"Why should any Indonesian student be interested in Europe, in studying in Europe? Three good reasons," the ambassador remarked while opening the exhibition.
Chaibi drew attention to three benefits that Indonesian students can derive from studying in European countries: quality of education, the lifestyle that can be enjoyed while studying in the region, and their education that is universally accessible.
Chaibi said education in Europe is quite high quality. This can be seen from the several latest methods and equipment, as well as the best libraries and facilities developed by universities in the region.
European universities also heavily promote research, which is an important element in education.
"We have had universities for centuries. They keep progressing, they keep investing, and they are reviewed. We have a European process called the Bologna Process, which (not only) looks at harmonizing but also testing the quality of universities," he remarked.
The next benefit is that by studying in European countries, Indonesian students can also enjoy the European lifestyle, which is the best in the world according to a World Bank report several years ago, Chaibi noted.
"You have a motto, which is Bhineka Tunggal Ika. It is the same motto as the EU, United in Diversity," he stated.
"The students can try different foods and different cultures. You can be one day in Rome, the next day in Paris, and the third day in Berlin or Madrid. This is unique," he added.
Students can not only enjoy their life in university, but through Erasmus, they can also engage in student exchange and study in two countries, Chaibi remarked while referring to Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, an EU-funded program that offers an opportunity to study at multiple institutions in different countries.
"They can also travel throughout the Schengen area," he noted further.
Meanwhile, another benefit of studying in European countries is that education in the region is universally accessible.
"It is only in Europe that education is universally accessible. It is only in Europe that we have such funding for public education. Hence, all the member states invest heavily and the students coming in can benefit from that," the ambassador remarked.
"Even the non-studying part, let us say healthcare. If you are ill in one of the countries that often receives Indonesian students, it will cost you 10 times, 10 times, or 100 times what it would be in Europe. (It is) because in Europe basically, health is free, healthcare is free," he added.
In addition, European countries provide several scholarship opportunities for Indonesian students.
"Europeans, either through Erasmus programs or member states programs, offer to one out of four students a scholarship to study in Europe," the ambassador stated.
The exhibition, in its 16th edition, presents numerous higher education opportunities across Europe. The exhibition was held in Jakarta on November 2-3, 2024, after earlier being organized in Yogyakarta on October 30, 2024, with 2,400 visitors recorded.
EHEF has been organized annually by the Delegation of the EU to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam since 2008. The exhibition is attended by European universities, representatives of EU member states, and EU delegations.
Every year, the exhibition draws 15 thousand to 20 thousand visitors and is attended by around 100 European institutions.
Related news: Govt supports Europe internship program for vocational students
Related news: Plan needed to produce 1 million new young entrepreneurs: Minister
Reporter: Katriana
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
