WHY STUDY IN THE EU?
"Studying in Poland was a transformative journey that broadened my global perspective and sharpened my critical thinking. This experience, particularly the immersion in various cultures and ideas, had made me gain insights into journalism's role in shaping democratic discourse and navigating cross-cultural communication, which has profoundly influenced my personal and professional growth. Indeed, this experience may help young people understand their own culture through lecturers and experts in the field who may think critically about solutions and then be able to adapt them to the Philippine context. This will undoubtedly prepare the youth to be truly independent, but more significantly, to return home with an innovative viewpoint on a specific industry and a desire to transform what our country needs."
Jasmine Joy Roscelle B. Salanga
Erasmus+ Student Mobility for Studies
Masters in Journalism and Social Communication
University of Social and Media Culture in Toruñ, Poland
"Studying in France for two years was an incredible, life-changing experience. As a scholar of the Philippine-France Fellowship Program 2021, I pursued my Master’s in Nuclear Engineering at prestigious institutions like Université Paris-Saclay and CentraleSupélec, which feature several advanced laboratories and training facilities across various fields of study. The opportunity to learn in a country renowned for its advancements in nuclear technology was simply unparalleled. I had the privilege of visiting nuclear power plants and working closely with industry experts.
Adapting to the French weather was a new experience, and it brought the joy of cozy walks under the Eiffel Tower. The people of France, known for their warmth and a deep appreciation of art and culture, made my time even more enjoyable. The country’s rich cultural heritage, arts, and history provided constant inspiration. I connected with classmates from over 20 nationalities, creating a truly global learning environment. With its efficient transportation system, I could explore every corner of the country. Studying in France was more than an education; it was an unforgettable adventure."
Jerald Montaner Apac
MS Nuclear Engineering, 2021-2023, Université Paris-Saclay, France
"My #StudyInSweden journey has been a truly rewarding and transformative experience for my personal and professional growth. Studying in such a diverse and multicultural environment expanded my view on things, particularly on sustainability, climate action, and resilience-building. The student-led learning process has allowed me to meet and engage with people from different cultures and perspectives which allowed me to develop my adaptability, critical thinking, and leadership skills relevant to addressing today’s global challenges.
Studying in the EU also allowed me to meet and network with leading experts and practitioners working on disaster risk management and climate adaptation. Throughout the programme, we have interacted with individuals from the World Bank – Global Facility for Disaster Risk Reduction, European Civil Protection Mechanism, International Federation of the Red Cross, Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, among others. Interacting with practitioners from these organizations not only expanded my professional network but also gave me direct access and exposure to their insights, strategies, and best practices in strengthening the resilience of communities."
Ferdinand Alamo Tamulto
MSc Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation
Faculty of Engineering LTH, Lund University, Sweden
"My higher education journey, both in the Philippines and Europe has been instrumental in shaping my personal and professional goals. I graduated from Ateneo de Manila University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and a Minor in Spanish, which deepened my appreciation for language and culture. This foundation led me to my pivotal journey in Spain as a language assistant. During my four years in Europe, I had the opportunity to travel, explore my identity, and grow both personally and professionally. I pursued a master’s in Bilingual and Multicultural Education at Universidad de Alcalá in Madrid, all while fulfilling my responsibilities as a language assistant.
My time abroad gave me invaluable insights into teaching, lifelong learning and most importantly, independent living. These experiences strengthened my resolve to become a teacher and continue a career in the academe. This ultimately led me to return to the Philippines with a renewed passion for education. I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Education degree at the Ateneo de Manila University."
Justine Marielle O. Porras
Masters in Bilingual and Multicultural Education
Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
"Looking back on my Erasmus journey, it’s clear how transformative mobility and immersion can be for learning. The MUrCS program’s immersive academic environment provided me with a wealth of knowledge and inspired a deeper passion for the interdisciplinary field of urban planning, especially in relation to climate and sustainability. Professionally, my internship at Hameen ELY-keskus in Lahti, Finland, where I focused on the circular economy, offered me the opportunity to explore the interplay between industries. I engaged with diverse public and private perspectives and participated in interdisciplinary discussions, which broadened my understanding of CE and honed my communication skills for presenting research findings. This experience motivated me to base my master’s dissertation on the circular economy within the built environment industry—a major resource consumer and waste generator. My research aimed to promote waste minimization and resource efficiency. Today, as an urban designer, I find the knowledge, skills, and global perspective gained through my Erasmus experience invaluable in addressing complex challenges and advancing my career. This journey has not only shaped my professional path but also instilled in me a lifelong appreciation for international collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches in tackling global issues."
Diana Reyes
Masters in Urban Climate and Sustainability
Scotland, Finland, Germany, Spain
"Pursuing graduate studies in Europe has been one of the best decisions I made in my life. The entire journey was never easy, the experience itself was a learning process not just enriching the things you know and learning more of the things you don’t but discovering more about yourself while working with people from different cultures and countries. If we put it in a bigger perspective, the experience has taught me that everything comes in process, and it is important that we take our time and just live with the moment but what is important is we trust ourselves and just be open for any possibilities and opportunities along the way. Indeed, our experiences deal directly with our senses which truly makes it our best teacher.
As we strive for excellence, not just academically but in all aspects of life, we need to open ourselves to continual and holistic growth. We can only achieve that if we allow and do not deprive ourselves of the various things life has to offer."
Adrian Keith R. Caamino
Master of Science in Resources Engineering (EMerald)
Master in Geology and Mining Engineering from the Université de Liège
(Belgium);
Master en Sciences de la Terre et des Planètes, Environnement, spécialité
Georesources Engineering" from Université de Lorraine (France); and
Master of Science – Major: Geosciences from Luleå Tekniska Universitet
(Sweden)
"Embarking on a great learning journey to Europe through Hungary's Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program has undoubtedly been one of the best decisions I've made in my life. The Hungarian higher education system provided me with a dynamic environment that offered both advanced and practical knowledge in my field.
The MS in Animal Husbandry Engineering, made possible by the scholarship, has opened doors to numerous opportunities in my professional life. It enabled me to collaborate with colleagues, leaders, and decision-makers in the Philippines' Department of Agriculture and related industries, helping to design programs and initiatives for the advancement of the livestock and poultry sectors. Ultimately, this experience paved the way for my transition to a new career path: teaching and conducting research in academia.
On a personal level, I would describe my experience as 'more than education.' Beyond academic and professional growth, the opportunity to live and study in Europe taught me invaluable lessons through travel, adventure, and the creation of meaningful networks. The immersive experience fostered in me a sense of professionalism that values a balance between work and rest, environmental awareness, cultural appreciation, cooperation, and the pursuit of excellence."
Roland Yap Fajardo, DVM, MSc.
Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program 2021-2023
Master of Science in Animal Husbandry Engineering
University of Debrecen, Hungary
"My stay in the EU broadened my understanding of the world and how we interact within it. Traveling made studying in the EU particularly enriching, showing me that learning happens everywhere at any time, not just in the four corners of the classroom (or of the monitor of a laptop). The whole Erasmus experience made me grow more and mature as a person.
During my lexicography program, I deepened my understanding of linguistics, language politics and education, and information science. This knowledge applies directly to my work as a German language teacher at the Goethe-Institute Philippines. The interdisciplinary program connected me with an international network of lexicographers and opened up opportunities in technology, digital design, and publishing. I learned to use tools like corpora and concordancers for language analysis, with applications in electronic dictionary design and machine learning, which are essential in our digital world."
Adam Rey Agustin
European Master in Lexicography
University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church, Hungary
"The Master in Aquaculture program of Ghent University was a great opportunity to learn about the different facets of aquaculture - be it a science, an art, a livelihood, an economic and ecological driver, or a social force. Many thanks to the VLIR-UOS ICP Study Connect Scholarship, I was able to meet a wonderful group of young and highly motivated professionals who shared not only their technical experiences but also their talents and their culture. I was also fortunate to be mentored by renowned professors who generously imparted their knowledge to their students. Another thing that made my stay in Belgium unforgettable was the chance to visit various European destinations on one plane, train, or bus ride. After all, we were studying in the heart of Europe.
Certainly, there are a lot of things that I am thankful for from the brief but memory-filled experience and these have motivated me to strive for excellence, to continue to be a blessing to others, and to give back to the communities that I serve."
Ryan John Pascual
Master of Science in Aquaculture
Belgium - Ghent University
"Receiving the DAAD scholarship was a dream come true. Coming from Mindanao and one of the lowest-income families in the Philippines, I never imagined such an opportunity would be within my reach. But I prayed for it, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunities provided by DAAD and Germany. While pursuing my master's degree in Vietnam as an In-Region Scholarship Holder and in Germany, I was fortunate to travel to some of Europe's most beautiful countries, immersing myself in new experiences. Throughout my journey—from the start of my master’s program to its completion, and even now that I’ve returned to my beloved Philippines—I have felt the unwavering support of DAAD and Germany. Now, back home and continue working in government as a licensed agriculturist, I apply and share what I’ve learned with others, especially local farmers and the youth. This work is central to my personal and professional growth. I can now humbly say that the Gerald who once had limited opportunities has evolved into 'Great Gerald,' dedicated to making a meaningful impact in my community."
Gerald Gumera Aguilar
Master of Environmental Science
Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry, Vietnam - DAAD Germany - In-Region Scholarship Program
"Pursuing graduate studies in Europe has been one of the best decisions I made in my life. The entire journey was never easy, the experience itself was a learning process not just enriching the things you know and learning more of the things you don’t but discovering more about yourself while working with people from different cultures and countries. If we put it in a bigger perspective, the experience has taught me that everything comes in process, and it is important that we take our time and just live with the moment but what is important is we trust ourselves and just be open for any possibilities and opportunities along the way. Indeed, our experiences deal directly with our senses which truly makes it our best teacher.
As we strive for excellence, not just academically but in all aspects of life, we need to open ourselves to continual and holistic growth. We can only achieve that if we allow and do not deprive ourselves of the various things life has to offer."
Adrian Keith R. Caamino
Master of Science in Resources Engineering (EMerald)
Master in Geology and Mining Engineering from the Université de Liège
(Belgium);
Master en Sciences de la Terre et des Planètes, Environnement, spécialité
Georesources Engineering" from Université de Lorraine (France); and
Master of Science – Major: Geosciences from Luleå Tekniska Universitet
(Sweden)
"Studying in Poland was a transformative journey that broadened my global perspective and sharpened my critical thinking. This experience, particularly the immersion in various cultures and ideas, had made me gain insights into journalism's role in shaping democratic discourse and navigating cross-cultural communication, which has profoundly influenced my personal and professional growth. Indeed, this experience may help young people understand their own culture through lecturers and experts in the field who may think critically about solutions and then be able to adapt them to the Philippine context. This will undoubtedly prepare the youth to be truly independent, but more significantly, to return home with an innovative viewpoint on a specific industry and a desire to transform what our country needs."
Jasmine Joy Roscelle B. Salanga
Erasmus+ Student Mobility for Studies
Masters in Journalism and Social Communication
University of Social and Media Culture in Toruñ, Poland
"Embarking on a great learning journey to Europe through Hungary's Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program has undoubtedly been one of the best decisions I've made in my life. The Hungarian higher education system provided me with a dynamic environment that offered both advanced and practical knowledge in my field.
The MS in Animal Husbandry Engineering, made possible by the scholarship, has opened doors to numerous opportunities in my professional life. It enabled me to collaborate with colleagues, leaders, and decision-makers in the Philippines' Department of Agriculture and related industries, helping to design programs and initiatives for the advancement of the livestock and poultry sectors. Ultimately, this experience paved the way for my transition to a new career path: teaching and conducting research in academia.
On a personal level, I would describe my experience as 'more than education.' Beyond academic and professional growth, the opportunity to live and study in Europe taught me invaluable lessons through travel, adventure, and the creation of meaningful networks. The immersive experience fostered in me a sense of professionalism that values a balance between work and rest, environmental awareness, cultural appreciation, cooperation, and the pursuit of excellence."
Roland Yap Fajardo, DVM, MSc.
Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program 2021-2023
Master of Science in Animal Husbandry Engineering
University of Debrecen, Hungary
"Studying in France for two years was an incredible, life-changing experience. As a scholar of the Philippine-France Fellowship Program 2021, I pursued my Master’s in Nuclear Engineering at prestigious institutions like Université Paris-Saclay and CentraleSupélec, which feature several advanced laboratories and training facilities across various fields of study. The opportunity to learn in a country renowned for its advancements in nuclear technology was simply unparalleled. I had the privilege of visiting nuclear power plants and working closely with industry experts.
Adapting to the French weather was a new experience, and it brought the joy of cozy walks under the Eiffel Tower. The people of France, known for their warmth and a deep appreciation of art and culture, made my time even more enjoyable. The country’s rich cultural heritage, arts, and history provided constant inspiration. I connected with classmates from over 20 nationalities, creating a truly global learning environment. With its efficient transportation system, I could explore every corner of the country. Studying in France was more than an education; it was an unforgettable adventure."
Jerald Montaner Apac
MS Nuclear Engineering, 2021-2023, Université Paris-Saclay, France
"My stay in the EU broadened my understanding of the world and how we interact within it. Traveling made studying in the EU particularly enriching, showing me that learning happens everywhere at any time, not just in the four corners of the classroom (or of the monitor of a laptop). The whole Erasmus experience made me grow more and mature as a person.
During my lexicography program, I deepened my understanding of linguistics, language politics and education, and information science. This knowledge applies directly to my work as a German language teacher at the Goethe-Institute Philippines. The interdisciplinary program connected me with an international network of lexicographers and opened up opportunities in technology, digital design, and publishing. I learned to use tools like corpora and concordancers for language analysis, with applications in electronic dictionary design and machine learning, which are essential in our digital world."
Adam Rey Agustin
European Master in Lexicography
University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church, Hungary
"My #StudyInSweden journey has been a truly rewarding and transformative experience for my personal and professional growth. Studying in such a diverse and multicultural environment expanded my view on things, particularly on sustainability, climate action, and resilience-building. The student-led learning process has allowed me to meet and engage with people from different cultures and perspectives which allowed me to develop my adaptability, critical thinking, and leadership skills relevant to addressing today’s global challenges.
Studying in the EU also allowed me to meet and network with leading experts and practitioners working on disaster risk management and climate adaptation. Throughout the programme, we have interacted with individuals from the World Bank – Global Facility for Disaster Risk Reduction, European Civil Protection Mechanism, International Federation of the Red Cross, Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, among others. Interacting with practitioners from these organizations not only expanded my professional network but also gave me direct access and exposure to their insights, strategies, and best practices in strengthening the resilience of communities."
Ferdinand Alamo Tamulto
MSc Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation
Faculty of Engineering LTH, Lund University, Sweden
"The Master in Aquaculture program of Ghent University was a great opportunity to learn about the different facets of aquaculture - be it a science, an art, a livelihood, an economic and ecological driver, or a social force. Many thanks to the VLIR-UOS ICP Study Connect Scholarship, I was able to meet a wonderful group of young and highly motivated professionals who shared not only their technical experiences but also their talents and their culture. I was also fortunate to be mentored by renowned professors who generously imparted their knowledge to their students. Another thing that made my stay in Belgium unforgettable was the chance to visit various European destinations on one plane, train, or bus ride. After all, we were studying in the heart of Europe.
Certainly, there are a lot of things that I am thankful for from the brief but memory-filled experience and these have motivated me to strive for excellence, to continue to be a blessing to others, and to give back to the communities that I serve."
Ryan John Pascual
Master of Science in Aquaculture
Belgium - Ghent University
"My higher education journey, both in the Philippines and Europe has been instrumental in shaping my personal and professional goals. I graduated from Ateneo de Manila University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and a Minor in Spanish, which deepened my appreciation for language and culture. This foundation led me to my pivotal journey in Spain as a language assistant. During my four years in Europe, I had the opportunity to travel, explore my identity, and grow both personally and professionally. I pursued a master’s in Bilingual and Multicultural Education at Universidad de Alcalá in Madrid, all while fulfilling my responsibilities as a language assistant.
My time abroad gave me invaluable insights into teaching, lifelong learning and most importantly, independent living. These experiences strengthened my resolve to become a teacher and continue a career in the academe. This ultimately led me to return to the Philippines with a renewed passion for education. I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Education degree at the Ateneo de Manila University."
Justine Marielle O. Porras
Masters in Bilingual and Multicultural Education
Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
"Receiving the DAAD scholarship was a dream come true. Coming from Mindanao and one of the lowest-income families in the Philippines, I never imagined such an opportunity would be within my reach. But I prayed for it, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunities provided by DAAD and Germany. While pursuing my master's degree in Vietnam as an In-Region Scholarship Holder and in Germany, I was fortunate to travel to some of Europe's most beautiful countries, immersing myself in new experiences. Throughout my journey—from the start of my master’s program to its completion, and even now that I’ve returned to my beloved Philippines—I have felt the unwavering support of DAAD and Germany. Now, back home and continue working in government as a licensed agriculturist, I apply and share what I’ve learned with others, especially local farmers and the youth. This work is central to my personal and professional growth. I can now humbly say that the Gerald who once had limited opportunities has evolved into 'Great Gerald,' dedicated to making a meaningful impact in my community."
Gerald Gumera Aguilar
Master of Environmental Science
Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry, Vietnam - DAAD Germany - In-Region Scholarship Program
"Looking back on my Erasmus journey, it’s clear how transformative mobility and immersion can be for learning. The MUrCS program’s immersive academic environment provided me with a wealth of knowledge and inspired a deeper passion for the interdisciplinary field of urban planning, especially in relation to climate and sustainability. Professionally, my internship at Hameen ELY-keskus in Lahti, Finland, where I focused on the circular economy, offered me the opportunity to explore the interplay between industries. I engaged with diverse public and private perspectives and participated in interdisciplinary discussions, which broadened my understanding of CE and honed my communication skills for presenting research findings. This experience motivated me to base my master’s dissertation on the circular economy within the built environment industry—a major resource consumer and waste generator. My research aimed to promote waste minimization and resource efficiency. Today, as an urban designer, I find the knowledge, skills, and global perspective gained through my Erasmus experience invaluable in addressing complex challenges and advancing my career. This journey has not only shaped my professional path but also instilled in me a lifelong appreciation for international collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches in tackling global issues."
Diana Reyes
Masters in Urban Climate and Sustainability
Scotland, Finland, Germany, Spain
