TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The European Higher Education Fair (EHEF) Jakarta officially opened today, Nov. 4. The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Vincent Guérend and Dewi Gustina Tobing, the Acting Director-General for American and European in the Foreign Affairs Ministry, officially launch the event that will be held for two days.
The 9th EHEF in Indonesia showcases 138 higher education institutions from 14 European countries. EHEF Jakarta is being held from November 4-5, at Kartika Expo Center, Balai Kartini, Jakarta. It was preceded by EHEF Yogyakarta on November 1 and will be followed by EHEF Palembang on November 7.
Europe is increasingly becoming a popular study destination for Indonesian students. EHEF is organized responding to the growing interest of Indonesian students to pursue their higher education in Europe.
The number of Indonesian students departing to Europe by the end of 2016 was 6,300, which is three times higher than in 2011. In total, more than 11,000 Indonesian students and scholars are currently studying in Europe.
"This year, the EU is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Erasmus Programme," said Ambassador Guérend.
Every year, around 1,600 scholarships are provided to Indonesian students and scholars through the Erasmus+ and the EU Member States scholarships. In reverse, through the Erasmus+ Programme, every year more than 150 European scholars and students are coming to universities in Indonesia to conduct lectures, training and undertake short-term credit exchanges.
"Studying abroad is much more than just gaining academic qualifications," he said. It gives them the opportunity to discover themselves and brings out their independent nature while discovering a new culture. By completing a degree program in the EU, a student will earn valuable academic qualifications that are internationally recognized.
"They will acquire knowledge and skills that would help them respond to the opportunities and challenges opened up by globalization and technological change and will allow them to contribute to reforms at home," Ambassador Guérend added.
EHEF 2017 is an excellent opportunity for prospective Indonesian students to interact with representatives of European universities, discuss self-funding or the various scholarships provided by the EU and Indonesian Government and be inspired with the study programs and university life. During the event, presentations by exhibitors will also be held throughout the day.(*)
