The Erasmus Mundus Students and Alumni Association (EMA) regularly collaborates with the Delegations of the European Union globally to promote Erasmus Mundus programmes and support students and alumni. Every August, EMA Country and Programme Representatives organise Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) sessions around the globe.
These annual events are a platform for incoming students to benefit from the knowledge and experiences of those who have previously embarked on similar educational journeys, creating a supportive and enriching environment for their future endeavours. Today we would like to share three such events hosted by EMA Country Representatives for Pakistan, Brazil, Buthan, and Azerbaijan.
Pre-Departure Orientation Pakistan
The Delegation of the European Union in Pakistan, in collaboration with EMA, organised a Pre-Departure Orientation event held on 24th July 2024 to celebrate and prepare the latest cohort of Erasmus awardees. This event brought together a diverse group of participants, including students, alumni, ambassadors from various embassies, and current Erasmus awardees. EMA was represented by Amna Aman, the Country Representative for Pakistan.
The day began with a welcome address from representatives of the Delegation of the European Union in Pakistan, who emphasised the significance of the Erasmus Mundus programme in promoting educational exchange and fostering international collaboration. The presence of ambassadors from multiple embassies underscored the importance of global educational partnerships and their role in strengthening bilateral relations.
The event also featured interactive sessions where students could engage directly with alumni and ambassadors, gaining practical tips on adapting to new cultural environments and maximising their learning opportunities. The collaborative efforts of the Delegation of the European Union in Pakistan and EMA Pakistan ensured a well-organised and informative event, fostering a sense of community and support among the attendees.
Overall, the day was a resounding success, leaving participants motivated and well-prepared for their upcoming Erasmus experiences.
Pre-Departure Orientation Brazil
EMA’s Country Representative for Brazil, Gisele de David Branda, in cooperation with the Delegation of the European Union in Brazil organised an online Pre-Departure Orientation on 10th August 2024. Attendees were welcomed by Mariama Diallo, a Junior Professional at the Delegation of the European Union in Brazil, who shared her enriching experience as an Erasmus Mundus student and offered insights from her time abroad, offering valuable advice and encouragement to the new awardees.
Organisers also presented key aspects of the Erasmus Mundus joint master's degrees, introduced the Erasmus Mundus Association (EMA) to the incoming cohort, and shared general tips and advice. Their stories highlighted the transformative impact of the Erasmus program on their academic and personal development.
Current Erasmus awardees also had time to ask questions and later expressed their excitement and readiness for the journey ahead.
Pre-Departure Orientation Buthan
The first-ever Pre-Departure Orientation for Bhutanese students selected for the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Scholarship was held on 20th August 2024. This historic event marks the first time such an orientation has been held in Bhutan for Erasmus students. It was hosted by Janga Bdr Basnet, EMA’s Country Representative for Buthan.
During the session, students learned about booking appointments, city registration, and opening bank accounts. They also heard about the Erasmus Mundus Students and Alumni Association (EMA) and the opportunities for students to volunteer as Program Representatives for various Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Programs.
The orientation also offered valuable tips and insights for new students, including strategies for finding affordable air tickets, the benefits of using eSIMs with global coverage during travel, selecting meaningful souvenirs to bring to Europe, and much more.
Pre-Departure Orientation Azerbaijan
EMA’s Country Representative for Azerbaijan, Shafag Valiyeva, and the National Erasmus+ Office in Azerbaijan organised in Baku on 19th July 2024.
Newly selected Erasmus Mundus students from Azerbaijan learned more about the programme, EMA, and the invaluable opportunities the programme offers for personal and professional growth. They also had the opportunity to ask questions and receive tips and tricks to help them make the most of their Erasmus experience.
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