How a Ghanaian Graduate Received the Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to Pursue a Master’s in Archaeology and Heritage Studies in Europe

Hello, my name is Dorothy Mawuena Buatsi, and I want to share my scholarship story with you. I was born and raised in Ghana, a tropical country in West Africa.

Scholarship Details

In 2021, I applied for the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Scholarship and was selected to receive funds to cover my Master's in Europe. This fully funded scholarship allowed me to pursue my master's degree in Europe with other international students. The scholarship covered all the necessary expenses including tuition fees, monthly stipend, travel costs, health insurance, and travel insurance. I was overjoyed to have received this award, especially because it was my first attempt. My experience inspired me to start a YouTube channel where I share my life as an international student and offer tips on how to secure such scholarships.

Educational Background

I have always enjoyed watching archaeology-themed movies, cartoons, and documentaries, so when I got the opportunity to choose programs for my first degree, I selected Archaeology without hesitation for the prospect of learning and understanding the past through the materials left behind by past populations. After four years of study, I graduated with a first-class degree (GPA 3.90) in Archaeology and Political Science from the University of Ghana, Legon. During my school years, I enjoyed volunteering because it was always rewarding to dedicate my time to worthy causes. After my graduation, I had to partake in a mandatory National Service for a year and thus I did my service at the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies at the university and worked in various capacities as an Assistant Curator and Museum Guide at the department’s Museum and as a Research Assistant for Lecturers at the Department. It was one of these days at my service post that I had a conversation with a master’s student at the Department who brought my mind to the prospect of winning an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. I had been considering applying to a few schools directly on my own, but I found that this scholarship had an impressive list of programs. It wasn't difficult for me to find a few programs that aligned with my academic background, and with the assistance of my supervisor, lecturers, and friends, I was able to complete my applications.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for Scholarships and Institutions?

When preparing for scholarship applications, the first step is to gather all the necessary documents. These include academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, certificates, and a Curriculum Vitae. It's best to have both hard and soft copies of these documents ready as they are often required. Additionally, it's important to check the application deadlines and keep them in mind while preparing the documents. Another critical document for the application is the motivation letter or personal statement. Based on my experience, it's best to be honest and strategic while writing these letters. Highlighting the true stories that show your passion and suitability for the program is a great way to grab the attention of the scholarship selection committee. It's always good to have someone else read your letter and give their unbiased opinions and feedback. This can help you spot errors that you might have missed otherwise. Finally, recommendation letters are also very important documents for scholarship applications. It's crucial to contact your supervisors and lecturers beforehand and ask them to provide references for you. If you're applying for a scholarship for the first time, there's a lot to learn. Watching videos on YouTube and learning from previous awardees who share their own stories and tips about the scholarship is a great way to prepare.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were to start the application process again, I would approach it with a more positive mindset. I used to think that the program was too competitive and that I would not be able to get the attention of the selection committee. However, I now understand that this limiting mindset only led me to worry excessively and doubt myself. I would confess that I applied too close to the deadline, and I would strongly encourage you not to try that, especially with the Erasmus Scholarship. Every program has different application processes that require wait times and the like, when you apply almost the deadline you might meet hurdles that would discourage you from finishing the application.

What Advice Would You Give to Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

I am thankful that you have read this far, and I believe you have taken note of the valuable pieces of advice that I have shared throughout this write-up. To summarize, I shared that you should participate in various activities and opportunities, such as volunteering, internships, and online courses to enhance your CV and show the selection committee your interest in self-development. For instance, I volunteered at my campus radio station for three and a half years while studying and excelling in both. This paints a picture of a person who is a hardworking student who aspires to engage in diverse fields for self-improvement. Also, when making an application, it is crucial to take note of the deadlines and prepare all the necessary documents in advance, ensuring that they are properly labeled and scanned for online submissions. Be strategic in presenting your motivation letter and avoid lying or speaking negatively about your previous experience. Keep your letter positive, as people will remember how they felt when they read it. Finally, be confident in your application and remain hopeful, but don't put all your eggs in one basket.

I hope my story has provided you with valuable insights, and I wish you the best of luck in your academic journey. Go get that scholarship of your dreams!