How a Tanzanian Scholar Earned a Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to Study Sustainability in Agriculture, Food Production, and Food Technology Across the Czech Republic and Slovakia

Hi! I am Kesia Nyambele, a Tanzanian national with a strong Food Science and Technology academic background. An awardee of a fully funded Erasmus Mundus scholarship 2023-2025. I’ve studied in different countries, including Tanzania, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. I am currently pursuing an Erasmus Mundus Joint master’s degree in Sustainability in Agriculture, Food Production, and Food Technology — a multidisciplinary program offered jointly by the Czech University of Life Sciences and the Slovak University of Agriculture.

Educational Background

Before joining the Erasmus Mundus program, I completed my Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology at Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania. My degree gave me a solid foundation in food safety, nutrition, and industrial food processes, which aligned perfectly with the Erasmus Mundus focus on sustainable agriculture and food production systems.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Institution?

I extensively researched the Erasmus Mundus programs that matched my background and interests. I also reached out to alumni on LinkedIn to get firsthand insights. I tailored my motivation letter to highlight how my experience in quality assurance, food safety, and research aligned with the program's goals.

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

I only applied for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship because it did not require an English language certification like IELTS or TOEFL, which many other scholarships did. This made it more accessible for me at the time. I dedicated my efforts to building a strong application. I conducted in-depth research on the program, wrote a tailored motivation letter that reflected my academic journey, practical experiences, and passion for food sustainability, and obtained recommendation letters from mentors who could speak to my strengths.

The scholarship was very competitive, as more than 1000 applications were submitted, and only 25 applicants were awarded a scholarship. I am forever grateful to Almighty for being one of those 25 applicants. I believe my strong academic performance (having an overall GPA of 4.1 out of 5) during my bachelor's studies, which highlighted my ability to excel in a rigorous program, also included significant practical experience. This included internships in food quality control and research, and volunteering to train small-scale food processors in best practices for hygiene and food safety. This combination of academic achievement, professional exposure, and community engagement helped distinguish my application and demonstrated my commitment to making a meaningful impact in the food and agriculture sector.

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

The program focuses on sustainability in agriculture, food production, and technology. It bridges practical knowledge with research, allowing us to explore sustainable farming systems, food processing, and nutrition. It’s a joint program with seven university partners in seven different European countries. I’ve studied in Prague, Czech Republic, and Nitra, Slovakia, which has enriched my understanding of European food systems.

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 between Prague and Nitra. Prague is more expensive, especially in terms of accommodation and transportation. Nitra is more affordable, with student-friendly prices for food and housing. Budgeting and taking advantage of student discounts helped me manage financially.

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?

Yes, especially outside of the academic setting. Although courses are taught in English, daily life in both countries involves some language barriers. I picked up basic Czech (A2 level) and a bit of Slovak to help with everyday interactions. I also used translation apps and took language classes offered by the universities.

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

Absolutely! It’s a life-changing opportunity that will advance your academic and professional goals and expose you to different cultures and networks. For future applicants, I recommend starting your application early, being authentic in your personal statement, and demonstrating how your background aligns with the program goals.

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

As I’m wrapping up my final year, looking back on everything, I feel a mix of accomplishment and things I wish I’d approached differently.

1. Maximizing Networking Opportunities: I wish I had taken more initiative early on to build stronger professional relationships with professors and fellow students across different cohorts. The Erasmus Mundus network is huge and global, and I realize now how valuable those connections could be for future career opportunities and personal growth.
2. Diving Deeper into the Local Culture: I spent a lot of time focusing on studies and the academic side of things, which was great, but I could have engaged more with the local cultures and communities in each country I lived in. Whether it’s learning the language more fluently, attending local events, or just connecting with more local people, there was so much more to experience outside of the classroom.
3. Better Time Management Between Academics and Personal Life: The program can be intense, juggling studies with deadlines and exams in different countries. I sometimes felt overwhelmed by the workload and didn’t always give myself enough downtime. Now, in my final year, I realize how important it is to make time for self-care, relaxation, and travel because those experiences help me recharge and stay motivated.
4. Taking Advantage of Internships and Research Projects: I wish I had been more proactive in seeking out internships or research opportunities alongside my studies. Erasmus Mundus provides many opportunities to get involved in real-world projects, and I think I could have benefited from diving deeper into these earlier in the program. It would’ve given me a better sense of where I want to go post-graduation.
5. Embracing the Unknown: One of the greatest things about Erasmus Mundus is being thrown into completely new environments and systems. There were moments when I hesitated or doubted myself in the face of new challenges. Looking back, I would have embraced those challenges more confidently, knowing that each experience would ultimately contribute to my personal and academic growth.

Overall, I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, but like anyone, I have some lessons learned that I’ll carry with me into the future. Now that I’m in the final stretch, I’m trying to enjoy every moment and make the most of the opportunities that come my way as I prepare for life after Erasmus Mundus.