How a Bangladeshi Environmental Toxicology Scholar Won the Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to Pursue Her Joint MSc in Environmental Contamination and Toxicology at the University of Bordeaux, University of the Basque Country, and the University of Porto

My name is Atiya Begum Rifat. I was born and raised in the Northern part (Dinajpur) of Bangladesh.

Degree: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master´s Degree in ECT+ ( Environmental Contamination and Toxicology) (https://www.ectplus.eu/)
Countries I studied in: France, Portugal, Spain
Institutions I studied and did my professional practices in: University of Bordeaux (France); Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute - University of Porto (Portugal), The Institute of Public Health of the University of Porto (ISPUP); Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PiE–UPV/EHU), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) (Spain); Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC) (Spain).

Educational Background

Before joining the Erasmus Mundus program, I studied Botany (or Plant Science) for both my Bachelor’s and Master's degrees at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh (https://www.du.ac.bd/).

During that period, I gained my first hands-on research experience by working on medicinal plants, conservation biology, and ethnobotany, with a particular focus on evaluating the thrombolytic potential of various medicinal plants.

I also gained initial experience in scientific writing and publishing, having co-authored research articles under the guidance of my supervisor and collaborators (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Atiya-Rifat). According to me, this early exposure to collaborative research and laboratory work significantly contributed to my successful application for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship, helping me develop both technical and teamwork skills.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Institutions?

Unlike many others, my journey wasn’t carefully planned from the beginning, but it was deeply personal and meaningful. Initially, I hadn’t considered applying for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, although studying abroad had always been a dream of mine.

Then the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life as we knew it. It made me realize how unpredictable life can be and pushed me to act on opportunities without overthinking. That’s when I decided to apply for Erasmus Mundus programs, including ECT+ and Bioceb (European Master's in Biological and Chemical Engineering for a Sustainable Bioeconomy).

To my surprise and joy, I was selected for the ECT+ program, a turning point that shaped my academic and professional goals.

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

Once I identified the Erasmus Mundus programs that matched my interests, I focused on preparing a strong and tailored application. I began by updating my CV to highlight relevant academic and research experiences, particularly my work on the thrombolytic potential of medicinal plants, which combined laboratory work, teamwork, and scientific writing.

I wrote customized motivation letters for each program, ensuring that my personal goals aligned with the curriculum and values of the courses. I also secured recommendation letters from professors familiar with both my academic performance and research capabilities.

Erasmus Mundus is highly competitive, with thousands of applicants worldwide. I believe Erasmus Mundus evaluates applicants based on their overall profile, not just academic merit. During the pandemic, I worked as a freelance content writer for a short period of time, which helped me develop strong communication, time management, and digital collaboration skills. I also took several online courses to strengthen my digital soft skills, including data management, virtual teamwork, and scientific communication,  all of which are vital in today’s international academic settings.

Beyond academics, I have actively participated in extracurricular and leadership activities throughout my student life. I was involved in environmental awareness campaigns, volunteered in university events. These experiences allowed me to grow as a communicator and team player and nurtured my passion for community engagement and public health.

Given the highly competitive nature of the Erasmus Mundus program, I believe what set my application apart was the combination of research experience, academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, digital adaptability, and a clear motivation to contribute to global environmental health. My publication and early exposure to interdisciplinary collaboration further aligned with the collaborative and international spirit of the program’s values.

Choosing Erasmus Mundus was not just about receiving funding; it was about joining a global network of scholars dedicated to solving complex global challenges. The ECT+ program, in particular, offered the interdisciplinary training, mobility, and international exposure I was seeking, and marked a transformative step in my academic and professional journey.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

No. Only applied to two programs of Erasmus Mundus and got selected for one.

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

I pursued the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree in Environmental Contamination and

Toxicology (ECT+), a multidisciplinary program aimed at training scientists and professionals in toxicology, ecotoxicology, and environmental chemistry. The program addresses key scientific and technological challenges related to environmental and human health, guided by the emerging One Health approach. You can check more at the official page https://www.ectplus.eu/.

ECT+ combines advanced theoretical knowledge with practical training across several European universities. It is designed to equip graduates with the skills and scientific foundation needed to contribute to evidence-based environmental protection and policy, in line with evolving European and global sustainability goals.

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?

Throughout the ECT+ program, I lived in several countries, and the cost of living varied noticeably. Portugal and the Basque Country (Spain) were the most affordable, especially when it came to housing, food, and public transportation. In contrast, France and Barcelona (Spain)  were more expensive, with higher costs for rent and daily expenses.

To manage financially, I budgeted carefully, shared accommodation with other students, cooked meals at home, and used student discounts for transport and activities. The Erasmus Mundus scholarship covered the essentials in all locations, and with mindful spending, I was able to live comfortably throughout the program.

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?

Yes, I encountered some language barriers during my studies, especially when living in countries where the local language differed from English. Fortunately, the language of instruction for the ECT+ program was primarily English across all partner universities, which helped maintain consistency in my academic work.

However, daily life posed some challenges in places like France, Spain (including the Basque Country and Barcelona), and Portugal, where local languages (French, Spanish, Catalan, Basque, and Portuguese) are predominantly spoken. Unlike France and the Basque region of Spain, I found that in Portugal and Barcelona, many people used English, which made communication much easier.

I didn’t take formal language courses, but gradually adapted by living with locals, exploring the city, and trying to familiarize myself with their cultures. With the help of others, I managed to live comfortably, for example, staying with French speakers in France, Portuguese speakers in Portugal, and Spanish speakers in Spain. I also used language apps like Duolingo and tools like Google Translate to assist communication. This ongoing process of adaptation helped me navigate daily tasks and deeply enriched my cultural experience.

Recommendations

I highly recommend the Erasmus Mundus program to anyone thinking about higher studies abroad in Europe. It’s not just a scholarship, it’s truly a gateway to global opportunities. With top universities and strong industry connections, it opens up doors to exciting career paths.

But for me, what made it truly special was the multicultural experience. You meet people from all around the world, collaborate in international teams, and gradually develop a global mindset. It’s not just about studying—it’s about growing, adapting, and learning far beyond the classroom.

It’s also a rollercoaster of a journey. You’ll often find yourself constantly on the move after each semester—packing, unpacking, and collecting a bag full of experiences. It’s not just about traveling, and it’s definitely not a bed of roses. There are challenges, goodbyes, and moments of uncertainty.

But if you’re ready to experience real life, with all its ups and downs, it’s worth every bit of it.

If you’re thinking of applying, here’s what helped me along the way:

• Know your direction – Don’t just follow the trend. Take time to explore what you really want, and choose a program that aligns with your goals.
• Grow your profile naturally – Your experiences, interests, and even your struggles can become strengths. Focus on learning, not just ticking boxes.
• Be kind to yourself during the process – It’s long, sometimes frustrating, and full of doubts—but that’s normal.
• Have faith in your journey – Even if things don’t go exactly as planned, trust that it’s leading you somewhere meaningful.
• And yes—we’ll cry… but we’ll survive. The lows are real, but so are the lessons, and the strength you build along the way.

Thanks for reading. 🤍

Feel free to reach out if you have questions or need support. Happy to help.