Erasmus Mundus Scholar, Daniela Fajardo from Honduras, Shares Her Journey of Pursuing a Master’s in Software Engineering for Green Deal (SE4GD) Across Italy, Finland, and the Netherlands

Hello! My name is Daniela Fajardo, and I’m from a small town in Honduras. After completing my bachelor's in Computer Science in South Korea, I was awarded the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree Scholarship to pursue Software Engineering for Green Deal (SE4GD) across Italy, Finland, and the Netherlands.

Educational Background 

My journey started when I won a full-ride scholarship for my Bachelor’s degree in South Korea. This included learning Korean in order to enter university, a commitment that opened the door to many new chapters. At Ewha Womans University, I was further honored with the Samsung Global Hope Scholarship and the Ewha Global Partnership Program. I dedicated myself to my studies, pursued personal tech projects (i.e. Youtube, Coursera, Datacamp, MOOCs), and joined social impact programs like an NGO supporting North Korean defectors to participate in United Nations model conferences. Korea taught me resilience, independence, adaptability, and the beauty of building a global family. It prepared me not just academically, but in spirit, for the next step.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Institutions? 

For me, Erasmus Mundus was the ideal next chapter. I trusted myself. I researched, stayed organized, checked requirements, and prepared all the documents, ensuring my application wasn't just a list of achievements, but a testament of my journey. I believe the motivation letter is key: it is where you connect the dots, share your genuine passion, and your vision for using your Master’s knowledge in the future.

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

I enrolled in Software Engineering for Green Deal (SE4GD). This program is dedicated to training software engineers who can actively contribute to the European Green Deal and global sustainability goals. It brilliantly combines technical software engineering courses with a deep focus on how we can have an impact on the sustainable development of our planet. We moved from the foundational theories in Italy to the sustainability mindset and green tech innovation in Finland, and finished with a focus on practical and thesis work in the Netherlands.

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 cost varied a lot! Amsterdam is the most expensive, while student cities in Italy and Finland (outside the capitals) can be more manageable. My advice is to opt for student housing, cook meals at home, and use student discounts (through ESN cards, museum passes, travel deals) for travel and culture. The Erasmus stipend is good, but mindful expenses lets you enjoy each country without stress.

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 program was in English, so academically, there was no barrier. In daily life, Finland and the Netherlands have very high English proficiency everywhere. In Italy, my native Spanish gave me a great advantage in understanding the basics. Overall, do your best to learn the local language! It’s fun, respectful, and opens doors.

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

Absolutely. It is challenging, transformative, and absolutely worth it. My advice is:

1. Your story is your power. Write a motivation letter that is authentically you.
2. Trust your timing and your journey. Prepare diligently, then believe.
3. Once in the program: Find your people. Embrace each culture. Study hard, but also rest without guilt—your well-being is your foundation.

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

1. Document the journey more consistently. Take more pictures and videos that will turn into beautiful memories.
2. Spend more time learning the basics of the languages before arriving, to deepen connections from the very start.