Erasmus the world awaits

The ambition to study abroad is a familiar one for many graduates in Bangladesh, but for me, it became a personal quest. After my bachelor's degree, I sought a master's that would not only solidify my skills but also ignite a more creative passion for my work. This dream was my guiding star, but the path toward it would be a true test of perseverance.

Journey begins

It took nearly three years to secure a funded master's program. Those years were a relentless cycle of hope and rejection. With each refusal, however, I chose to see a lesson, not a failure. Juggling a full-time job with demanding applications and continuous skill development was a challenging yet profoundly interesting experience. This difficult road eventually sharpened my focus onto one goal: the Erasmus Mundus program, drawn by its unique promise of studying at world-class universities across Europe.

Then, on a sunny day in 2024, a single email changed everything. The coordinator for the European Master in Global Studies confirmed I had been awarded the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. In that moment, my life pivoted towards a new horizon. The period that followed was a whirlwind of preparation—navigating the maze of visa applications, shopping for a new climate, and managing funds for personal expenditures. Most importantly, I prepared myself mentally for an endeavour that I knew would shape the rest of my life.

The true value of the program lies in the classroom. I am learning alongside students from 37 different countries, where every discussion becomes a kaleidoscope of global perspectives.

— Farhat Lamisha Erasmus Scholar

A classroom without borders

The Erasmus Mundus Master in Global Studies is more than an academic program; it is a lens through which to understand our interconnected world. Supported by the European Commission, the scholarship is a comprehensive package covering tuition, health insurance, and living expenses, allowing students to fully immerse themselves in their studies.

But the true value of the program lies in the classroom. I am learning alongside students from 37 different countries, where every discussion becomes a kaleidoscope of global perspectives. This environment has pushed me to express my ideas more confidently, to constantly challenge my own assumptions, and to grasp complex topics on a much deeper, practical level. Graduates are equipped for impactful careers in international organisations, NGOs, and academia, empowered by a large, active global alumni community that supports us long after graduation.

Embracing the challenge

The path of an Erasmus scholar is a roller coaster ride. From the initial application to living and studying in a foreign land, the journey tests your resilience. We must adapt to new languages, unfamiliar cultures, and different academic systems, especially as we attend semesters in different countries.

However, these hurdles are an integral part of the learning process. The entire academic journey is a masterclass in communication and adaptability, forcing you to connect with people from all around the world. It's about creating lifelong memories while fostering immense personal and professional development. The program shapes students not just to be experts in their fields, but to be culturally intelligent global citizens ready to contribute to the world.

I feel profoundly honoured to have been selected from Bangladesh for such a highly competitive program. It is a privilege to represent my country on a global stage, and I am deeply grateful for this incredible opportunity.

The writer is an Erasmus Scholar of Erasmus Mundus Master in Global Studies (EMGS),

Universität Leipzig (First Mobility) & Uniwersytet Wrocławski (Second Mobility).