How an Indian Geology Graduate from Delhi University Secured the Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for a Master’s in Paleobiology at the University of Lille and Uppsala University

Hello everyone! I’m Gouripriya Sreekumar Menon from Kerala, India. I am currently pursuing the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree - PANGEA (Paleobiology, Applied Paleontology, and Geoheritage), specializing in the Paleobiology track from the University of Lille, France, and Uppsala University, Sweden.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor's degree in Geology (Hons.) from Ram Lal Anand College, University of Delhi, with a CGPA of 9.2/10. As a South Indian moving to North India, adapting to a new language, cuisine, climate, and culture presented a significant challenge. The initial part of my degree was conducted online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited hands-on learning, which was particularly challenging for a field-based subject like Geology. Nevertheless, our professors made every effort to ensure we grasped the fundamentals. Once I moved to Delhi, I gradually adapted to the new environment, and this transition ultimately equipped me to handle the challenges I would later face during my master’s studies.

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

Right from high school, I just had one ambition in mind: to become an astrobiologist. I planned and prepared for it from the very beginning. While I faced challenges along the way, my goal never changed. Throughout my bachelor's degree, I focused on building my CV by attending workshops, conferences, and participating in volunteering programs. Since most opportunities in astrobiology lie abroad, I didn’t prepare for any competitive exams in India. Instead, I dedicated my time to strengthening my CV and crafting a strong motivation letter.

It was through a senior at college that I first heard about the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship program, and I began researching it in detail. I was immediately drawn to the PANGEA program, as it offered the perfect opportunity to combine my passion for the origins and evolution of life on Earth and use that knowledge to search for life beyond our planet. By the time the final application opened, I had everything prepared. The process, including the interview round, went well, and I was thrilled with the results.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

During my bachelor's, I was awarded the Central Sector Scholarship by the Government of India. The PANGEA program was the only application I submitted for my master’s.

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

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree- PANGEA is a two-year international program designed to provide specialized training in paleobiology, applied paleontology, and geoheritage. The objective of the program is to enhance understanding of geobiological processes, including those linked to ecological crises, and to promote new perspectives on geological archives, not only as scientific and cultural heritage but also as limited resources that require sustainable management. Over the past decade, paleontology has seen expanding applications in fields such as environmental micropaleontology, science communication, heritage management, and environmental protection.

The PANGEA program addresses these evolving academic and societal demands by bringing together the expertise of a consortium of four leading European universities and their associated partners. The host institution is the University of Lille, France. Students in the paleobiology track continue their studies at Uppsala University, Sweden; those in the applied paleontology track proceed to the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; and those in the geoheritage track attend the University of Minho, Portugal.

As a student in the paleobiology track, I completed my first semester at the University of Lille and the remaining three semesters at Uppsala University. I gained hands-on experience in the fundamentals of paleobiology, ranging from topics like the early origins of life on Earth to vertebrate paleontology. Each topic was deeply inspiring, and we were fortunate to learn from excellent instructors who were always approachable and eager to engage with our curiosity. I was also privileged to participate in several fieldwork activities in regions such as Wales, Dorset, and Greece. I recently completed my master’s thesis at the Swedish Museum of Natural History in Stockholm.

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?

In my experience, living in Lille was comparatively more affordable than in Uppsala, especially in terms of accommodation. In Lille, I had the option to choose low-cost housing, whereas in Uppsala, the variation in accommodation prices was minimal. I prioritized comfort and opted for a studio apartment, which was relatively expensive. Transportation was also more economical in Lille; in Uppsala, I managed travel costs by purchasing a bicycle. Overall living expenses were slightly higher in Uppsala, though not significantly. I managed my budget by tracking discounts at different grocery stores and purchasing items based on where they were cheapest. Unlike my time in France, I seldom ate out in Sweden, which helped me balance my expenses. Although saving money was challenging toward the end of each month, the monthly stipend we received was sufficient to cover accommodation and maintain a comfortable standard of living.

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?

There were no significant language barriers, as the academic medium of instruction was English. However, I occasionally faced minor difficulties while interacting with natives. Although I began learning basic French and Swedish, I did not encounter any major challenges related to language during my two-year stay in both countries.

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

Absolutely! If you are truly passionate about your field and enjoy traveling, this is an excellent opportunity. I don’t have any major advice since everyone’s journey is unique, but if you plan to apply for the program, start preparing early. Keep a clear vision of your goals and believe in yourself. The process can be frustrating at times, and it’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed. Don’t hesitate to seek help and build connections on LinkedIn, as in my case, my connections there have been incredibly helpful. Take care of your physical and mental well-being and stay focused on what you want to achieve. I’m confident you’ll succeed.

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

Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing because I believe everything happens for a reason. Learning about the scholarship through my senior was only possible because of my bachelor’s studies in a different city, where I stepped out of my comfort zone and explored new opportunities. I truly enjoyed the entire Erasmus journey and am very happy with how things have unfolded and where I am today. That said, if I were to do something differently, I would have tried to maintain a better work-life balance. I think that would have allowed me to enjoy the experience even more and manage stress more effectively along the way.