THOUGH Jevaughn Henry and Renée Duhaney are having different experiences for their 2022 to 2024 Erasmus Mundus master’s programmes, they share the same aim — travelling to different countries while achieving their academic goals.

Henry, who started his Copernicus master’s in digital earth with specialisation in geocommunication and geovisualisation at University of Salzburg in Austria, is now finishing his studies at Palacky University Olomouc in Czech Republic.

“My Erasmus experience has been very insightful and educational but the best part so far has been the people I have met. My classmates come from every corner of the globe, and I have had the pleasure of learning about their cultures and experiences,” said Henry.

He noted that the programme continues to equip him with the necessary skills and expertise to excel in the fields of geoinformatics, remote sensing and cartography.

Henry added that the hands-on projects, access to advanced tools and equipment, as well as the internship experience, have provided him with the opportunity to translate theoretical knowledge into practical applications in the workforce.

“In my specific programme the emphasis on utilising cutting edge tools, hands-on experiences such as using 3D printing, and internships have been pivotal in enhancing my practical skills,” he said.

Henry also added that the programme is helping to prepare him to become a subject matter expert in using geospatial technologies.

Meanwhile, Duhaney started her CYBERUS master’s in cybersecurity at Southern Brittany University in France, then moved on to Tallinn University of Technology in Estonia, then The University of León in Spain.

She is now finishing her programme at University of Luxembourg in Luxembourg.

Duhaney said she has learnt a lot academically and has advanced in personal growth and development tremendously, as she shares space with people from different religious and cultural backgrounds.

“I am now able to speak French in my daily conversations. The CYBERUS master’s is very comprehensive. Not only have I learnt key principles to advance my future career in cybersecurity, but I have learned essential soft skills such as entrepreneurship, EU law, and collaboration. I believe this knowledge will help me to take various paths in the future,” she said.

“My communication and presentation skills have improved, and my language and intercultural skills and soft skills gained are highly valued by future employers,” she added.

Now, Henry and Duhaney are encouraging more students to register for the 2024 programme.

According to Henry: “The hardest part is applying; and if you make it through that phase and you get selected for an interview, just let your knowledge and personality shine where possible.”

“You miss 100 per cent of the shots you don’t take,” he stated, quoting Wayne Gretsky, Canadian former professional ice hockey player.

“Also, if you see a programme you are interested in, feel free to e-mail the programme coordinator to get more information to help you decide. Any student hoping to apply would benefit greatly from the extensive knowledge imparted in any of the Erasmus Mundus programmes,” he added.

And Duhaney suggests, “Write a good motivation letter using the STAR method; acquire required documentation as early as possible. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for help”.

Erasmus Mundus joint masters are high-level, integrated study programmes which equip people with knowledge and expertise to address current developmental issues in their home country.

The cost of students’ participation, travel, and living allowance are covered. Additionally, the courses run for at least one year and the awardees will complete two study periods, in a minimum of two European countries. The scholarship application period is open every year between October and January for courses starting the following academic year.

Interested members of the public can consult the online catalogue of available master’s programmes to identify postgraduate opportunities of their interest among the 193 master’s programmes available:
https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/erasmus-mundus-catalogue_en