Mahnoor, A Pakistani Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Recipient, Pursues Her International Masters in Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies at 3 Different Universities in Europe

My name is Mahnoor Saleem, and I am from Pakistan. I am an expert in all things Defence, Intelligence, and Strategy. Curious about futuristic and emerging technology, you’d find me harnessing the potential of Quantum technologies and Artificial General Intelligence. Having my undergraduate degree in International Relations, I always had a keen interest in pursuing a postgraduate program that could prepare me for real-world challenges and equip me with problem-solving capabilities. I completed my undergraduate degree, and I worked as a research analyst at a think tank. While researching the intersections of security, society, and technology, at that point, I decided to pursue my postgraduate degree in International Master's in Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies (IMSISS) on the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Scholarship. Ever Since I have been to three different countries – the United Kingdom (at the University of Glasgow), Ireland (at Dublin City University), and the Czech Republic (at Charles University), studying at three different universities and exploring the local delicacies and social intricacies of each city I have been to.

Educational Background

I completed my bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the National Defence University, Islamabad, where I graduated in 2021. Having written my final term dissertation, on the implications of emerging technologies and assessing their impact on security, society, and governance. I realized the need to pivot myself toward a program that can help me study this intersection thoroughly. IMSISS proved to be just the right program to begin with.

I hadn’t been much of a traveler before setting out for IMSISS. Glasgow, being the first destination, was as unknown to me as any other city in Pakistan, but the curious part of my brain took hold of me, and I started looking for connections that could help me prosper. LinkedIn proved to be a great resource in connecting me with program alumni, former university students, and wider communities on each campus I was meant to go to. It helped me ease my anxiety, and I look forward to meeting new individuals, building real connections, and gaining international experience.

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

Having graduated with an overall 3.8 CGPA, with an outstanding research project, my application credentials were quite decent. I took an IELTS proficiency test for my application to the institution, as well as a scholarship. My experience with a notable think-tank, a multi-national company, and other voluntary endeavors throughout my academic and post-academic associations presented an evenly rounded profile.

For my Erasmus Mundus application, I sought out online resources, former awardees, and went through numerous YouTube videos concentrating on application material. Writing an SOP was the trickiest part, since choosing the right sort of information that will help your statement stand out, while complementing your experiences with your academic objectives, could be a little too grueling. But with the freely available online resources, helped prepare enough for both my application as well as my IELTS exam.

Notion was my best friend in planning, preparing, and keeping myself ahead of deadlines during this process.

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

IMSISS or International Master's in Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies is the only one of its kind master's program, designed to cater to the increasingly multi-dimensional nature of international security. At the University of Glasgow, I was juggling core courses, circling around Strategic Studies. At Dublin City University, I was exploring how intelligence operations are niched within the security umbrella, and finally, at Charles University, I am specializing in the Security concentration of this program, while working on my dissertation.

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 across all countries and cities I have been to varies drastically. Glasgow (UK) was moderately expensive, while Dublin (Ireland) was highly expensive. Given that Dublin is the capital city, the cost of living there is reasonably high. Finally, Prague (Czech Republic) is the cheapest of all destinations. It is affordable, financially manageable, and perhaps (I am biased), the prettiest of all destinations.

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?

Language wasn’t a problem in any of the cities. I am adept in English and moderately fluent in German and Arabic. Despite choosing to switch languages personally, there was no pressing need to learn or adopt a different one. The medium of instruction in all Universities, that were part of the program, was also English.

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

I would highly recommend the Erasmus Mundus program to anyone willing to take up the challenge of learning on the go. It will not only help you develop academically but will also give you the sort of cultural exchange that can take you a long way. Meeting people from all sorts of socio-economic and geo-political backgrounds will help you widen your perspectives. Learn their ways, teach them yours. Adopt a few and give back a lot. The communities and connections that you nurture are perhaps your greatest asset at the end (other than your degree, obviously!)

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

Nothing other than keeping a Canon PowerShot G7X mark iii (in cherry red color) on me.