Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) meeting 2026

On 1 July, the Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan and the National Erasmus+ Office in Uzbekistan jointly organized a Pre-Departure Orientation meeting for Uzbek winners of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) programme for the 2026/2027 academic year, ahead of their departure to Europe.

Objectives of the Pre-Departure Orientation:
- To prepare EMJM awardees for their academic, cultural, and practical transition to life in Europe.
- To provide guidance from EU representatives, alumni, and a trainer on navigating university systems, intercultural communication, and adaptation.
- To foster a sense of belonging and connection to the Erasmus+ alumni community and European values.

More information

The event started with welcoming remarks byHis Excellency Mr.Toivo Klaar, Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan, reflecting the strength of EU-Uzbekistan academic cooperation.

Ms. Sara Noshadi, Head of the UNESCO Office in Uzbekistan and UNESCO Representative to Uzbekistan, as well as an Erasmus Mundus alumna, shared an inspiring speech drawing on her own experience of the challenges of the academic journey, along with her heartfelt wishes for the students.

The opening and welcoming remarks concluded with warm wishes and important advice for the students from Aziza Abdurakhmanova, Coordinator of the National Erasmus+ Office in Uzbekistan.

During the event, representatives of the Embassies of France and the Czech Republic in Uzbekistan, together with the Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan, practical guidance on student life, information on the governmental scholarships for international students, cultural expectations, and integration in their respective countries.

Azizbek Ganiev, the Uzbekistan country representative of the Erasmus Mundus Association (EMA) and the EMJM CYBERUS programme student, participated online to give a brief introduction to EMA and share practical advice on career opportunities following the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters.

Another notable part of the day was a discussion session with EMJM alumni Saidakhon Gulomova, Koen Claessen, and Khayotullo Ismailov, who shared valuable information and advice about academic and cultural life in Europe, life after graduation, and career opportunities, followed by an exchange of views with the students.

An interactive workshop training was also conducted by the invited trainer, Uchqun Normamatov, DAAD scholarship holder. During the meeting, the students learned practical strategies for making effective use of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programme. In particular, they received useful guidance on adapting to studying and living abroad, achieving academic success, and managing everyday life in Europe

For reference:
In total, 13 students from Uzbekistan, 11 females and 2 males, were selected for study at Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters as from 2026/2027 academic year. Selected students will have an opportunity to study in a wide range of disciplines including Law and Gender, Economic Policies for the Global bifurcation, Quaternary and Prehistory, Children’s Literature, Media and Cultural Entrepreneurship, Arts in Sound Design for Media Arts, Clinical Linguistics, InterCultural Leadership in Digital Era, Aeronautical Sustainable Applications, Law and Economics, Engineering for Environmental Sustainability and International Cooperation, Safe and Reliable Nuclear Applications, European Politics and Society.