2 in Croatia under Erasmus+ Exchange Program

Two students are representing Far Eastern University from Feb. 24 to July 05 in Croatia through the international academic exchange of the Erasmus+ mobility program. 

Marilyn Angeline Follosco of the Department of Political Science and Abigail Kyla Pamintuan of the Department of International Studies are spending a semester in the University of Zagreb’s Faculty of Political Science, where they are joining a diverse cohort of approximately 340 students from 44 countries. 

For Follosco, the opportunity marks the realization of a long-held academic aspiration. She shared that studying abroad has been a dream since her high school years, although previous attempts to pursue international study did not materialize. 

“As a student, this opportunity means a lot to me,” she said. “I’ve always dreamed of studying outside the Philippines, and this semester in Europe feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience that turned my dream into reality. I will truly cherish this for the rest of my life.” 

The exchange program offers students the opportunity to engage in global academic environments, broaden their perspectives, and deepen their understanding of international relations and political systems. According to program materials, the University of Zagreb is recognized as the oldest university in Southeast Europe, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, research engagement, and the promotion of human rights and global citizenship. 

Both Follosco and Pamintuan expect the courses to deepen their analytical perspective and strengthen their ability to engage with global and local issues.  

“These courses will help us look at political issues more deeply than before,” said Pamintuan.  

“With exposure to different political systems and concepts, I will be able to compare what I have learned and develop a better understanding of real-world situations,” added Follosco. 

As part of their academic immersion, both students are enrolled in courses that reflect key areas in political science and international studies. 

Follosco is taking Gender and Politics, Public Policy, Political Information Environments in Central and Eastern Europe, and Electoral Systems, focusing on comparative political structures, information dynamics, and democratic processes within the European context. 

Meanwhile, Pamintuan is taking similar courses as well as Political Decision-Making and Oriental Jews and Arabs in the Time of Zionism, allowing her to explore intersections of governance, identity, and historical political movements.  

They expressed gratitude to FEU’s support network, particularly the International Relations Office and the Department of Political Science.  

“The International Relations Office and [the chairperson of the Department of Political Science] have been our backbone,” they said. “They guided and supported us in turning this dream into reality. [We are] beyond grateful for their belief that we can represent [FEU] and the Philippines.” 

Through this initiative, participating FEU students are expected to gain exposure to European academic frameworks while representing Philippine perspectives in international discourse. The partnership between FEU and the University of Zagreb’s Faculty of Political Science has also included collaborative conferences and research engagements, strengthening academic ties between the two institutions. 

Beyond academics, the experience offers students the chance to immerse themselves in Croatian culture and student life. Zagreb, the country’s capital, is known for its rich history and cultural landscape. 

The participation of Follosco and Pamintuan reflects FEU’s continued commitment to providing global learning opportunities and preparing students to become internationally engaged professionals. They join a growing number of Tamaraws gaining international exposure through exchange programs and global partnerships. 

To learn more about the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Bachelor of Arts in International Studies programs, please visit the links below:

Political Science:https://www.feu.edu.ph/institute-of-arts-and-sciences/bachelor-of-arts-in-political-science/

International Studies:https://www.feu.edu.ph/institute-of-arts-and-sciences/bachelor-of-arts-in-international-studies/