Benefits of overseas studies highlighted

The rector of the University of Malta, Roger Ellul-Micallef, yesterday encouraged Maltese students to secure for themselves one of more than 500 placements in 200 universities and spend a semester abroad.

Speaking during an information session and a presentation of the Erasmus student mobility applications for the academic year 2005/2006, he said that studying abroad is a "wonderful learning experience". "Unfortunately, the majority of university students do not make use of the opportunities offered," Prof. Ellul-Micallef added.

Erasmus is the European Commission's educational programme for higher education students, teachers and institutions. Its aim is to promote mobility for students and teaching staff and to improve transparency and academic recognition of studies and qualifications through all member states of the European Union.

Furthermore, it seeks to enhance the quality and reinforce the European dimension by encouraging transnational cooperation among higher education institutions.

"Erasmus is a visible tool of EU membership and now that we have joined the European Union we must ensure we make use of the avenues and opportunities offered," MEP Simon Busuttil said while speaking about the advantages of academic and social experience abroad.

Studying abroad changes and improves one's life, enriches the personality and, on their return, students bring such benefits to the native country, Dr Busuttil said.

Students who remain in Malta also benefit from the programme as the University of Malta becomes an international university.

"This is enriching for Maltese students as it borders the horizon without leaving the island's shores," he added.

Damian Kovac, the University Students' Council's international officer, said that studying abroad is not only beneficial from an academic viewpoint but also makes one realise what life outside the home is all about.

"Most of the Maltese students stay with their family but when they move to another country they have to do their cooking and wash the dishes which helps them become independent," he said.

Erasmus beneficiaries Rebecca Camilleri Kamski and Rebecca Manduca were in Finland between August and December last year where they studied tourism in Kuopio.

Ms Camilleri Kamski said she wanted to get an international experience and studying abroad is a "stepping stone to the future".

"During our time in Finland, we lived and started appreciating a different culture while at the same time appreciating our own culture even more."

Law student Alexander Mizzi has just returned from Rome where he joined the Universitá degli Studi di Roma III last October. His experience there was "great", he admitted.

Apart from learning about culture and history, he also benefited from different subjects offered at the university in Rome.

Austrian student Petra Kogelnig is studying in Italy at the Universitá degli Studi di Udine and is currently on an Erasmus programme in Malta.

She says she is having the time of her life and made many new friends here. Furthermore, she believes she will have an advantage when looking for a job as "nowadays people go for experience and practice not for theory".

She leaves Malta next week but says she will keep up her friendships and will definitely return.

Further information about applications and the placements available can be obtained from the European Unit on 2340 2204, via e-mail at anna.callus@ um.edu.mt or from the Erasmus website on www.socrates.um.edu.mt/erasmus

The deadline for application submissions is February 28.