How a Cuban Industrial Engineer Secured the Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus TISE Scholarship to Study Sustainability Across Europe

I’m José Andrés Hernández Rech, an Industrial Engineer from Cuba with experience in logistics, supply chain management, and sustainability projects. I’m currently enrolled in the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree program Transition, Innovation, and Sustainability Environments (TISE), which has allowed me to study across multiple countries, broadening my understanding of global sustainability challenges and enhancing my professional profile.

Educational Background 

Before joining the Erasmus Mundus program, I earned an Industrial Engineering degree from Universidad Central "Marta Abreu" de Las Villas in Cuba, where I also worked as a professor of Applied Mathematics in the Industrial Engineering department. I specialized in logistics and supply chain management through a National Research Project focused on the Cuban pharmaceutical supply chain. Additionally, I completed a master’s degree in Technological and Environmental Security in Chemical Processes, which shifted my focus toward the environmental impact of logistics systems. This academic and professional background gave me a solid interdisciplinary foundation, combining technical, analytical, and sustainability skills, which prepared me to adapt to diverse academic environments and collaborate effectively across a multi-country Erasmus Mundus experience.

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

For the Erasmus Mundus TISE program, no separate applications to the four participating institutions were required, nor were there any additional institutional requirements. I submitted a comprehensive application package that included a cover video where I presented my academic background and motivation. A certified English test was mandatory; I submitted IELTS results with a C1 level (B2 was the minimum required). No other official compulsory tests were required. Although it is not mandatory for the application process, I also fully legalized and officially translated my academic degree and transcript of records, as it is necessary to submit them once in the programme.

In the same year, I applied to other competitive scholarships, including Becas Carolina and Becas Santander, both in Spain, and the French Embassy Scholarship in Cuba. I ultimately chose the Erasmus Mundus program for its global recognition, strong academic reputation, and the opportunity to study in multiple European countries. I was particularly drawn to the TISE program for its transdisciplinary approach, combining sustainability and innovation, and offering not only theoretical knowledge but also exposure to diverse methodologies and real-world challenges.

The program was highly competitive: 502 eligible applications were received, with only 21 nominated candidates (an acceptance rate of around 4%). I believe my application stood out due to my clear understanding of my professional goals and how this program aligned with them. I believe demonstrating a strong link between the program's content and your experience helps you show not only that you are a good candidate, but also someone who would fully benefit from and contribute to the program.

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

I pursued the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree in Transition, Innovation and Sustainability Environments (TISE), a highly interdisciplinary program focused on understanding and addressing sustainability challenges through the lens of complex systems science. The program equips students with both analytical and practical tools to navigate the interconnected dimensions of environmental, economic, social, and political transitions. It stands out for its multi-country structure, taking place across Portugal, Ireland, Poland, and Austria, each offering unique academic approaches and local contexts. This geographic diversity enriches the learning experience by exposing students to a wide range of sustainability policies, socio-political dynamics, and innovation practices across Europe.

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?

As an Erasmus Mundus scholarship recipient, my tuition fees were fully covered, and I received a monthly stipend along with a travel allowance, which significantly eased the financial burden. However, the cost of living varied notably between countries. Portugal was quite affordable, especially when it came to food and transportation. In contrast, living in Dublin was significantly more expensive, particularly due to high accommodation costs, as it is one of the most expensive cities in Europe. Since the first two semesters took place in capital cities (Lisbon and Dublin), housing was consistently the largest expense. Despite these challenges, the scholarship was sufficient to cover basic living expenses in all countries, though careful budgeting was essential, especially in Ireland.

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?

I didn’t face major language barriers, as English is widely spoken in the cities where we studied, especially in international environments like Lisbon and Dublin. While in Portugal, there was limited time to formally study the local language, but part of the experience involved learning basic phrases to navigate everyday situations, which added to the cultural immersion. The language of instruction remained English throughout the entire program, regardless of the country.

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

I would absolutely recommend the Erasmus Mundus program, it’s a unique experience that allows you to grow both academically and personally. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where you are not just a student, but also an explorer, immersed in different cultures and learning environments. That said, it's important to be aware that the program involves frequent relocation, typically every 4 to 5 months, which means constantly adapting to new places, systems, and people. It’s an exciting journey, but you should be mentally and emotionally prepared for the challenge of not settling down in one place for the next two years after you receive that Erasmus Mundus notification letter in your mailbox. Flexibility, resilience, and an open mind are key to making the most of the experience.

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

If I could do something differently, I would have invested more time in engaging with local communities and immersing myself in the local cultures beyond the academic setting. Although the program's demanding schedule and frequent relocations made this difficult, I now realize how valuable it would have been to go beyond basic phrases and truly connect with the language and daily life in each country. Deeper cultural integration would have offered a richer and more grounded perspective on the places we lived in, making the overall experience even more meaningful and transformative.