By Tiffany Leong
The number of European students coming to the University of Macao (Umac) has dropped considerably from 83 in 2002 to only 21 this year mainly because of the fear and media hype over the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome(SARS).
Joseph Sy-Changco, coordinator for the Exchange Programme of the Faculty of Business Administration (FBA), said, "SARS and media are the main factors. In fact SARS did not affect Macau much, however the media had blown it out of proportion. This made parents and friends of the exchange students worry about Macao¡¦s situation."
He said that there was not much difference in promoting the exchange programme. His office sent out brochures to those European universities which have exchange relations with Umac the same way as they did in the past few years.
He said another way of promotion is through word of mouth. Exchange students who returned to their own countries usually have a good memory and recommendation of the school's programme as well as the city. But SARS made a big difference this year.
There were 55 students from European countries accepted, but only 21 finally came.
FBA¡¦s exchange programme is very popular not only with Umac students, but also in many European universities. The number of exchange students who came to Umac increased steadily especially from 62 in 1999 to 83 last year.
Studying abroad is a better way to experience another culture and to learn to be independent. It usually provides a life time memory.
Oliver Kracht, forth year exchange student from France, said that he came because he knew that SARS was well under control and people had knowledge about how to prevent it. "The media had said too much about SARS and the media indeed affected the audience," he said. "However, I was not affected by the media."
Anna Tom, another year-four exchange student majoring in accounting is from Sweden. She said that she did not have any hesitation in coming here after her application was accepted although there were still reported SARS cases. She said, "Near the time of my coming, the cases of SARS were still increasing."
Despite the initial fear of SARS, they both are enjoying the experience at Umac. "Although the University of Macao is smaller than my university, the facilities are much better and well-organized," said Kracht.
Tom appreciated the friendliness of students. "I feel so welcome in this University. Many local students are very nice."
The number of exchange students at Umac: