That diversity provided us different perspectives that challenged our way of thinking, our ideologies and our concept structures that have been based from how we were brought up and educated in our own countries.

EU Delegation to the Philippines Charge d’affaires (fifth from left) Thomas Wiersing leads the press conference.

If you’re looking to pursue higher education that is better than the usual, then the European Union (EU) is the best place for you.

Beyond countless picturesque spots and the diverse cultures of its member states, the EU is widely recognized as a center of excellence when it comes to higher education.

The EU has long established its educational prominence with superior academic courses, mobility and scholarship opportunities and cutting-edge technology. Its academic and cultural environment is proven to be conducive to higher learning, research and a well-rounded educational experience.

One such example is Kent Tangcalagan, who earned summa cum laude honors for his Master’s Degree in Comparative Local Development.

Kent credits the EU’s innovative facilities and cutting-edge technologies in providing him the perfect tools to excel in his chosen program.

He said, “The expertise made available during our classes came from professors who were in different fields (i.e. academia, corporate, third sector), different sciences (i.e. economics, sociology, natural sciences, etc.), different genders, cultures and countries of origin. That diversity provided us different perspectives that challenged our way of thinking, our ideologies and our concept structures that have been based from how we were brought up and educated in our own countries.”

Ella Laxa Pangilinan earned her degree at Florence Design Academy in Italy.

Another proud EU summa cum laude alumna is Katy Macaso, who earned her Master’s degree in Food Science, Technology and Business.

“Studying (in Europe) was eye-opening especially the practical courses and site visits which let you engage with high tech instruments and machineries not currently available or just off-limits in the Philippines. Overall, it was just enriching,” she related.

For dance guru and entrepreneur Georcelle Dapat-Sy, studying in the EU provided her with new perspectives with regard to her passion and craft.

“In 2016, I realized I could not run my dance company for the next 12 years based on gut feelings,” Georcelle said. “I needed a new formula. I learned more about myself as a leader when I went to THNK School of Creative Leadership in Amsterdam. You can unlearn things, become a blank canvas again, be a sponge and absorb new knowledge. EU’s diversity unlocked innovation within me,” enthused the popular dance guru behind G-Force.

EU’s high standard of excellence in higher education also enabled Danie Laurel to be a multi-hyphenate woman. Aside from being a news anchor, business journalist and business events host, she’s also a finance professor, thanks to her MBA and PhD degrees — all earned in Europe. Because of what she has achieved, Danie is very passionate in telling Filipino students — especially women — to pursue higher education abroad.

“Studying in the EU has made me who I am today: a strong, independent, confident and highly educated woman who above all things believes in the power of learning in changing peoples’ lives and in education as the cornerstone of our country’s future.”

For Ella Laxa-Pangilinan, who took an Interior Design course in Florence, Italy, her EU education led her to a profound realization about what she wants to do in her budding career. “You get to learn a new way of living and thinking. Art and culture is everywhere, and so you’re constantly surrounded by different sources of inspiration to the point it actually made me appreciate my culture so much more. It also gives one the chance to bring home these learnings to be able to add a different value to society,” she shared.

EHEF goodwill ambassadors Gabriel Holigores and Danie Laurel (left and right) with Lyceum of the Philippines University-Cavite vice president for Admissions Tess Pilapil (middle).

For Kent, Katy, Georcelle, Danie and Ella, an EU education is definitely the right path towards excellence.

Start you own journey to excellence in higher education and come to this year’s European Higher Education Fair (EHEF) on 28 October at the Lyceum of the Philippines University in General Trias, Cavite.

This highly anticipated showcase event gathers some of the EU’s topnotch universities and higher education institutions and connects them directly with Filipino students.

The event will also feature country presentations and discussions about scholarship and mobility opportunities.

The EHEF 2019 is organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, together with EU Member States’ Embassies and Cultural Groups and in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education and supported by venue partners Shangri-La Plaza and Lyceum of the Philippines University-Cavite.