Let's be modest:
You decide on your future - but others define the restraints within which you are able to design your fate.

For instance, one may or may not decide to spend a semester studying abroad. In this case, the financial restraint has been decided upon by the European Union, who provides us with the Erasmus program, financing the trip. In 2004-2008, Erasmus offered more than 10.000 scholarships to students (609 million euro). For those of us without unlimited means, such a scholarship determines whether or not we will study abroad.

At least, if this study abroad includes travelling. Many prefer to do their ‘studying abroad’ at home. For this purpose, we need a proper policy on Virtual Erasmus. Up till now, EU does not provide a Virtual Erasmus scholarship - thus short-changing a lot of students.

Soon, 29 April 2009, the Ministers of the 46 Bologna countries will meet in Leuven to jointly define the EU educational policy for the coming 10 years. By now, you'll see that this First Bologna Policy Forum concerns your future as well. One important question being: will the ministers decide to elevate Virtual Erasmus to the same level of importance as Erasmus? If they do, students will be able to take courses from other countries, without having to think about additional costs. Now that would make the European Higher Education Area more attractive to European students!

So if you know any policymakers, contact them!
At the very least, make a note of April 29, and stay tuned.