My journey as an Erasmus Mundus student started in May 2016 when I received the confirmation for being selected as a student of the International Master Programme CARTO E+ JMD Cartography. I have to admit that the first thing that I thought back then was that this is going to be a life changing event for my future. But I never would imagine that I`ll had the chance to meet more than 120 students and alumni at the same venue who would share the same thought as me.
This venue was the Erasmus Mundus General Assembly and Annual Conference 2017 held in Brussels, Belgium from 26th to 27th of May at the University of Brussels VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel). This year marked the 11th anniversary of Erasmus Mundus Association founded in 2006 and the 10th anniversary of EMA General Assemblies followed on the long and successful tradition of previous events that were held all over Europe in Perugia, Vilnius, Madrid, Budapest, Prague, Barcelona, Krakow, Ghent, and Lugano.
Participants at this event were students and alumni coming from various Erasmus programmes, and key players of EMA, this amazing students and alumni who were giving their free time and contributing voluntarily to organize this big event and to make EMA a better student organization. Other than the EMA Team members, Programme Representatives, and partner organizations of EMA, at this event were invited representatives of European Commission who talked about the future of Eramsus Mundus courses, and how these courses are considered as programmes of excellence by European Commission, which means that the EC will increase the funds and the number of programmes in the upcoming years.
The main highlights of EMA GA 2017 this year were selecting the new Vice President and the President for the period 2017-2019, and the “World Coffee Break” where EMA Regional Chapters exhibited the sweets, cuisines, and flavors from their countries, and the participants got a chance to taste the dishes from world over. Also one of the most important events was the “Cultural Show” during the “Gala Dinner” where each of the regional chapters dressed in their traditional attires showcased their regional music and arts with amazing dance performances.
Definitely that I have many more to say to describe this extraordinary event and all of those positive, and energetic students and alumni who contributed in organizing and making this event mesmerizing and all the teams of EMA for their continuous contribution, but I will finish here this short story with a unanimous phrase coming from more than 120 participants “Ohhh yeah… Erasmus Mundus changed my life”
For all the Cartography students and alumni, please visit the website: http://www.em-a.eu/ for more info regarding EMA projects, teams, statute, structure, etc., and don’t forget to become a member of EMA: http://www.em-a.eu/en/become-a-member.html, and why not join any of EMA teams that you think can give a valuable contribution.
Stay EMAzing CARTO!
