Erasmus Mundus produces first-rate academicians

The European Union, EU, Ambassador and head of the EU delegation to Cameroon, Françoise Collet, has said the Erasmus Mundus Programme produces excellent professors, researchers and students in the world.

She made the remark Thursday May 8 at the Muna Foundation in Yaounde, during an open day event for the promotion of studies in Europe, organised by the Cameroon Erasmus Mundus Association, EMA.

Talking to students who had come in search of opportunities to study abroad, Collet said the Erasmus Mundus programme is an extraordinary network of scientific cooperation between countries which enhances the quality of higher education, promote dialogue and understanding between people and cultures through mobility and academic collaboration.

“This programme which promotes Europe as an excellent knowledge centre has been accelerating the educational systems in North and South Countries and Cameroon is one of the beneficiaries,” she said.

Presenting the various programme options, the European Union Delegation head to Cameroon said the ‘Erasmus For All’ which has three actions, have replaced the Erasmus Mundus programme.

According to the EU official, the first action of the ‘Erasmus For All’ is for masters and doctoral students, and the programme offers scholarship of 20,000 to 25,000 Euros a year for masters students and 35,000 to 45,000 Euros a year for doctoral students.

She explained that the second action, which was put in place due to a partnership between EU universities and some specific regions, offers scholarship to students with degrees, masters, doctoral, post-doctoral and research personnel.

“Cameroon benefits from this action through partnership agreement with the University of Yaounde I and II, University of Buea and University of Ngoundere,” she added. Meanwhile, the third action, the Ambassador said, accompanies Erasmus Mundus Association in the world in order to help in the vulgarisation of their programmes.

The EU Ambassador urged students to familiarise themselves with the various actions offered by the programme in order enhance their knowledge; promote dialogue between people and cultures by way of international cooperation in education.