ERACOL: Europe’s high-speed brain train stops in Colombia, Costa Rica and Panamá
08 Apr 2010
As of 8 April 2010, citizens of Colombia, Costa Rica and Panamá seeking a career in clinical, biomedical, public health or applied research can apply for funding from the European Community under the framework of the ERACOL mobility scheme.
Representatives from universities in Europe (Belgium, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden) and Latin-America (Colombia, Cost Rica, Panamá) have signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize their cooperation in the ERACOL (Erasmus-Colombus 2013) project.
ERACOL provides scholarships for Latin-American undergraduate and master’s students, doctoral or postdoctoral students, and academic staff to go to selected universities in Europe, for periods ranging from one to 34 months. Conversely, citizens of Belgium, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the Netherlands may enroll at universities in Colombia, Costa Rica or Panamá. Scholarships include a subsistence allowance, funding for tuition fees (where applicable) and payment of travel costs and insurance.
Professor Albert Hofman of the Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands explains that the overriding objective of ERACOL lies in the enormous need for programmes for the training of young colleagues, especially in view of the “explosion of activities” in the field of life sciences. He adds that he is “privileged to take part”.
European Community initiative
ERACOL is a European Community initiative primarily aimed at achieving sustained improvement in knowledge, teaching and research skills in the public health sciences in Latin-America. It attempts to forge lasting links not only between the European and Latin-American partner universities, but also between and within the EU and Latin-America. Eventually, participants will return to their home countries with knowledge and skills that will enhance their employability.
Hanneke Teekens, Nuffic’s Director of Communication, attended the kick-off meeting. She points out: “Projects like Eracol are very important to show, first for Europeans among themselves, that it’s very interesting to do research in Europe; but also for other parts of the world to see that Europe is a highly interesting research destination.”
Selection criteria are strict: ERACOL aims at including the best talented, young students. However, participation of students from groups which are currently underrepresented in Latin-American higher education is encouraged. These groups are defined in terms of socio-economic indicators, gender, physical disability or ethnic background.
A unique opportunity
With a focus on health and public health, ERACOL addresses the fields of education, mathematics, health sciences, natural sciences and social sciences. There is more, however. Participation does not only enrich academically, it also brings other immeasurable benefits. These benefits range from acquiring life skills through immersion in another culture to the chance to learn another language and make new friends. It is a unique opportunity for Latin-American and European students who want to study in Europe or Latin America respectively.
Dr Monica Ortegón of the Universidad del Rosaria in Bogotá, Colombia recommends that students “read about the ERACOL purposes. They must be motivated and dedicated to devote themselves to health problems in their own countries.”
More information
All mobility is to take effect as of 1 September 2010. Applications can now be submitted online at www.erasmus-columbus.eu. This website also provides more information.
Disclaimer
This project has been funded with support from the European Community. The sole responsibility for this announcement lies with the author. The Commission and the Agency cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.