From Mexico to Europe: How David Villanueva Won the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to Study Intelligent Field Robotic Systems (IFRoS)

Hello! My name is David Villanueva, and I’m from Mexico. This September, I will begin the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's in Intelligent Field Robotic Systems (IFRoS) program. I will spend my first year studying in Girona, Spain, and then continue my third and fourth semesters in either Hungary or Croatia, depending on my specialization track.

With a background in mechatronics engineering, I’m passionate about using technology to address global challenges. Through IFRoS, I aim to develop innovative solutions that meaningfully impact both industrial and societal settings, ultimately improving people’s quality of life.

Educational Background

I studied Mechatronics Engineering for my bachelor’s degree at the Universidad de Monterrey (UDEM), Mexico, where I earned the highest achievement: Summa Cum Laude. Through my academic and personal journey, I have always enjoyed challenging myself. By participating in multiple student groups, research experiences, international competitions, and diverse engineering projects, I’ve built a strong profile focused on research, collaboration, and social impact.

Some of the experiences that prepared me the most for a program like IFRoS were doing research in the Summer Undergraduate Research in Engineering program at the University of Michigan, and participating in the NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge competition in Huntsville, Alabama. These experiences helped me grow both personally and technically, and gave me the right tools to thrive in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment that IFRoS has to offer.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for Erasmus Mundus Scholarships?

I originally applied for the program Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Mechatronics Engineering, and I also considered universities like the University of Bristol in England, as well as Maynooth University and the University of Galway in Ireland. I received a partial scholarship for tuition fees at the University of Galway called the Latin America Masters Scholarship, and it was for 50% of tuition fees (which is 28,000 Euros), so 14,000 euros of scholarship in total. However, I eventually chose IFRoS due to its research approach, connection with leading R&D institutions, and advanced topics in robotics, matching my professional and academic pursuits.

The application process was very tough, competitive, and demanding. There were around of 460 applicants from over 40 countries. Today, I feel honoured to be one of the 18 students selected to join IFRoS, representing not my country or my university, but also the values and motivation I believe in.

I think what made my application stand out was the combination of solid research experience in robotics, a strong leadership background, and the international exposure I gained through different projects and programs during my undergraduate studies.

Could you briefly discuss the Erasmus Mundus program you pursued and the specific field of study it focused on?

The Intelligent Field Robotic Systems (IFRoS) program is a two-year Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s degree coordinated by Universidad de Girona (Spain), University of Zagreb (Croatia), and Eötvös Loránd University (Hungary). The academic plan offers three main fields of study: marine, land, and aerial robotics. Its courses cover a wide range of robotics techniques, methodologies, and new technologies such as artificial intelligence, control systems, sensorization, etc.

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?

I’m fortunate to be one of the 18 students awarded the scholarship offered by the IFRoS Consortium for international students. It covers full tuition and includes €8,000 to help with living expenses.

Living abroad as a student is always challenging, especially when adjusting to different countries and their finances. But with this grant, along with internship opportunities during the program, will help me to cover what I need to succeed. To manage my finances, I plan to track my expenses closely, plan my monthly budget, and find a balance in my daily life so I can stay focused on both my academic and personal goals.

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 is fully taught in English, which I speak and understand fluently. However, I’ll also be living in Croatia or Hungary, where English isn’t the main language. Because of that, I’m planning to study Croatian and Hungarian to better communicate with people in daily life and make the most out of the cultural experience.

Would you recommend the Erasmus Mundus program to others? What advice would you give to someone considering this scholarship?

Absolutely! If you are looking for a high-prestige, multicultural, and challenging program focused on robotics, IFRoS is the best option.

My advice is to discover your true motivation, regardless of your discipline or field. Getting accepted in these international programs highly depends on genuinely expressing your motivation and aspirations in your motivation letter. Of course, building a strong and strategic profile also makes a big difference. Stay organized with documentation, be smart with your applications, and do not let the process overwhelm you. At the end, it is totally worth it.

Looking back, would you have done anything differently during your time in the program?

I haven’t started the program yet, but I’ll begin this September. In the meantime, I’m reviewing key robotics topics, getting familiar with the subjects of the first semester, and organizing my life and finances to make the most of this experience from day one. I’m also connecting with future classmates and alumni to better prepare for what’s ahead.