As part of its initiative to welcome new students embarking on their Erasmus Mundus journeys in 2021, the European Union Delegation (EUD) organised Erasmus+ pre-departure events in collaboration with EMA’s Country Representatives (CRs).
The pre-departure orientations (PDOs), conducted across 10 countries between July and August, served not only as orientation programs providing information on studying and living in Europe but also as platforms for intercultural bonds to be forged. Initiatives to build bridges among institutions, students, and alumni were discussed as well as EMA’s role in the field of higher education and the opportunities it presents.
Here are some highlights of the events which took place:
India
In India, a PDO was held online on August 4, 2021. The session was attended by H.E. Ugo Astuto, Ambassador of the European Union to India and Bhutan; Tania Frederichs, Minister Counsellor & Head of Research & Innovation Section of the European Union; Raimund Magis, Deputy Head of the Delegation, EU Delegation; Adrian Veale, Policy Officer, European Commission, Directorate General for Education, Youth and Sport; Sanjeev Roy, Senior Key Expert EU Public Diplomacy in India; as well as the following representatives from EMA: Elsa Mathews; Rashi Maithul; Pempa Tshering Bhutia, Satyajit Mal. All speakers highlighted the importance of European education, its quality, and future prospects for students.
Nepal
In Nepal, the PDO was held online on 20 July 2021. The PDO session was graced by H.E. Nona Deprez, Ambassador, EU Delegation to Nepal along with H.E. Katharina Wieser, Ambassador, Embassy of Austria. Alongside, Nepal's Country Representative for EMA, Nirajan Khadka, highlighted EMA's activities globally and within the country, and how it the organisation been helping students with their EMJMD scholarship applications, and in their visa application procedure in coordination with the EU delegation to Nepal. Ashata Dahal, EMA member moderated the PDO.
Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, the PDO was held on 25 August, 2021. Ambassador H.E. Rensje Teerink, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh; H.E. Anne Gerard van Leeuwen (Ambassador of Netherlands); H.E. Alexandra Berg von Linde (Ambassador of Sweden); H.E. Francisco de Asís Benítez Salas (Ambassador of Spain), together with the other EU Member States’ Ambassadors` representatives of Italy, France, Denmark, hosted the virtual event. The event was made possible thanks to the active participation of the EMA volunteers Ashiqur Rahman, Rajon Bhuiyan, Sayed Muhammad Baker, and Ishrat Zahan Anka.
Pakistan
In Pakistan, the PDO took place on 26 August 2021. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan organised the event. Awais Ahmed, Advisor (Coordination) HEC chaired the ceremony, while Aayesha Ikram, DG (Scholarships) HEC and Ovidiu Mic, Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union were also present at the event. EMJMD alumni and EMA members Hajra Mumtaz, Rizwan Mumtaz and Waqar Baig took part in this event.
Ecuador
In Ecuador, PDO was held on 27 July 2021 (online). Charles-Michel Geurts, Ambassador of the European Union of Ecuador, was present in this event. In Ecuador, since September 2020, the Delegation of the European Union in Ecuador has worked closely with the Erasmus Mundus Association (EMA), generating spaces for dissemination and information for potential new students; as well as initiatives to link students and alumni with the community.
Chile
In Chile, the PDO was organized, and the EMA CR for Ecuador was present in the meeting giving tips to the incoming students.
Peru
In Peru, PDO took place on July 30, 2021. It was hosted by the Ambassador Diego Mellado, EUD Peru. EMA was present, giving some suggestions to the students for their upcoming masters studies and inviting them to join EMA platforms.
Azerbaijan
In Azerbaijan PDO took place on 6 August 2021, with the National Erasmus+ Office. It was the first PDO event in Azerbaijan. The Head of Cooperation Section of EU Delegation Mr Victor Bojkov was present on behalf of the EU Delegation. Director of the National Erasmus+ Office in Azerbaijan, The Ambassador of Austria to Azerbaijan, H.E. Mr Alexander Bayerl was present and shared his own Erasmus+ experience. Shahla Orujova (EMA CR for Azerbaijan) made a presentation about EMA, its goals and projects.
Mexico
In Mexico, the PDO was also held online, and the EMA CR for Mexico was present and interacted with the incoming students.
Kenya
Kenya also held PDO (online). The EU delegation in Kenya shared a few pointers to the incoming students regarding Visa applications and navigating life in Europe.
Congratulations to our Country Representatives for their hard work in representing the excellence of Erasmus Mundus around the world!
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