Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Recipient, Jamal Wadood, Shares the Story of How He Applied for the Fully Funded Award to Pursue His Master’s in Applied Palaeontology Through the PANGEA Program in France and Greece

My name is Jamal Wadood, and I am from Pakistan. I completed my Bachelor's degree with a silver medal from Bacha Khan University Charsadda (BKUC). I was later selected for the highly prestigious Erasmus Mundus PANGEA program, a competitive Master’s program that selects only 19 students from around the world each year. As part of this program, I studied at three different institutes across France and Greece, where I successfully completed my Master’s degree. For my final semester, I was awarded a fully funded internship opportunity, which added valuable practical experience to my academic journey.

Educational Background

Before joining the Erasmus Mundus program, I completed my Bachelor's degree in Geology from Bacha Khan University Charsadda (BKUC), where I was awarded a silver medal for academic excellence. My academic background equipped me with strong analytical skills, a solid understanding of earth sciences, and the ability to adapt to new environments, qualities that greatly prepared me for the multi-country experience of studying in different institutes across France and Greece.

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

To prepare for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship application, I focused on building a strong academic record, gaining relevant research experience, and improving my language skills. Before applying, I also explored other scholarships but chose Erasmus Mundus because of its unique opportunity to study in multiple countries and its reputation for academic excellence. The competition was extremely tough, with only 19 students selected worldwide for the PANGEA program. I believe my strong academic background, silver medal achievement, clear motivation, and experience in international collaboration made my application stand out

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

I pursued the Erasmus Mundus PANGEA program, a prestigious two-year joint Master’s degree delivered by a consortium of four leading European universities: University of Lille (France), Uppsala University (Sweden), University of Minho (Portugal), and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Greece). The program is designed to provide advanced training in palaeontology with a strong focus on understanding ecological crises and managing geological heritage. It offers three specialized tracks-Palaeobiology, Applied Palaeontology, and Geoconservation- and I was enrolled in the Applied Palaeontology track.

This track emphasizes practical and environmental applications of palaeontology, including basin analysis, geoenvironmental studies, and the use of geological data to address environmental challenges. The program required mobility across at least two partner universities, allowing me to study in different academic and geological settings, specifically in France and Greece. Courses were taught in English and combined theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience through field trips, workshops, and a fully funded internship during my final semester. Upon completion, I earned multiple degrees from the partner universities along with a joint diploma supplement, which enhanced my international academic profile and prepared me for a career in research, environmental consultancy, and heritage management

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 of living varied noticeably between the countries I studied in during the Erasmus Mundus PANGEA program. France was generally the most expensive, especially in terms of accommodation and daily expenses, while Greece was comparatively more affordable. Managing finances required careful budgeting and planning—I relied on the Erasmus Mundus scholarship funds, which covered tuition and provided a monthly allowance, but I also kept track of my spending to ensure I stayed within my means. Additionally, taking the fully funded internship during my final semester helped me gain practical experience without financial stress. Overall, adapting to different living costs taught me valuable financial discipline

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?

During the Erasmus Mundus PANGEA program, all courses were taught in English, which was the official language of instruction across all partner universities, so I did not face major language barriers in my studies. However, living in France and Greece meant encountering everyday situations where French or Greek was spoken, which was initially challenging. To overcome this, I made an effort to learn basic phrases and communicate with locals, which helped me navigate daily life more comfortably. The consistent use of English in academic settings ensured smooth learning despite the different countries and cultures

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

Absolutely, I highly recommend the Erasmus Mundus program to anyone looking for a unique, challenging, and rewarding academic experience. It offers the chance to study in multiple countries, gain diverse perspectives, and build a strong international network. My advice to prospective applicants is to prepare thoroughly; focus on maintaining excellent academic records, develop a clear motivation statement, and be ready to adapt to new cultures and environments. Also, take full advantage of all opportunities, like internships and fieldwork, to enrich your learning and professional growth. This program can truly open doors for your future career.

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

I would have focused even more on networking and building connections with peers and professors from different countries. While the academic experience was excellent, stronger relationships could have opened additional opportunities for collaboration and career growth. I also wish I had taken more advantage of extracurricular activities and language learning to better immerse myself in the local cultures. Overall, these steps would have made my experience even richer both personally and professionally.