WHY STUDY IN THE EU?
"The youth are for excellence because we are driven by curiosity, collaboration, and purpose. We no longer see excellence as perfection, but as progress; the constant desire to learn, to innovate, and to make an impact beyond ourselves.
Through the Erasmus+ Programme, I had the chance to study at the Universidad de Córdoba in Spain. As the first and only Filipino in my batch, I was surrounded by people who thought, spoke, and learned in completely different ways. It was both exciting and humbling. I discovered that excellence thrives in diversity, in the way we exchange ideas, adapt to new cultures, and create together despite our differences.
My experience in Spain taught me to unlearn and relearn; to think critically, communicate across languages, and value empathy as much as expertise. These lessons now shape how I work in international music marketing, where creativity and cultural understanding connect audiences across borders.
Erasmus+ showed me that studying abroad isn’t just about an additional bullet point on my resume. It’s about growth, about discovering how big and connected the world really is, and realizing that you have something valuable to bring to it."
Rafaelle Therese P. Leon
Universidad de Córdoba, España
"We often say that youth are the hope of the future, but I believe youth are also for excellence—because we carry the courage to dream bigger and the determination to make those dreams real. We learn from history, yet we also shape it with our choices. Studying in the EU gave me the rare opportunity to see what true quality education looks like. It opened my eyes not only to academic excellence but also to the values of inclusivity, critical thinking, and global collaboration.
Had I not studied in Italy, I would not have gained this perspective. That experience sparked in me a dream: to return to the Philippines and share what I have learned with Filipino students. Today, as a college faculty, I am living that dream—passing on the lessons and perspectives I gained abroad. My EU higher education equipped me with knowledge, skills, and a global outlook that I now carry with purpose. Through this, I believe I can inspire and empower the #yEUth to pursue excellence, embrace international perspectives, and build a stronger future for our communities and the world."
Frances Lee Sanchez
Master in International Management - Università di Trento, Italy
"My own experience in the European Union as a Stipendium Hungaricum scholar in Hungary affirms this truth. I owe my newfound confidence and strengthened leadership and adaptability to my rigorous academic training and cross-cultural immersion at the Corvinus University of Budapest, where I completed my MSc in Public Policy and Management.
Excellence, I realized, is not about perfection but about constant growth, openness, and responsibility toward others. Today, I apply these lessons as a public servant in the Philippines, working to advance human rights and good governance. My EU journey continues to inspire me to lead with purpose, proving that when empowered, the youth are indeed catalysts of excellence."
Ysobel Maria Varga-Rivera
MSc Public Policy and Management, Hungary
"I believe Filipino Youths will always embody excellence. The Filipino Youth of today brings fresh perspectives, an incredible adaptability, and a boundless enthusiasm for creating positive change. I have always thought that Filipino Youths possess a natural curiosity to question norms, the courage to explore new frontiers, and the collaborative spirit needed to tackle complex issues.
My personal journey as a Helmut Schmidt scholar of the DAAD truly solidified this conviction for me. Living and studying in Germany and across the European Union exposed me to a rich tapestry of intellectual traditions and rigorous academic standards. It was there that I learned the value of critical thinking and civic engagement firsthand. That experience fostered a deep appreciation for intercultural dialogue and reinforced the power of working together, and living together. It taught me how to navigate different socio-political landscapes and, most importantly, how to leverage diverse viewpoints to achieve desired goals. This experience has given me a strong foundation, enabling me to contribute to a community where Youths champion innovation, integrity, and global citizenship. Truly the Youths are breathing excellence."
Oliver James Soriano Dulay
MA Analysis and Design of Policies and Security Studies
Helmut Schmidt Scholarship for Public Policy and Governance of the DAAD
"“There is nothing new under the sun.” But the youth have the fearlessness to turn that “nothing new” into fresh ideas or sources of inspiration. In my current host country, the Czech Republic, I am always stimulated by the Czech’s high regard for their history, especially the Velvet Revolution and the past events that shaped their country’s borders and awareness. The young Czechs I’ve spoken with always remember and honor the drive and the goals their parents and elders achieved—those who were once young and fought for their country’s freedom. This intergenerational wisdom pushes forward excellence without forgetting the country’s past, and this could be a foreign example of Rizal’s famous words, “Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa paroroonan.”"
Andy Peñafuerte III
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Programme in Journalism, Media and Globalisation (Mundus Journalism)
2024, Aarhus University, Danish School of Media and Journalism (DMJX), Charles University
"Today’s Filipino youth are growing up in the digital era. They are more globally connected, highly adaptive, and unafraid to challenge the norms. They can and will excel because they now have access not just to information, but to broader global perspectives and opportunities on a scale we have not witnessed before that allows them to think beyond traditional paths.
Studying in the EU, specifically in Sweden, I was not just taught - I was challenged to think critically, to question, and to innovate. This is the kind of excellence we need today, not just academic brilliance - but being purposeful in how we act, lead, and create change. And I think now, the Filipino youth are more than capable of doing that."
Kristin Rona L. Batuigas
Master of Science in Sustainable Building Information Management - School of Engineering, Jönköping University, Sweden
"I believe youth are for excellence because we embrace challenges with courage and adaptability, transforming them into opportunities for growth and impact.
My PhD journey in France reflects this spirit. At L’Institut Agro Montpellier and CIRAD, I had the opportunity to contribute to research on innovative solutions for banana crown rot management, bridging agriculture, material science, and physico-chemistry. Working with a multidisciplinary team and gaining access to advanced European research facilities challenged me to grow beyond my original field and appreciate how science can support sustainable food systems. This experience showed me that excellence is not about individual achievement, but about learning together and uniting diverse perspectives to solve global challenges.
Beyond academics, living in France immersed me in a culture of balance, creativity, and resilience. These values - critical thinking, innovation, and well-being - are central to building a stronger Europe and inspiring youth worldwide."
Johnrell Samonte Zuniega
PhD in Agroresources, Food, Bioproducts, and Nutrition - L'Institut Agro Montpellier, France
"In the Philippines, we often hear “ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan” (the youth are the hope of the nation). But for that hope to come alive, the youth need access to quality education and opportunities that would allow them to grow as thinkers and leaders. Studying in Europe gave me that opportunity.
The EU offered world-class learning while immersing me in a community that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration. I gained a deeper understanding of global perspectives and sustainable practices. I learned how ideas can turn into real solutions and how excellence grows when people with different perspectives work together.
Beyond academics, the EU experience helped me rediscover my values, build my character, and understand how I could take part in creating positive change.
Returning to the Philippines, I bring more than knowledge; I carry a global perspective and a commitment to change. The EU experience transforms youth into partners in nation building: equipped, inspired, and ready to lead with excellence."
Jessica Isabelle C. Badua
Bilingual Master’s in International Relations and Migrations
Universidad de Cádiz (Andalucía, Spain)
"The youth sector is one of the strongest pillars of society. As future leaders, young people must be empowered to reach their full potential and strive for excellence. The European Union recognizes this, which is why many of its programs are dedicated to equipping young people with the skills, knowledge, and experiences needed to build a better future.
In my own journey, I have experienced this support at every level, from university-based initiatives to national programs organized by Hungarian agencies, and ultimately through EU-wide opportunities. With the help of these various agencies, I have taken part in a variety of activities, both as a participant and as an organizer, and I have witnessed how these programs nurture the youth toward excellence. These opportunities shape not only skills but also values, creating well-rounded individuals ready to lead. Through these trainings, exchange programs, and collaborative activities, I have been able to nurture my skills, broaden my perspective, and strengthen my capacity to contribute to society."
Alexis Cabahug Achacoso
PhD in Chemistry - University of Debrecen, Hungary
MSc in Chemistry major in Synthetic Chemistry - University of Debrecen, Hungary
"Youth are the hope of humanity, driven by a strong commitment to excellence and a belief that education is key to creating positive change in our interconnected world. The European Higher Education Fair’s theme, “Pathways to Excellence,” resonates deeply with my own journey. My Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree in International Humanitarian Action and International Relations, studied across Germany, The Netherlands, Poland, and the USA, has been central to this pursuit.
This program offered a unique opportunity to learn in diverse academic settings and collaborate with peers from different cultures. Developing intercultural competence in such a multicultural context was essential, enabling me to navigate and appreciate diverse perspectives effectively. Its interdisciplinary approach combined theory and practice, preparing me to address complex global humanitarian challenges. Studying in multiple European Union countries broadened my worldview, enhanced my adaptability, and strengthened my dedication to making a meaningful impact.
Through Erasmus Mundus, I embraced the core values of European higher education—innovation, cooperation, and academic excellence—and have grown into a more skilled and compassionate leader, inspired to contribute to a better future."
Nicky C. Cardenas
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree in International Humanitarian Action and International Relations (NOHA)
"“There is nothing new under the sun.” But the youth have the fearlessness to turn that “nothing new” into fresh ideas or sources of inspiration. In my current host country, the Czech Republic, I am always stimulated by the Czech’s high regard for their history, especially the Velvet Revolution and the past events that shaped their country’s borders and awareness. The young Czechs I’ve spoken with always remember and honor the drive and the goals their parents and elders achieved—those who were once young and fought for their country’s freedom. This intergenerational wisdom pushes forward excellence without forgetting the country’s past, and this could be a foreign example of Rizal’s famous words, “Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa paroroonan.”"
Andy Peñafuerte III
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Programme in Journalism, Media and Globalisation (Mundus Journalism)
2024, Aarhus University, Danish School of Media and Journalism (DMJX), Charles University
"Youth are the hope of humanity, driven by a strong commitment to excellence and a belief that education is key to creating positive change in our interconnected world. The European Higher Education Fair’s theme, “Pathways to Excellence,” resonates deeply with my own journey. My Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree in International Humanitarian Action and International Relations, studied across Germany, The Netherlands, Poland, and the USA, has been central to this pursuit.
This program offered a unique opportunity to learn in diverse academic settings and collaborate with peers from different cultures. Developing intercultural competence in such a multicultural context was essential, enabling me to navigate and appreciate diverse perspectives effectively. Its interdisciplinary approach combined theory and practice, preparing me to address complex global humanitarian challenges. Studying in multiple European Union countries broadened my worldview, enhanced my adaptability, and strengthened my dedication to making a meaningful impact.
Through Erasmus Mundus, I embraced the core values of European higher education—innovation, cooperation, and academic excellence—and have grown into a more skilled and compassionate leader, inspired to contribute to a better future."
Nicky C. Cardenas
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree in International Humanitarian Action and International Relations (NOHA)
"Today’s Filipino youth are growing up in the digital era. They are more globally connected, highly adaptive, and unafraid to challenge the norms. They can and will excel because they now have access not just to information, but to broader global perspectives and opportunities on a scale we have not witnessed before that allows them to think beyond traditional paths.
Studying in the EU, specifically in Sweden, I was not just taught - I was challenged to think critically, to question, and to innovate. This is the kind of excellence we need today, not just academic brilliance - but being purposeful in how we act, lead, and create change. And I think now, the Filipino youth are more than capable of doing that."
Kristin Rona L. Batuigas
Master of Science in Sustainable Building Information Management - School of Engineering, Jönköping University, Sweden
"The youth are for excellence because we are driven by curiosity, collaboration, and purpose. We no longer see excellence as perfection, but as progress; the constant desire to learn, to innovate, and to make an impact beyond ourselves.
Through the Erasmus+ Programme, I had the chance to study at the Universidad de Córdoba in Spain. As the first and only Filipino in my batch, I was surrounded by people who thought, spoke, and learned in completely different ways. It was both exciting and humbling. I discovered that excellence thrives in diversity, in the way we exchange ideas, adapt to new cultures, and create together despite our differences.
My experience in Spain taught me to unlearn and relearn; to think critically, communicate across languages, and value empathy as much as expertise. These lessons now shape how I work in international music marketing, where creativity and cultural understanding connect audiences across borders.
Erasmus+ showed me that studying abroad isn’t just about an additional bullet point on my resume. It’s about growth, about discovering how big and connected the world really is, and realizing that you have something valuable to bring to it."
Rafaelle Therese P. Leon
Universidad de Córdoba, España
"I believe youth are for excellence because we embrace challenges with courage and adaptability, transforming them into opportunities for growth and impact.
My PhD journey in France reflects this spirit. At L’Institut Agro Montpellier and CIRAD, I had the opportunity to contribute to research on innovative solutions for banana crown rot management, bridging agriculture, material science, and physico-chemistry. Working with a multidisciplinary team and gaining access to advanced European research facilities challenged me to grow beyond my original field and appreciate how science can support sustainable food systems. This experience showed me that excellence is not about individual achievement, but about learning together and uniting diverse perspectives to solve global challenges.
Beyond academics, living in France immersed me in a culture of balance, creativity, and resilience. These values - critical thinking, innovation, and well-being - are central to building a stronger Europe and inspiring youth worldwide."
Johnrell Samonte Zuniega
PhD in Agroresources, Food, Bioproducts, and Nutrition - L'Institut Agro Montpellier, France
"We often say that youth are the hope of the future, but I believe youth are also for excellence—because we carry the courage to dream bigger and the determination to make those dreams real. We learn from history, yet we also shape it with our choices. Studying in the EU gave me the rare opportunity to see what true quality education looks like. It opened my eyes not only to academic excellence but also to the values of inclusivity, critical thinking, and global collaboration.
Had I not studied in Italy, I would not have gained this perspective. That experience sparked in me a dream: to return to the Philippines and share what I have learned with Filipino students. Today, as a college faculty, I am living that dream—passing on the lessons and perspectives I gained abroad. My EU higher education equipped me with knowledge, skills, and a global outlook that I now carry with purpose. Through this, I believe I can inspire and empower the #yEUth to pursue excellence, embrace international perspectives, and build a stronger future for our communities and the world."
Frances Lee Sanchez
Master in International Management - Università di Trento, Italy
"In the Philippines, we often hear “ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan” (the youth are the hope of the nation). But for that hope to come alive, the youth need access to quality education and opportunities that would allow them to grow as thinkers and leaders. Studying in Europe gave me that opportunity.
The EU offered world-class learning while immersing me in a community that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration. I gained a deeper understanding of global perspectives and sustainable practices. I learned how ideas can turn into real solutions and how excellence grows when people with different perspectives work together.
Beyond academics, the EU experience helped me rediscover my values, build my character, and understand how I could take part in creating positive change.
Returning to the Philippines, I bring more than knowledge; I carry a global perspective and a commitment to change. The EU experience transforms youth into partners in nation building: equipped, inspired, and ready to lead with excellence."
Jessica Isabelle C. Badua
Bilingual Master’s in International Relations and Migrations
Universidad de Cádiz (Andalucía, Spain)
"My own experience in the European Union as a Stipendium Hungaricum scholar in Hungary affirms this truth. I owe my newfound confidence and strengthened leadership and adaptability to my rigorous academic training and cross-cultural immersion at the Corvinus University of Budapest, where I completed my MSc in Public Policy and Management.
Excellence, I realized, is not about perfection but about constant growth, openness, and responsibility toward others. Today, I apply these lessons as a public servant in the Philippines, working to advance human rights and good governance. My EU journey continues to inspire me to lead with purpose, proving that when empowered, the youth are indeed catalysts of excellence."
Ysobel Maria Varga-Rivera
MSc Public Policy and Management, Hungary
"The youth sector is one of the strongest pillars of society. As future leaders, young people must be empowered to reach their full potential and strive for excellence. The European Union recognizes this, which is why many of its programs are dedicated to equipping young people with the skills, knowledge, and experiences needed to build a better future.
In my own journey, I have experienced this support at every level, from university-based initiatives to national programs organized by Hungarian agencies, and ultimately through EU-wide opportunities. With the help of these various agencies, I have taken part in a variety of activities, both as a participant and as an organizer, and I have witnessed how these programs nurture the youth toward excellence. These opportunities shape not only skills but also values, creating well-rounded individuals ready to lead. Through these trainings, exchange programs, and collaborative activities, I have been able to nurture my skills, broaden my perspective, and strengthen my capacity to contribute to society."
Alexis Cabahug Achacoso
PhD in Chemistry - University of Debrecen, Hungary
MSc in Chemistry major in Synthetic Chemistry - University of Debrecen, Hungary
"I believe Filipino Youths will always embody excellence. The Filipino Youth of today brings fresh perspectives, an incredible adaptability, and a boundless enthusiasm for creating positive change. I have always thought that Filipino Youths possess a natural curiosity to question norms, the courage to explore new frontiers, and the collaborative spirit needed to tackle complex issues.
My personal journey as a Helmut Schmidt scholar of the DAAD truly solidified this conviction for me. Living and studying in Germany and across the European Union exposed me to a rich tapestry of intellectual traditions and rigorous academic standards. It was there that I learned the value of critical thinking and civic engagement firsthand. That experience fostered a deep appreciation for intercultural dialogue and reinforced the power of working together, and living together. It taught me how to navigate different socio-political landscapes and, most importantly, how to leverage diverse viewpoints to achieve desired goals. This experience has given me a strong foundation, enabling me to contribute to a community where Youths champion innovation, integrity, and global citizenship. Truly the Youths are breathing excellence."
Oliver James Soriano Dulay
MA Analysis and Design of Policies and Security Studies
Helmut Schmidt Scholarship for Public Policy and Governance of the DAAD
