How a Kyrgyzstani Computer Science Graduate Earned the Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to Study a Master’s in Brain and Data Science Across Israel, Croatia, and Finland

My name is Kanykei, and I am from Kyrgyzstan. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Brain and Data Science through the NeuroData Erasmus Mundus program. This program offers a unique academic and cultural experience, with studies in Israel, Croatia, and Finland - each contributing to both my academic development and personal growth.

Educational Background

I completed my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at the University of Central Asia in Kyrgyzstan. Courses like Data Science and Machine Learning helped me to find a specific path in AI in such a broad field as computer science. My final-year thesis on breast cancer classification deepened my interest in health data science and motivated me to look for programs aligned with this interest.

Outside academics, the multicultural environment, involvement in community-based projects, and participation in international conferences helped me strengthen my social skills, particularly adaptability and flexibility, which later helped me a lot in a multi-country program like Erasmus Mundus.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Erasmus Scholarship?

As applications for most fully funded scholarships close early, I started preparing before the final year already. My first step was researching relevant programs and noting down their deadlines and requirements. I applied to Erasmus Mundus, the Stipendium Hungaricum, and the KAUST University Scholarship. Erasmus Mundus was my top choice because of its mobility opportunities, multicultural exposure, and healthy study-life balance.

I tailored each application carefully by editing my documents and personal statements according to each program’s unique focus. One key piece of advice I would offer is: read the program details thoroughly and align your application with them. It is also crucial to have a clear goal and show how the program can help you achieve it. I believe what made my application stand out was this alignment between my personal story, goals, and the program’s vision.

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

I am pursuing a degree in Brain and Data Science. The program offers four main tracks: biomedical and data-science engineering of neuroscience, cognitive approaches to neuroscience, fundamental, behavioural, and clinical neuroscience research, and neuroimaging and data processing.

What makes this program unique is its interdisciplinary nature: it blends elements from computer science, statistics, psychology, and health sciences. You can learn more about it at https://www.neurodata-master.org.

My specific track focuses on interpreting and analyzing brain imaging data for cognitive research. As part of the program, I am currently working on a thesis that involves classifying aerobic fitness and physical activity levels using brain imaging techniques such as DTI and MEG.

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?

During the program, I lived in Israel, Croatia, and Finland. All three countries have a relatively high cost of living. However, the monthly Erasmus Mundus scholarship was sufficient to cover basic student expenses and even allowed some savings for travel or other activities. Additionally, there are many student benefits, especially in Finland, that make the financial management a lot easier.

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?

As the main language of the program is English, I did not face any language difficulties in the university settings. Most people in the host countries also speak English. The only minor difficulty was understanding street signs or grocery labels, but Google Translate solved this issue. In general, I would say language is no longer a major barrier, thanks to translation tools nowadays. However, if you plan to work or stay in a country long-term, I strongly recommend learning the local language.

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

I would definitely recommend the Erasmus Mundus program. It offers everything: a generous scholarship, international mobility, a good study-life balance, and incredibly supportive coordinators who are always ready to help.

With such a wide variety of programs available in the Erasmus Mundus catalogue, I believe there is something for everyone. My advice to future applicants is to be authentic, align your application with your goals, and take the time to tailor it to the program.

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

Despite the ups and downs, I would not trade this experience for anything. With its challenges and highlights, the program has helped shape who I am today. I am deeply grateful for every moment of this program, and I would not change a thing about this journey.