How a Mexican Machine Learning Developer Completed an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Data‑Intensive Intelligent Software Systems Across Finland and Sweden

I'm Juan Carlos Pichardo from Mexico, a Machine Learning Developer and recent graduate of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree Programme in Engineering of Data-Intensive Intelligent Software Systems (EDISS). As part of the program, I had the opportunity to study at Åbo Akademi University in Finland and Mälardalen University in Sweden.

Educational Background 

Before pursuing my master’s degree, I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering at Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico. During that time, I also had the opportunity to spend a semester abroad at Jönköping University in Sweden, which gave me valuable early exposure to an international academic environment. In addition, I worked for a year as both a Software Engineer and a Project Leader on several projects. This experience enabled me to explore various aspects of technology from both technical and managerial perspectives, while also strengthening my communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills, all of which contributed to my success in an international academic setting.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

One of the most important steps in preparing for the application was deciding on the specific area I wanted to pursue. This clarity helped me narrow down my options and focus on programs that matched the type of education I was seeking. This helped me find several scholarship options, mainly in relation to different universities in Europe.

I chose to apply for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship because of the comprehensive experience and strong support the program offers both academically and culturally. With its multicultural environment and diverse specialisation options, Erasmus Mundus programs are ideal for those who wish to focus in-depth on a specific area of study. I often say these programs are designed for people who are ready to grow both as specialists and as global citizens. The application process is also quite straightforward, giving people the chance to present themselves through multiple formats, such as written statements or videos, depending on the specific program.

When I applied, the EDISS program was established only one year before, and received 298 applications, a number that grows each year, of which only 23 students were accepted. I believe my application stood out for two main reasons: first, I took the time to deeply understand the program’s objectives and find how they aligned with my own goals; second, I presented a well-rounded profile built on a combination of academic achievements, work experience, and extracurricular involvement, including participation in various student associations. This blend of experiences helped differentiate my application from others.

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 Programme in Engineering of Data-Intensive Intelligent Software Systems (EDISS), a program designed to bridge the gap between data science and software engineering. It is tailored for students interested in Data Science and Machine Learning, offering a comprehensive curriculum that ranges from foundational concepts to hands-on experience through real-world projects and collaborations with industry partners. The first year of the program takes place in Finland, focusing on data science and machine learning. For the second year, there exist three options with specialisations in each one:

• Sweden: Industrial Machine Learning – Software Engineering
• Italy: Model Driven Machine Learning – Software Engineering
• Spain: Computer Vision and Intelligent Systems

Each country offers a unique academic and cultural experience, allowing students to gain more knowledge in specific areas while gaining valuable international insights.

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?

Thanks to the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, my tuition fees were fully covered, and I received a monthly stipend to support my living expenses. During my studies, I lived in two Nordic countries, which tend to have higher daily costs, like groceries and dining out. Fortunately, one major benefit was that the universities in the Nordic countries provide access to affordable student housing, which allowed me to focus my budget on other essentials. The cities were also highly connected, making it easy and economical to get around by bike or public transport. Overall, the scholarship was sufficient to cover all basic needs, with only minimal budgeting required for leisure or non-essential expenses.

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?

In general, the countries where I studied didn’t present a major language barrier, as English was widely spoken and all my classes were conducted in English. Still, I found it important to learn the basics and expand my vocabulary in the local languages. My main goal was to understand everyday messages, like those found in restaurants, events, and stores, and to be able to communicate using basic sentences. I believe this effort greatly enriched my experience, helping me engage more deeply with the culture and daily life around me.

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

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Erasmus Mundus program to anyone. Its structure offers a unique opportunity for both academic and personal growth. Few educational experiences provide such a rich multicultural environment, and the scholarship significantly eases the financial burden, making it more accessible. My advice to future students is to embrace the journey with an open mind. Be prepared for two years of constant change, new experiences, and occasional uncertainty. You'll meet people from all over the world, adapt to different cultures, and sometimes move between countries on short notice. It's truly an amazing adventure.

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

I think the main change I would have made is trying to also connect more with the local people. Being studying with a lot of new classmates makes you to focus only on going out and meeting the people in your program or university, this being always great, but it’s a valuable experience to go events in the cities and get to meet the locals that can give you such a new perspective on how to live over there, open you social circle to the local people if possible.