How a Pakistani Scholar Earned the Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to Study Psychology of Global Mobility at Top European Universities
University: ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon; University of Limerick
Degree: Master of Science in Psychology of Global Mobility, Inclusion and Diversity in Society (Global MINDS)
Previous Education: Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Bahria University Islamabad (CGPA: 3.94/4.0)
Scholarship: Erasmus Mundus Scholarship – Fully Funded
Other Offered Scholarships (if any): Fulbright Scholarship

The Journey
Hello! I’m Maryam Javaid from Pakistan and I’m currently pursuing an Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Psychology of Global Mobility, Inclusion and Diversity in Society (Global MINDS) I grew up moving around Pakistan, never staying in one place for more than a few years, with a brief stint in India as a child. These experiences instilled in me a passion for mobility, acculturation, and all the social and psychological issues attached to it. Now, with my first semester in Lisbon, Portugal, and the second in Limerick, Ireland, I am fulfilling my dreams of studying while travelling the world, hoping to complete my goal of visiting 5 new countries this year!
Educational Background
I completed my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bahria University Islamabad, Pakistan, in 2023, where I graduated with a silver medal and 3.94/4.0 GPA. Being a student on the Rector’s list for the duration of my undergraduate program, I had set up a strong educational foundation for myself, which had an immense impact in not only helping me figure out where my ambitions lie, but also in backing up my application for Global MINDS. I also worked for one year as a Community Research Technologist at the Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning (PILL) in order to learn more about psychological research, the field I am building a career. As a researcher at PILL, I had the opportunity to interact with people from all corners of the world and work with them on research projects that were making an actual difference in the lives of people. Being mentored by professors from acclaimed institutions such as the University of Manchester and Teesside University enriched my experiences as a researcher and someone capable of fulfilling my responsibilities in a multicultural Master’s program.
How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?
After I had decided that I wanted to work in research in the area of social and cognitive psychology, I applied to two scholarships, the Fulbright Scholarship Program and EMJMD (Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree Program). While I was accepted with a full scholarship for both programs, I chose Erasmus Mundus as I knew that there was no better way to study social issues regarding culture and diversity than experiencing the mobility unique to Erasmus Mundus Programs.
Being accepted into both the Fulbright and Erasmus Mundus scholarship programs was a privilege that is not extended to many. Within the Erasmus Mundus program, I was among the 8% who were selected from almost 500 applications. Further, I was awarded a full scholarship placement, a position offered to only 10 students from the cohort of 40. I believe that the aspects of my application that resulted in my selection into such a prestigious and competitive program were very straightforward and simple. I had a clear and comprehensive idea of what I wanted my future to look like and the steps I needed to take in order to get there. My goals, which were inextricably linked to my ambition to make the world a better place for everyone, just needed to be communicated through my personal statement.
I was told by a recruitment agent at one of the numerous education fairs I visited during application season, “Why would an institution spend millions of dollars on you? Once you figure out the reason, just write it down”. Thereafter, I viewed scholarships as an investment for development, after which the work is to convince the institution, you are an investment that is worth it.
Could You Briefly Discuss the Erasmus Mundus Program You Pursued and the Specific Field of Study It Focused On?
My Erasmus Mundus program is a 2-year Master of Science in Psychology of Global Mobility, Inclusion and Diversity in Society (Global MINDS). Within the program, I am on Path A, which focuses on Culture and Diversity. As a Master's program, the degree involves advanced perspectives in social issues such as racism, sexism, microaggressions, and political conflicts from a psychological view. Its purpose is to inculcate in students the knowledge, understanding, and skills related to solving social issues in theoretical and practical settings.
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?
My first semester was in Lisbon, Portugal, and my second semester is currently in Limerick, Ireland. In Portugal, the cost of living is pretty affordable, especially if you are younger than 25, as there are numerous discounts and benefits you can avail. Average room rent prices range from €300-800, and a monthly travel card within the Lisbon metropolitan area is €40 (although you can get this for free if you are under 23). The prices of restaurants and groceries are also not bad; however, in Ireland, you are much better off eating in. With a much higher cost of living, average accommodation can range from €600-1000, while you can also sign up for a Leap card, which allows you discounts on travel. I receive a monthly stipend from the Erasmus Mundus Program of €1400, which allowed me to save up while living in Portugal. In Ireland, this is much harder considering travel costs (it’s much easier and cheaper to own a bicycle) and groceries; however, the stipend is enough for average monthly 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?
I did face language barriers in Portugal, especially in bureaucratic cases where Google Translate cannot facilitate much. While learning basic Portuguese will make everyday transactions such as ordering in cafes much easier, as many employees do not speak fluent English, it is not impossible to get by without it. Ireland is much easier in this sense as almost all individuals you come across speak fluent English, although sometimes in a pretty heavy Irish accent, which can be difficult to understand.
Would You Recommend the Erasmus Mundus Program to Others? What Advice Would You Give to Someone Considering This Scholarship?
I would definitely recommend Global MINDS to others, especially if you’re someone who enjoys travelling and adventure. It’s an amazing experience where you are given the opportunity to study in at least 2 different countries at reputable institutions. Interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures has helped me expand my horizons of critical thinking, and has made the social issues we study a reality by listening to other people’s experiences.
I would recommend anyone considering the program to come with realistic expectations. Not everything will be rainbows and roses; you will encounter numerous bureaucratic and immigration issues, especially if you have a weak passport. Further, due to administrative load, sometimes the partner universities will not perform as well as you would expect them to, leading to delays and miscommunications. However, having a strong social support and healthy acculturation strategies will definitely help you in coping with these challenges.
Looking Back, Would You Have Done Anything Differently During Your Time in the Program?
While I am currently in my second semester of the program, a retrospective view on the first semester makes me realize that I definitely should have made more effort in traveling within and outside Portugal. As a country that has outstanding public transport and connections with the rest of the world, Portugal is a country that makes travelling extremely easy. As the academic life and requirements in foreign countries are very different than those in Pakistan, I found myself tipping the scale to one side by focusing more on academics when I would have preferred a better balance between studying and exploration. Regardless, when I look back on my time in this program, I truly believe I am living out a unique experience, and I am excited to see what life has in store for me next.
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