Pursuing a Master's in Marine Biotechnology: An Indonesian Student's Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Journey Across Europe

I am Laurentius Hardy Kurniawan, and I am from Indonesia. I studied biotechnology for my Bachelor’s degree in Indonesia and did my thesis in Taiwan. I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree under the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Programme in Marine Biotechnology (JMPMB), specialising in aquaculture biotechnology. As a biotechnology graduate, I am aiming to apply biotechnological techniques to further improve the aquaculture sector. Throughout my Erasmus journey so far, I have studied in Spain (Universidad Católica de Valencia), France (La Rochelle Université), Greece (Agricultural University of Athens), and had an internship in Norway (Norwegian Institute of Marine Research).

Educational Background 

I obtained my bachelor’s degree from Indonesia International Institute for Life Sciences with a CGPA of 3.87/4.00. Studying in an international institute allowed me to improve my English level and exposed me to international opportunities. Furthermore, the research facilities and great professors have made me become a great researcher. With the experience and knowledge obtained, I was able to do my thesis at the National Changhua University of Education in Taiwan with a full scholarship from the Taiwan Ministry of Education. The international experience further improved my communication and adaptation skills which have been proven to be very beneficial throughout my Master’s journey.

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

While applying for the Erasmus Mundus JMPMB, I also applied to the International Master Program for Biological Technology at the National Changhua University of Education. Both were full scholarship programs. I was accepted in both applications, however I ended up choosing the Erasmus Mundus program. I believed that through the Erasmus program, I would be able to further expand my horizon and gain numerous opportunities that would be less accessible by staying only in Taiwan.

The most challenging part of applying for the Erasmus program was to write a good motivation letter. However, every aspect was scored in the application, including the cGPA, professional/research experience, and extracurricular. The scores allowed me to join the interview process, to which I was able to elaborate more on myself and why I deserved the spot in this program. Therefore, preparing a motivation letter, conducting interviews, and having a lot of experience play crucial roles in the application process for Erasmus.

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

The Erasmus Mundus JMPMB focuses on the application of biotechnology knowledge to explore marine resources, which in turn will be beneficial for mankind’s life. The program is suitable to those in love with biotechnology, marine environment, and marine organisms. Within the first year, the main studies are related to micro- and macro-algae, bacteria, holobiont, and biotechnological techniques, including the omic tools. In the third semester, students are specialising in innovative bioproducts, blue biomass, marine biorefinery, or aquaculture biotechnology. In aquaculture biotechnology, the studies are related to health and welfare, advanced breeding programmes, fish nutrigenomic, and aquaculture 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?

In my experience, Spain and Greece are the most affordable in terms of the cost of living compared to France and Norway. Nevertheless, the monthly stipend is able to cover all of the needs.

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?

Regardless of the host university in this program, the language of instruction is always English. However, language barriers must be taken into consideration when living in different countries and communicating with the locals. Unlike Norway and Greece, there are only very few locals who can speak English in Spain and France. Nevertheless, the program offers free optional Spanish and French courses. Furthermore, with the advanced technology, language barriers can be overcome.

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

The Erasmus Mundus program is truly beneficial, especially for non-Europeans, as the cost of travel and living is expensive. With the numerous benefits offered, I highly recommend applying for it. One can find it very difficult or challenging to prepare the documents or even prepare themselves to apply for scholarships. However, it is important to know that there is nothing easy in this world. One must be confident and have a great mentality, which is beneficial not only in applying for scholarships but also in the future. The Internet is easily accessible nowadays; Use it to find references for writing letters of motivation and preparing for interviews..etc

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

There is nothing that I would do differently during my time in this program as I am glad with everything that I have faced, done, and achieved.