Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Michael Davenport and Serbian Minister of education Srđan Verbić saw off the new generation of Erasmus Mundus programme grantees from Serbia, the 75 students enrolled in master and doctoral studies at certain European universities.
“I want you to take a full advantage of your stay in other European countries. I wish you could export a bit of Serbia to EU, and import a bit of Europe to Serbia, thereby giving a contribution to European integration,” Davenport said to grantees at the farewell ceremony at National library.
“We count on your help to make citizens better understand what the EU is,” Davenport said, adding that it was a unique opportunity for students to meet other cultures, make friends, get to know other higher education systems and create better job opportunities.
Foundation Tempus/Erasmus+ – National Tempus office in Serbia and European Union Delegation to the Republic of Serbia organised the farewell ceremony which was attended by former Erasmus Mundus programme grantees who passed their experiences and practical tips about studying in EU Member States on to their colleagues.
Erasmus Mundus scheme aims at cooperation and mobility in the field of higher education by promoting the top quality European master and doctoral programmes.
Over the last decade, 1.450 Serbian students have had an opportunity of obtaining EU scholarships via Erasmus Mundus scheme in order to complete their full master/doctoral studies, or participate in student exchange programmes on all levels of higher education.
More than 100 higher education staff members have been granted scholarships for their study visits at one of the partner institutions. During academic year 2014-2015, more than 200 Serbian students will take part in study visits across the EU.
As of 2014, European Commission has launched the new EUR15 billion budget Erasmus+ programme intended for study programmes abroad, under which Serbia will be eligible.
