Pre-departure Meeting for Erasmus Mundus Awardees 2010

A pre-departure briefing for the Malaysian Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Awardees was organized on the 29th of July by the Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia. This year eight new students- Ms. Liew Li Hooi, Ms. Boon Ling Ni, Ms. Lee Wei Mei, Ms. Lai Pik Yien, Mr. Krishnasamy Ganesh, Mr. Utap Anyi Kevin Wan, Mr. Choo Yong Fern, Mr. Woo Tyng Feng and Mr. Idrus Ahmad Nazmi participated in the event which was held at the Conference Room of the EU Delegation in Menara Tan & Tan. Representatives from various diplomatic missions including the Embassies of Belgium, Germany, Italy, Poland, Netherland, Spain, France and the British High Commission, were also present at the meeting. The briefing started at 10.45am with a welcoming remarks by Mr Pim de Kuijer, Political Affairs Officer of the EU Delegation. After all the participants introducing themselves, Ms. Marion Laget, also from the EU Delegation, gave a presentation on “Studying in Europe : A Few Practical Tips and Some Advice to Better Prepare Your Departure and Stay". On top of that, Ms. Laget has also prepared copies of Erasmus Mundus Student Handbooks for the new students. Participants were then introduced to Erasmus Mundus Students and Alumni Association (EMA) through a presentation by EMA member Ms. Tan Raan Hann, one of the coordinators of the EMA-Southeast Asia Chapter. Another EMA member Mr. Ronald Binati, who graduated from the International Master in VINTAGE Vine, Wine and Terroir Management programme, continued with an interesting sharing on French visa application and practical tips. After a series of presentations, representatives from Member States warmly welcomed the new students to their respective countries, giving helpful advice as well as recommendations on places to visit and things to experience. Students going to Spain were reminded to be extra careful with their belongings in crowds and to avoid carrying their passports or any valuable items when going out. The fruitful session of briefing and sharing was followed by a presentation of scholarship certificates from the EU Delegation to Erasmus Mundus Awardees 2010. The event drew to a close with refreshment and group photos. The new students enjoyed the opportunities to discuss face to face with representatives from Embassies and EM alumni.