Erasmus+ Enriching lives, opening minds

I studied Economics and Environmental Science in college. I knew I wanted to study a masters related to computer and data science, but I specifically want to be able to apply my passion for sustainability to such a technical role. When I found GENIAL, a graduate program that focuses on both sustainability and information and communications technologies (ICT), I naturally jumped at the chance to apply. I am shocked how quickly my French is progressing, and my technical classes are fascinating as well. You can tell how passionate the professors are about our learning, and their networking expertise is evident.

After earning my degrees, I hope to find employment as a Data Scientist, Data Engineer, or Software Engineer with a specialty or focus on sustainability

My advice for others from the US is to: “Apply, Apply, Apply! Most Erasmus Mundus programs are free to apply to, so you have nothing to lose. If you are selected for the scholarship, you will earn a tuition-free master's degree (or multiple degrees) while being paid to broaden your horizons by studying in Europe, diving into new cultures, and meeting people from all over the world! Also, if you decide to apply, don't be afraid to reach out to and connect with current American students or alumni of Erasmus Mundus, most are happy to talk to you and answer any questions you might have about applying or starting a program."

I'm from Converse, Texas and I have the wonderful opportunity to get my masters in chemistry from the SERP+ master’s program. I have received the Erasmus+ scholarship, which allows me to travel to France for this opportunity. I chose this program because I will be able to explore different cultures, meet new friends, and it gives me the chance to grow into a well-rounded individual.

My professional goal in chemistry is to be in the pharmaceutical field to improve on side effects on medicine, all thanks to my grandma, who motivated me to continue these studies, so people don’t have to suffer as she did with the chemotherapy and radiation.

My advice for others from the US is to keep an open mind. It’s important to use this opportunity to grow in your learning but also expand your horizons and enjoy! These past 3 weeks abroad have been the best 3 weeks of my life. If you have the chance, do it.

This program has given me the opportunity to expand my technical skills in a field I have been interested in since my undergraduate studies. Being a joint master’s degree, I have the opportunity to learn at various universities throughout Europe, which has given me a global perspective on water-related issues. I have worked with climate change prediction models, such as CMIP5, which use many variables to estimate future climate variability. Tools like this are crucial to planning and developing projects to adapt to the effects of climate change

My professional goal is to become a licensed engineer at a water utility working on water supply operations and distribution infrastructure projects. Ensuring access to safe and reliable water is crucial to the function of any city.

My advice for American students is, Erasmus programs are unique in that they attract students from all over the globe. I have learned almost as much from my peers as I have from my classes. Additionally, having an internationally recognized degree provides you with many career opportunities around the world.

I chose to attend SERP+ primarily because of its unique balance of fundamental, applied renewable energy materials, and business/research transfer courses. The opportunity to concurrently earn master’s degrees in chemistry and materials science while living in France and Italy was too good to pass up. Who wouldn't want to immersive study science and languages while getting paid?!

After I earn my degree, I intend to improve the reliability and availability of renewable energy storage and conversion technologies in a research and development role at a battery or fuel cell company.

If you are considering an EMJMD, do it! If your program has a component in southern Europe, you should expect the official communications to be much looser than in the U.S., and frequently at the last minute. Regardless of the location, preparing under your own initiative will serve you well.

I was looking for a master’s program in materials science to further my knowledge and experience in this field and to prepare for a career in industrial materials engineering. Having studied French in high school, I was also hoping to have the opportunity to study in France with classes still taught in English (my undergraduate degree was too busy to permit a semester abroad). It's as if MaMaSELF, which is taught fully in English, offers the opportunity for a full scholarship, and includes studies in at least two different European countries, was tailored specifically to my background and interests!

With learning in different countries comes learning new and exciting information. So far I've learned that Crystallography has led to 28 Nobel Prizes, more than any other field. Also, French notebook paper is not the same as American notebook paper.

My goal after completing this program is to work as a materials engineer in an international company where I would be working with people from different countries (and hopefully getting to keep traveling and learning).

If you're interested in an Erasmus program, make sure you understand the difficulties that you will be facing in studying abroad. The rewards are well worth it, but the administrative requirements and cultural readjustments can be quite stressful. If you can, talk to friends, professors, or relatives who have studied abroad (ideally in the country you are considering) to make sure you can handle this stress and still enjoy your program.

During this pandemic, I realized that to win against various emerging and re-emerging diseases, only focusing on medicine or microbiology is far from enough; we also have to consider how human activities such as agriculture may affect the interactions between pathogens, humans, wild animals, and livestock. IDOH provides an opportunity to explore these issues through various courses, lab practicals, and internships in three different universities and many partner institutes.

It is a multicultural environment, where all classmates come from very diverse backgrounds. There are a lot of group assignments and presentations that require teamwork and skills in public speaking. One thing that I am excited about is the possibility of doing internships around the world!
I hope after graduation, I can be involved in policymaking for disease prevention and control, especially in underserved communities.

Life is an adventure. Step out the comfort zone and don't be afraid of making mistakes. Stay open-minded for new things you encounter and be kind to people who are different from you.