Study Fair Sets Out Europe Opportunities

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By:
- Rin Ousa
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October 25, 2024, 2:00 PM
PHNOM PENH – People of all ages flocked to a two-day “Study in Europe” Fair at Factory Phnom Penh, eager to explore educational opportunities.
Graduates from European universities shared their experiences and practical tips at more than 30 booths. Held from October 24 to 25, the fair is free and open to the public.
Igor Driesmans, the European Union Ambassador to Cambodia, said the fair provides a valuable opportunity for students and their parents to discover the wide range of opportunities at European universities.
“Europe is the world’s popular destination for studying abroad,” he said.
“Our universities offer exceptional higher education and a chance for students to experience the continent’s rich diversity and the European way of life.”
Hang Chuon Naron, Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, also encouraged students to pursue higher education in Europe to enhance their skills and contribute to the development of Cambodian society.
“Studying in Europe significantly boosts the career prospects of young Cambodians,” the minister said.
Sivhuang Lay, president of the Erasmus Alumni Association in Cambodia, spoke of application process requirements for EU-funded Erasmus Mundus joint master’s degrees (EMJMD).
Hang Chuon Naron, Minister of Education, Youth and Sport gives remarks during the Study in Europe Fair on October 25. Photo: Rin Ousa.
Sivhuang graduated in the field of global markets, local creativities.
“Those who intend to apply, you have to take an English proficiency test (IELTS or TOEFL), prepare two recommendation letters from university or workplace, and a personal statement detailing your motivations and future plans,” Sivhuang said.
She heard about the Erasmus program when she studied for a master's degree in France.
“I met international friends who were sponsored under the Erasmus program. I got to know about this program from them,” Sivhuang said.
“Between 2017-2019, I got to study in three universities in three countries. Most importantly, I got to explore many different countries in Europe.
“After coming back, I received not only an international master’s degree but also a degree from each university I attended,” she said.
Aok Sochenda, now an environmental content creator at ZEROW and a business management graduate from University of Pecs in Hungary, gave tips for those interested in applying for scholarships abroad.
“The most important thing is that students have to do good preparation and a lot of research,” Sochenda said.
“Good English skills are also essential and students should be opportunists. Remember that everything is up for discussion, so ask plenty of questions when applying for any scholarships, she said.
Hao Mengkheang, a twelfth-grade student awaiting his national high school (Bac II) exam results, said he visited several booths intending to pursue a bachelor's degree in the European Union.
“Through the booth visits, I learned more about their requirements and eligibility criteria in those countries as it’s my first time coming to such a study abroad fair,” Mengkheang said.
The booths offer a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, exchange and scholarship opportunities from higher education institutions across Europe, including Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and the Erasmus+ Programme.
