHEF is to give opportunities for you to grow in your personal life and career. This is the sign to take that opportunity to pursue an education abroad and carve your own pathways to excellence.
EHEF is supported by the Commission on Higher Education, together with regional hubs University of the Cordilleras (Luzon), Wesleyan University (Luzon), and Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan (Mindanao); university partners Ateneo de Manila University – European Studies Programme, De La Salle University – Manila, Holy Cross of Davao College, Lyceum of the Philippines University – Cavite, Mabalacat City College, University of the Philippines Diliman, University of Santo Tomas – Manila, and Visayas State University; professional organisations Mathematical Society of the Philippines, Philippine College of Physicians, Philippine Communication Society, Physics Society of the Philippines, and The EdukCircle; and media partners Business World Spark Up, CNN Philippines, iOrbit News Central Luzon, Rank Magazine, Seawave Magazine, Subselfie, ThePhilbizNews, and When In Manila.
Registration and entrance to the fair is free. Sign up at ehefphilippines.com or visit @EHEFPhilippines on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
