On February 5, 2025, the Erasmus Mundus Association (EMA AISBL) officially handed over the Erasmus Mundus Magazine – Mundus Erasmians 2024 and the EMA Visa Experiences Survey (VES) 2024 to the Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC) and the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) of the European Commission. This event, held at the NEO-ICP-ENFP Meeting 2025 in Brussels, reinforced EMA’s commitment to advocacy, knowledge-sharing, and student support within the Erasmus Mundus community.
The handover ceremony, hosted at the Radisson Collection Hotel in Brussels, brought together key representatives from the European Commission, including Adrian Veale, Policy Officer for Africa & Capacity Building for Higher Education at DG EAC; Vasyl Romanyk, representing Unit C3 - International Cooperation at DG EAC; and Hélène Banegas, Project Adviser for Erasmus+ International Alumni at EACEA. Leading the EMA delegation were Dr. Md. Ashiqur Rahman (EMA President), Mr. Rajon Bhuiyan (Director of Outreach and Capacity Building), Dr. Collins Santhanasamy (Director of the Partnership Development Unit), Shahin S Eity (Director of the Policy & Quality Assurance Unit), and Marvi Qazi (Director of the Project Support Unit). The European Commission representatives commended EMA for its continuous contributions to student support, advocacy, and international academic cooperation.
The Mundus Erasmians 2024 magazine celebrates the spirit of international collaboration and academic excellence within the Erasmus Mundus community. This special edition pays tribute to Professor Sofia Corradi, fondly known as “Mamma Erasmus”, for her pivotal role in shaping the Erasmus+ Programme, which was launched in 1987. Prof. Corradi contributed an inspiring message of peace, reinforcing the fundamental values of global education and unity that Erasmus+ promotes. The magazine also showcases stories, experiences, and perspectives from Erasmus Mundus students and alumni, emphasizing the profound impact of international mobility on academic and professional growth.
The EMA Visa Experiences Survey (VES) 2024 provides crucial insights into the visa-related challenges faced by Erasmus Mundus students. Conducted between October and December 2023, the survey gathered responses from 325 participants on topics including visa application procedures, financial burdens, and residence permit issues in different host countries. As part of the “EMA for Equity” initiative, this survey serves as a vital resource for policymakers and stakeholders by offering key recommendations to streamline visa processes and reduce administrative barriers. The findings highlight the need for improved policies to support international student mobility and ensure a smoother transition for future Erasmus Mundus scholars.
By presenting these initiatives to the European Commission, EMA reinforces its role as the leading voice for Erasmus Mundus students and alumni. Through strategic partnerships, research, and advocacy, EMA continues to support student experiences, push for policy improvements, and strengthen global academic networks. As EMA moves forward, we remain dedicated to connecting, empowering, and inspiring students and alumni worldwide. By engaging with European institutions and international partners, EMA strives to enhance mobility opportunities, promote inclusive education policies, and foster meaningful collaboration within the Erasmus+ community.
As we celebrate these milestones, EMA looks ahead to further impactful engagement with European institutions, partners, and the global Erasmus+ network. Stay tuned for more updates on EMA’s initiatives and collaborations!
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