From Nepal to Europe’s Forests: How Sachin Timilsina Won the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for Global Forestry

My name is Sachin Timilsina, and I’m a forestry enthusiast from Nepal with a passion for ecosystem restoration, biodiversity, and forest-soil interactions. I am currently completing my MSc in Global Forestry under the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) program. This two-year journey has allowed me to study across Denmark, Germany, French Guiana, and France, providing me with not only academic excellence but also diverse cultural and environmental exposure. My thesis research, based at the AgroParisTech and the University of Copenhagen, focuses on natural colonization in Danish landscapes, specifically examining the interplay between soil properties, carbon stocks, and biodiversity in flying insects.

Educational Background

Before joining the Erasmus Mundus program, I completed a bachelor’s degree in forestry from Tribhuvan University, Institute of Forestry, Pokhara, Nepal. My undergraduate coursework laid a solid foundation in forest ecology, silviculture, and soil science, while hands-on field experience helped me develop practical research skills. These experiences, along with my growing interest in global environmental issues, made me well-prepared for a multi-country, interdisciplinary program like Erasmus Mundus.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Institution?

To apply, I thoroughly researched the Global Forestry (EMJMD) program and aligned my academic and professional goals with its curriculum. I paid close attention to eligibility requirements, gathered strong recommendation letters, crafted a clear and personalized motivation letter, and highlighted relevant academic achievements, fieldwork, and research experience. I also reached out to alumni for tips and reviewed successful applications to understand the selection criteria better.

How Did you Prepare to Apply for Erasmus Mundus Scholarships?

Before applying to Erasmus Mundus, I also considered the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship. However, I prioritized Erasmus Mundus because of its fully funded nature, multinational structure, and strong network of partner universities and researchers. It was a highly competitive process, but I believe what made my application stand out was: a strong academic background in forestry and research, a clear alignment of my goals with the program’s vision, national volunteering experience, and a well-structured and passionate motivation letter and CV.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

Yes, I was fortunate to be selected for three different Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) programs and waitlisted in three others, which made the final decision both exciting and challenging. Although I was offered multiple fully funded Erasmus Mundus scholarships, I ultimately chose Global Forestry because of its strong alignment with my research interests in forest ecosystems, biodiversity, and restoration, and its unique opportunity to study both temperate and tropical forests.

Could You Briefly Discuss the Erasmus Mundus Program You Pursued and the Specific Field of Study It Focused On?

The MSc in Global Forestry focuses on sustainable forest management in a global context, combining ecology, policy, and social sciences. The program is designed to address challenges in forest conservation, land use, and climate change through a multidisciplinary approach. I studied:

• Denmark (University of Copenhagen): Sustainable Forest management, livelihood, and global challenges like climate change.
• Germany (TU Dresden): Silviculture, agroforestry, soil science, and forest management and organization.
• France (AgroParisTech – Kourou and Montpellier): Forest ecology and field research in the Amazonian rainforest
• My thesis brings together forest inventory, LiDAR-based biomass estimation, and soil-biodiversity analysis in afforested and naturally colonized landscapes in Denmark.

How Did the Cost of Living Vary Across the Countries You Studied In? Which Country Was the Most Affordable or Expensive, and How Did You Manage Financially?

• Denmark: The most expensive – especially housing and food. I budgeted carefully and cooked at home often.
• Germany: More affordable, especially student housing and transport with the semester ticket.
• France (Kourou): Mixed – groceries were more expensive in French Guiana, but housing was subsidized.

The monthly Erasmus Mundus stipend was sufficient in all three countries, but careful budgeting and occasional student discounts helped me manage well.

Did You Face Any Language Barriers, and if So, How Did You Overcome Them? Did the Language of Instruction Change from One Country to Another?

The language of instruction was English throughout the program, which made the academic part manageable. However, daily life sometimes required knowledge of Danish, German, or French. I overcame these barriers by: Using translation apps and learning basic conversational phrases.

Would You Recommend the Erasmus Mundus Program to Others? What Advice Would You Give to Someone Considering This Scholarship?

Absolutely. Erasmus Mundus is more than just a degree — it’s a life-changing experience. It provides: World-class education, international exposure, Cultural understanding, and a strong network of peers and professionals.

Advice to Future Applicants:

• Start early and research the programs thoroughly.
• Tailor your motivation letter to each program.
• Highlight national and international experience, adaptability, and your future vision.
• Connect your background to global challenges.

Looking Back, Would You Have Done Anything Differently During Your Time in the Program?

I’m incredibly grateful for the experience, but if I had to change something: I wish I had documented my experiences more regularly through a blog or vlog.

💡 This experience really showed me how many amazing opportunities Erasmus Mundus offers – if you’re focused and motivated, there’s a world of possibilities out there!