How an Indian Scholar Secured the Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for the ACES STAR Program

வணக்கம்! My name is Madhav Karthikeyan, hailing from Tamil Nadu, India. I am a proud alumnus of the Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries Institute, where I completed my bachelor's degree. I am honored to have been awarded the Erasmus Mundus Joint Scholarship for 2023, enabling my participation in the prestigious Aquaculture, Environment, and Society STAR (ACES STAR) program. My academic journey begins at the Scottish Association of Marine Sciences under the University of the Highlands and Islands in Scotland, where I will be based as my home university, while also having the opportunity to study at the University of Crete in Greece and Nantes University in France over the course of two additional semesters. During my internship at the University of Crete, I developed an innovative narrow AI model for zebrafish aquaria, named ZiD-AI. Presently, I am engaged in the development of a Dynamic Energy Budget model for sea bass in partnership with the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) in Greece as my dissertation.

Educational Background

Before embarking on my Master's degree, I earned a Bachelor of Fisheries Science (B.F.Sc) from the esteemed Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalitha Fisheries Institute, achieving an overall grade point average (OGPA) of 8.37. To further enrich my practical knowledge, I undertook a traineeship at the Marine Research Farm Facility in Thoothukudi.

The academic and practical experiences I acquired during this period harmonized beautifully with the objectives of the Erasmus Mundus program. My educational journey endowed me with the confidence to engage deeply with advanced topics, while my hands-on training laid a robust foundation in laboratory techniques and practical problem-solving skills.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the the University of the Highlands and Islands and Other Institutions?

I have always aspired to explore and deepen my understanding of the latest technologies and advancements in aquaculture. To remain informed about emerging developments, I have actively participated in numerous seminars and web meetings, which have fueled my desire to reach new heights in my journey.

I believe that the cornerstone of my progress lies in three essential components: my motivation letter, or Statement of Purpose (SOP), the reference letter I received from my esteemed dean, and my CV. In addition, possessing a language proficiency certificate, as required by the course leaders, is crucial for my application. Connections with seniors from previous cohorts, along with other invaluable relationships, have imparted significant knowledge and guided me closer to achieving a scholarship.

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

I exclusively pursued the Erasmus Mundus scholarship, focusing on the esteemed ACES-STAR program. After a journey filled with uncertainty, I am delighted to announce that I have been awarded a fully funded scholarship, becoming one of only two candidates selected for this prestigious opportunity. The Erasmus Mundus scholarship is renowned for its competitiveness and is highly esteemed within the aquaculture community in India.

I believe my application distinguished itself due to the harmonious alignment of my academic background and practical experiences with the program’s objectives.

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

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters program in Aquaculture, Environment, and Society STAR captivated my interest for its commitment to enriching my understanding of the foundational principles of aquaculture. This program offers a comprehensive exploration of the myriad scientific, technological, and social challenges that the global aquaculture industry faces in its pursuit of sustainable development, encompassing essential areas such as finfish, crustaceans, bivalves, and seaweed. Among the primary challenges that influence the industry's sustainability are environmental concerns, nutritional needs, feed formulation, disease management, animal welfare, reproduction and genetics, product safety, ecotoxicology, diverse aquaculture systems (including recirculating aquaculture and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture), biosecurity measures, spatial planning, and regulatory frameworks.

Furthermore, the program emphasizes the development of vital life skills, such as effective presentation, networking, social media engagement, and entrepreneurship, in partnership with the Scottish Institute for Enterprise. These skills will be thoughtfully cultivated throughout the course of my studies, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

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 my time in the program, I have been fortunate to receive a monthly stipend of 1,400 euros, which comfortably covers my living expenses. I find Greece to be the most economical choice among my destinations, while Scotland, with its use of pounds, tends to be somewhat more expensive. The Erasmus program aims to promote not only educational exchange but also the rich cultural diversity and heritage of different nations. Throughout my stay thus far, I have explored all the historically significant sites in each country. Moreover, during my Christmas and New Year vacations, I seized the opportunity to visit nine additional countries beyond the three where I am studying.

Each month, upon receiving my stipend, I thoughtfully allocate my budget as follows: I save 20% for future endeavors, reserve 20% for living expenses, set aside 15% for health and medications, dedicate 5% to recreation, allocate 20% for rent and travel, and leave the remaining 20% for miscellaneous 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?

Among the three countries I have had the pleasure of visiting, Scotland stands out as the only native English-speaking nation. In contrast, Greece and France each boast their own distinct languages, and this rich linguistic diversity has been an enlightening experience for me. While academically, the variance in languages has posed little challenge, it has profoundly influenced my social interactions. I have had the opportunity to acquire a wealth of new vocabulary from friends across these regions.

At the University of Nantes, we are fortunate to have access to French courses designed to enhance our language proficiency, as many in France may be somewhat reserved and not all speak English fluently.

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

I wholeheartedly endorse the Erasmus Mundus program for aspiring students. This distinguished program is not only highly regarded but also profoundly transformative. As an individual hailing from a middle-class family in a small coastal village, I can attest that this opportunity has been nothing less than life-altering. With all expenses covered—including travel, accommodation, insurance, and personal costs—this scholarship eliminates financial barriers and grants access to unparalleled global experiences.

For those considering the application, I encourage you to focus on composing a compelling motivation letter and securing strong reference letters. Additionally, building a professional network with fellow applicants and seniors from your cohort, as well as acquiring relevant practical experience, will greatly enhance your candidacy. Remember, the essence of success lies in aligning your aspirations with the program's objectives.

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

Upon reflection, I find myself wishing I had devoted more time to refining my writing skills, especially in review writing, and enhancing my proficiency in MS Office. While my traditional study methods served me well, becoming acquainted with modern tools would have undoubtedly enriched my academic experience.

In summary, my time in the Erasmus Mundus program has been profoundly rewarding, equipping me with the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to make significant contributions to the aquaculture industry.