Luxembourg’s Secretary of the State for Higher Education and Research, Marc Hansen, presented a brief overview of this year’s Student Fair, which is set to take place starting tomorrow, Thursday 13 and Friday 14 November at Luxexpo, at a press conference at the Ministry of Higher Education and Research yesterday.

He expressed delight at organising this traditional event – now at its twenty-eighth edition - which is a yearly staple, not only for Luxembourg students, but also those of the Greater Region. Secondary school students who are approaching the final stages, as well as visitors in general, will be able to meet and speak with representatives from universities, the working world, as well as interact with other students facing similar life decisions.

The Student Fair has taken on an increasingly international feel – sixteen nations will be represented this year, by 174 stands and 213 exhibitors, and the event has enjoyed immense popularity with over 11,500 people attending last year and a similar turnout expected this year. Moreover, the forthcoming edition will focus particularly on the health industry, due to the sector’s importance in employment for the Luxembourg economy and the careers and future opportunities it offers for graduates.

Secretary Hansen proceeded to enumerate the Student Fair’s main highlights and objectives, emphasising that it adds another dimension to purely internet research, in that it is interactive and students and their parents are able to take away not only information, but also get advice and hear about past experiences.

Furthermore, it allows students the opportunity to compare different academic and professional options and programmes simultaneously within the same environment. Students can explore options from various countries, or if they are set on a specific country, can compare different programmes from that same nation.

Lastly, Secretary Hansen stressed the presence of CEDIES at the event, which he said, constitutes the perfect opportunity to clarify any lingering doubts and queries about financial aid for students associated to higher education within the Grand-Duchy – both resident and non-resident. CEDIES has compiled brochures and guide prospectus’ – both subject and country-related for the students, as well as creating a single, online information guide platform for students to better focus their research. The exhibitors were also registered online to facilitate the compilation of information and allow students to prepare, so that no time is wasted looking for specific things on the days of the Fair.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Research, the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Ministry of National Education, Childhood and Youth has decided this year that with growing number of parents willing to participate, along with their children, Thursday’s opening times will be extended by two hours in the evening.

Both Thursday and Friday, the Fair will open its doors at 09:00, running through to 20:00 on Thursday and 18:00 on Friday.

For more information, students are encouraged to consult http://foiredeletudiant.lu.

Photos by Hugo Fulco: (L to R) Government Advisor, Léon Diederich, Secretary of the State for Higher Education and Research, Marc Hansen, CEDIES Coordinator, Jerry Lenert.