European Studies Program

EUROPEAN STUDIES AT THE ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY

The European Studies Program was launched in 1998. It pools faculty with expertise on European affairs. Its teaching and research activities are multidisciplinary, drawing on its faculty’s expertise in economics, politics, security, history, and culture. It was initially formed as part of a European Commission project, begun two years earlier, to bring together Philippine academics who could teach and do research on Europe and the EU. To date, it is the only academic department in the Philippines that has received a Jean Monnet grant from the European Commission. The grant is awarded to institutions that demonstrate high levels of specialized expertise in EU affairs.

5 Fun facts about being an ateneo European Studies Student

1. One Program, So Many Perspectives

European Studies isn’t just about Europe. It’s about understanding how the world works through business, diplomacy, culture, and international relations. You’ll learn from professors who are economists, political scientists, historians, sociologists, and language experts, all with a focus on European topics. You’ll also meet professionals who work with European partners in fields like government, business, and development. On top of that, you’ll get to attend special lectures by European ambassadors right here in the Philippines. This combination of classroom learning and real-world exposure gives you a strong foundation for global careers and future studies.

2. Graduate with More Than Just a Degree

When you graduate from the European Studies Program, you don’t just walk away with a bachelor’s degree. You also earn two extra certificates: one in your chosen specialization (either International Relations or Business and Economics), and another that shows off your proficiency in a European language—awarded by the Department of Modern Languages. More credentials = more edge for your future studies or career!

3. You’ll Meet Professors from Europe (Without Leaving Campus!)

Every semester, you'll get the chance to attend talks and classes with visiting professors from top universities around the world—many of them based in Europe. These sessions aren’t just lectures—they’re a window into life, ideas, and careers in Europe. And the learning doesn’t stop there. Many of your own professors also teach or conduct research at leading European institutions, so you’re always getting fresh insights straight from the source.

4. The Only Program with a European Union Stamp of Approval

Did you know that Ateneo’s European Studies Program is the only one in the Philippines to receive special awards from the European Union called Jean Monnet grants? These awards go only to programs known for their excellence in teaching about Europe. Even cooler, you will be taught by the only Filipino professor in the country who holds a Jean Monnet Professorial Chair. In other words, you are learning from one of the top experts in Europe-related studies in the whole country. Pretty awesome, right?

5. Join the Club That Brings Model UN to the Ateneo

As a European Studies student, you can join the Ateneo Association of European Studies Students, or AEUSS. It is more than just a club. It is your chance to develop leadership skills, meet new friends, and celebrate European culture through fun events. AEUSS also organizes the Ateneo Model United Nations conference, its biggest annual project, giving you a chance to bring what you learn in class to life through real-world practice. Plus, the Ateneo varsity MUN team has been racking up awards at local and international conferences. Being part of this team means representing Ateneo, sharpening your debate and diplomacy skills, and gaining recognition on a global stage.