VOINews, Jakarta: Denis Chaibi, the Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Indonesia, opened the European Higher Education Fair (EHEF) in Jakarta on Saturday, November 2, by outlining the unique advantages of studying in Europe. Ambassador Chaibi emphasized three main reasons why Indonesian students should consider Europe as a top educational destination: high-quality education, an enriching lifestyle experience, and accessible education.
"Why should Indonesian students be interested in studying in Europe? There are three compelling reasons," stated Ambassador Denis as he inaugurated the fair. He elaborated on the distinct benefits, highlighting Europe’s renowned educational quality, vibrant lifestyle, and the universality of access to education across the region.
One key aspect is the quality of education, which Ambassador Denis attributed to Europe’s longstanding dedication to academic excellence. European universities, he explained, are at the forefront of research and provide cutting-edge resources, including state-of-the-art equipment and libraries. “European universities have invested in continuous improvement through the Bologna Process, which aligns and maintains the high standards across institutions,” he noted, adding that many of these institutions have histories spanning centuries.
Studying in Europe also allows Indonesian students to immerse themselves in what has been cited as one of the world’s best lifestyles, according to a World Bank report. Chaibi described the European Union’s “Unity in Diversity” motto as comparable to Indonesia’s “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika,” enabling students to experience a wealth of cultural diversity within a compact geographical region. “In Europe, you can have breakfast in Rome, lunch in Paris, and dinner in Berlin or Madrid, all within a few days,” he illustrated.
The lifestyle aspect also extends to the unique educational experience offered through the Erasmus Program. Through Erasmus, students not only participate in academic exchanges across European countries but also gain the freedom to travel throughout the Schengen Area, adding to their cultural exposure.
Another distinctive advantage of European education is its universal accessibility. "Only in Europe do we have extensive public education funding," said Ambassador Chaibi, noting that all EU member states heavily invest in education to ensure that international students also benefit from these resources. He emphasized that European countries also support healthcare for students, which is often much more affordable compared to other regions. “In Europe, healthcare is essentially free, which is particularly significant for students,” he added.
Ambassador Chaibi also highlighted the extensive scholarship opportunities available to Indonesian students, noting that Europe leads globally in terms of the proportion of students receiving financial support. “One out of four students receives a scholarship to study in Europe, thanks to both Erasmus and member-state initiatives. We are the largest donor for scholarships relative to the number of students studying here,” he emphasized.
This year’s European Higher Education Fair marks its 16th edition, offering Indonesian students and educators a comprehensive view of the educational opportunities available throughout Europe. The fair was previously held in Yogyakarta on October 30, where it attracted approximately 2,400 visitors. The Jakarta event, scheduled for November 2-3, is expected to draw significant interest, showcasing the offerings of around 100 European institutions and representatives from EU member states.
Since its inception in 2008, EHEF has become a vital annual event organized by the Delegation of the European Union to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam, attracting between 15,000 to 20,000 visitors each year. As more Indonesian students consider global educational paths, the European Higher Education Fair continues to stand out as a premier platform for exploring high-quality academic and cultural experiences across Europe./ANTARA/VOI
