Inspiring Journeys of Academic Growth and Excellence of Filipinos in the EU

From the stage of the European Higher Education Fair (EHEF) to success stories across the EU, the journey continues this year. EHEF celebrates not just opportunities, but also the inspiring achievements of Filipino students who once walked the halls of the fair. Now scholars, professionals, and changemakers in various fields, these Goodwill Ambassadors stand as living proof of how education can open doors to global excellence, cross-cultural growth, and lifelong learning impact. 

“The EHEF is more than a fair; it’s a bridge and a pathway that connects dreams to possibilities, and talent to opportunities waiting in the EU,” said EU Ambassador H.E. Massimo Santoro.

From Policy Studies to Public Service 

Oliver James Soriano Dulay, Germany’s Goodwill Ambassador, embodies global citizenship shaped by education and purpose. A Helmut Schmidt Scholarship recipient under DAAD, he earned his Master’s in Analysis and Design of Policies and Security Studies in 2023. Now a Medico-Legal Officer III at the Commission on Human Rights, Oliver upholds justice, human rights, and public service through his work.

“My journey was transformative, teaching me the value of critical thinking. Studying in the EU is not just about academics; it’s about growing as a global citizen. The world is our home. Embrace this chance to learn, grow, and breathe excellence,” said Dulay. 

Bridging Cultures, Building Excellence

Jessica Isabelle Badua, Spain’s Goodwill Ambassador, exemplifies how international education bridges cultures and builds leaders. A British Council IELTS Prize Scholar and recipient of the Premio Extraordinario Fin de Máster, she earned her Bilingual Master’s in International Relations and Migrations at the University of Cádiz and a BA in European Languages (cum laude) from UP Diliman. Now an Assistant/Archivist at the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, Jessica continues to promote collaboration and diversity, shaped by her EU academic and professional journey.

Badua shared, “Studying in the EU is about growth, discovery, and building lifelong connections. If you have the opportunity to return to the Philippines, use what you have learned to give back and help create positive change. Alternatively, if you become part of something bigger internationally, that’s great too!” 

Nurturing Innovation Through Science and Service

Johnrell Zuniega, France’s Goodwill Ambassador, shows how scientific collaboration drives innovation. A 2024 PhD graduate in Agroresources, Food, Bio products and Nutrition from L'Institut Agro Montpellier, he has contributed to sustainable plant protection research and presented internationally. Now an Assistant Professor at UP Los Baños, he continues linking European research excellence with Filipino agricultural development while actively engaging in community and professional networks.

According to Zuniega, “This experience showed me that excellence is not about individual achievement, but about learning together and uniting diverse perspectives to solve global challenges.”

Learning Without Limits

Frances Lee Sanchez, Italy’s Goodwill Ambassador, embodies how education opens minds and builds purpose beyond borders. A Master’s graduate in International Management from Italy, she presented research on generative AI’s impact on Metro Manila e-commerce consumers. Now a Virtual Assistant for an Australian firm and a Faculty Member at Dr. Carlos Lanting College, Frances inspires students to pursue excellence and embrace global perspectives, proving that learning knows no boundaries.

“Had I not studied in Italy, I would not have gained this perspective. That experience sparked in me a dream: to return to the Philippines and share what I have learned with Filipino students. My EU higher education equipped me with knowledge, skills, and a global outlook that I now carry with purpose,” said Frances Sanchez.

Transforming Through Science 

Alexis Cabahug Achacoso, Hungary’s Goodwill Ambassador, exemplifies how education and research drive excellence. A PhD candidate in Chemistry at the University of Debrecen, he explores innovations in MRI probe technology. Active in mentoring and student leadership, Alexis promotes collaboration and growth among international scholars. Describing his EU experience as transformative, he continues to advance science while inspiring young Filipinos to learn, lead, and create meaningful change.

As the EHEF marks another year of empowering Filipino learners, the stories of its Goodwill Ambassadors stand as proof that education in the EU goes beyond degrees, it shapes leaders, nurtures innovation, and inspires service. Each alumnus carries forward the EHEF spirit of excellence, bridging nations through knowledge and purpose. 

Join EHEF 2025 on 21 and 22 November at the Midtown Atrium, Robinsons Manila, and on 24 November for the online sessions. For more information, visit ehefphilippines.com and stay updated by following EHEF Philippines (@EHEFPhilippines) on Facebook, Instagram, and X.