How a Filipina Agriculture Graduate Earned the Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to Pursue a Master’s in Sustainability in Hungary and Slovakia

My name is Alyssa Jane Cabtalan, and I’m from the Philippines. I earned my first MSc degree in Urban Agriculture and Green Cities in 2021 at Institut Polytechnique UniLaSalle, Campus de Rouen, France. During this program, I completed a six-month thesis internship in Brussels, Belgium. Currently, I’m pursuing another MSc degree in Sustainability in Agriculture, Food Production, and Food Technology through the DAFM (Danube Agri-Food Master) program. This joint program is hosted by the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences in Gödöllő, Hungary, and the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Slovakia.

Educational Background

Before joining the Erasmus Mundus program, I completed a BSc in Agriculture in 2017 and worked as an Urban Agriculture Project Manager and Research Assistant at my university in the Philippines. In 2019, I received a GO Scholarship (a private scholarship between my university and a partner institution in France) to pursue my first MSc. While studying in France, I met students enrolled in Erasmus Mundus programs, which sparked my interest. My previous experiences living and working with people from diverse backgrounds helped me prepare for the multicultural environment of Erasmus Mundus. I also made it a point to research the culture, language, and lifestyle of each country I moved to. However, adapting to the climate, especially the four seasons, was a challenge, coming from a tropical country.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Institution?

I conducted thorough research on the institutions’ areas of expertise and how they aligned with my academic and professional goals. I carefully reviewed the application requirements and ensured I had all the necessary documents before applying.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship? 

I focused solely on this program and began preparing in May 2022 for the 2023–2025 intake. I gathered information from friends, online articles, videos, and LinkedIn success stories. I revised my motivation letter multiple times to reflect genuine and meaningful experiences. I also tailored my CV to align closely with the program’s objectives, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.

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

The program I’m enrolled in is truly holistic, it addresses the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, social, and economic. It aligns closely with my background and interests, particularly in agriculture and food science. I chose a track that allows me to deepen my knowledge in agri-food science while gaining hands-on research experience. My goal is to become both a researcher and an educator, integrating sustainable food systems and environmental awareness into education.

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?

The Erasmus Mundus scholarship has been a tremendous financial support. Coming from a developing country, I doubt I could have afforded to study in Europe without it. Central Europe, particularly Hungary and Slovakia, is relatively affordable for students. Accommodation and transportation costs in both countries are quite manageable.

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?

Hungarian and Slovak were challenging languages for me. Although I took a semester-long course in each, I still struggle to communicate fluently with locals. Fortunately, all courses in my program are taught in English, which has made academic life much easier.

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

Absolutely! It’s a life-changing experience that has broadened my perspective both personally and professionally. From building cross-cultural friendships to deepening my knowledge in sustainable food systems, the journey has been incredibly enriching. My advice: if you’re passionate about Erasmus Mundus, do your research, stay confident yet humble, and seek out mentors who can guide you.

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

Honestly, no. I believe I met the right people and had the right experiences that brought me to where I am today. I’m grateful for every challenge and success along the way. While not everything went according to plan, I’ve learned that no system is perfect. What matters most is advocating for yourself and making decisions that align with your values and goals.