How an Indian Food Technologist Received the Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to Pursue a Master’s in Sustainable Food Systems Across Belgium, Portugal, Germany, and Ireland

Hi, I’m Grishma Mehta, a food technologist from India currently pursuing the European Master of Science in Sustainable Food Systems Engineering, Technology and Business (BiFTec-FOODs) under the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) program.

Through this program, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to study in Belgium, Portugal, and Germany, and I’ll soon continue my journey in Ireland. Each country has offered me a unique perspective on sustainability, food innovation, and cultural diversity.

Educational Background

Before joining the Erasmus Mundus program, I completed a Bachelor of Science in Food Technology in India. My academic foundation included subjects like food chemistry, processing, nutrition, and safety. I also worked on plant-based product development and advanced analytical techniques like LC-MS and HPLC. These experiences not only shaped my technical knowledge but also sparked my interest in sustainable food systems, perfectly aligning with the objectives of the BiFTec-FOODs program.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Institutions?

My preparation started with deep research into Erasmus Mundus programs that aligned with my passion for food, sustainability, and innovation. I shortlisted BiFTec-FOODs and took time to prepare a strong CV, a clear and authentic motivation letter, and gathered recommendation letters from mentors who had seen my growth.

A key part of my preparation was connecting with alumni from the same program and universities, both current students and graduates. Their insights gave me clarity on what to expect academically and culturally, and they also helped me structure my application with purpose and direction.

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

I only applied for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship. Financially, it wasn’t feasible for me to pursue a master's abroad without funding, so I poured my full effort into this one application. I had also considered Erasmus programs in France and Hungary, but all under the same umbrella.

The competition is tough, but I believe what helped me stand out was:

• My focused motivation and personal story.
• Hands-on experience with sustainable food products and plant-based innovation.
• My commitment to making an impact, especially in food security and youth development.
• And most importantly, genuine advice from alumni, which helped me sharpen and personalize my application.

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

The BiFTec-FOODs program is an integrated, multi-country Master’s focused on the intersection of food engineering, sustainability, and business. Each semester is held in a different country, allowing us to experience various European academic systems, cultures, and industrial practices. It’s not just about textbooks—it’s about hands-on learning, cultural immersion, and professional growth.

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?

Each country had a different cost of living:

• Portugal (Porto) was the most budget-friendly, especially for housing and food.
• Belgium (Ghent) was moderately expensive, mainly due to higher rent.
• Germany (Bernburg) offered a balanced and manageable cost of living.
• I expect Ireland to be on the higher side, so I’m planning finances carefully.

Thanks to the monthly Erasmus+ stipend, I was able to manage well, especially by budgeting smartly, cooking at home, and being mindful of spending.

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?

While our instruction was entirely in English, daily life sometimes posed challenges, especially in Portugal and Germany, where English isn’t widely spoken outside academic spaces. I overcame this by:

• Learning basic local phrases.
• Using translation apps.
• Staying open to learning from people around me.

I’ve also started learning German and Dutch, and I really enjoy how languages connect you to local culture.

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

Absolutely! Erasmus+ is not just a scholarship—it’s a complete transformation. You don’t just grow academically; you evolve as a person.

Advice for future applicants:

• Connect with alumni—they are your best source of real insights.
• Be authentic in your motivation letter.
• Highlight both your academic strengths and your purpose.
• Start early and be patient—it’s worth the wait.

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

If I could go back, I’d:

• Network more with professionals and researchers in each country.
• Document my journey better—maybe through blogs or videos. ● Start learning local languages earlier for better immersion.

Still, every challenge was a learning opportunity. Erasmus gave me more than a degree—it gave me perspective, resilience, and a global community I’ll always be grateful for.