Erasmus+ EC2U LIFELINE Student Muhammad Talha Ahmed from Pakistan Shares His Journey of Studying Lifelong Wellbeing and Healthy Aging Across Romania, Finland, and Germany

My name is Muhammad Talha Ahmed from Pakistan, and I am currently pursuing a joint master’s in Lifelong Wellbeing and Healthy Aging (LIFELINE) program as a Welfare track student under the Erasmus+ mobility & EC2U (European Campus of City-Universities) alliance for the cohort 2025-

2027, which is a mobility master’s taught across the first semester at Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Romania, the second semester in the University of Turku, Finland, or Alexandru Ioan

Cuza University of Iasi, third semester in Friedrich Schiller

University of Jena, Germany, or University of Poitiers,

France and the last semester at my choice, across the EC2U

Alliance Universities. I completed my Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), and throughout my academic and professional journey, I have combined my interests in lifelong wellbeing, healthy aging, research, and mobility-related disorders.

Educational Background

Before joining the Erasmus+ program, I completed my Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of Health Sciences (Lahore College of Physical Therapy), Lahore, Pakistan. My academic training included subjects such as rehabilitation sciences, physiotherapy, biomechanics, neurosciences, musculoskeletal, and geriatric rehabilitation.

During my undergraduate degree, I also conducted research as part of my thesis, which helped me develop skills in research methodology, literature review, and data analysis. Alongside academics, I gained experience in Patient Counselling, Community Rehabilitation and Evidence-based practice. These experiences prepared me to thrive in a multicultural, multidisciplinary environment, as they taught me the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and an evidence-based approach to healthcare. During my DPT, I was working as a regional Ambassador in one of the most famous Social Welfares in Pakistan.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Institutions?

To prepare for the Erasmus+ EC2U program, I first researched universities in Europe that offer programs related to healthy ageing, public health, and wellbeing. I carefully reviewed the

course structure, partner universities, and the skillset

EC2U Lifelong Wellbeing and Healthy Ageing program emphasizes.

I prepared my application by:

• Updating my academic CV.
• Tailored my Motivation letter to highlight both my academic research and my fieldwork in volunteering and social duty response to the community.
• Preparing academic transcripts and supporting documents.
• I also reached out to the EC2U Alumni for guidance and aligned my personal goals and experiences with the program’s area of focus.

My background in physical therapy and rehabilitation sciences aligned well with the objectives of the program.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Scholarships?

I had applied to multiple opportunities, almost 25+, but was rejected in all except:

• Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) – MS in Public Health.
• Erasmus+ EC2U Joint Master’s – Lifelong Wellbeing and Healthy Aging (LIFELINE).
• University of Michigan – MS leading to PHD
• Kemitaan Negara Berkembung (KNB) Scholarship, Indonesia – MS in Public Health.
• University of Palermo, Italy – MSC Neuroscience.
• University of Tor Vergata, Italy – MS Physical Activity and Health Promotion.
• Moroccan Government Scholarship.
• Open Doors Scholarship, Russia.
• Salford University, UK

While these were great opportunities, I chose Erasmus+ EC2U because of global exposure, multidisciplinary curriculum and the chance to study across 4 different countries out of 7 of my own choice, with the focus on health and wellbeing and healthy aging, this program would connect me to a strong international network and prepare me for leadership in the health and welfare sector globally.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Yes, I was accepted for :

• Chinese Government Scholarship – MS in Public Health (Fully Funded)
• University of Michigan – MS leading to PhD (Professor-based funding)
• Kemitraan Negara Berkembang Scholarship (KNB), Indonesia – MS in Public Health (Fully Funded)
• University of Palermo, Italy – MSc Neuroscience (Tuition waiver + partial support)
• University of Tor Vergata, Italy – MS Physical Activity and Health Promotion (Tuition waiver + partial support)
• Government of Morocco Scholarship Program – Fully Funded
• Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project – Fully Funded
• University of Salford, UK – Partial Scholarship

Despite all these offers, I chose Erasmus+ because of its comprehensive coverage, mobility fundings and unique multicountry exposure.

Could You Briefly Discuss the Erasmus+ Program You Pursued and the Field of Study?

I am pursuing the Lifelong Wellbeing and Healthy

Ageing program offered through the EC2U (European Campus of City-Universities) alliance under Erasmus+. The program focuses on understanding how individuals can maintain health, independence, and quality of life throughout the lifespan.

The EC2U alliance includes universities from several European countries, including:

• University of Coimbra – Portugal
• University of Salamanca – Spain
• Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași – Romania
• University of Turku – Finland
• Friedrich Schiller University Jena – Germany
• University of Poitiers – France
• University of Pavia – Italy
• Johannes Kepler University Linz – Austria

The program brings together expertise from fields such as public health, rehabilitation, psychology, physical therapy, social sciences, and wellbeing studies, allowing me to understand lifelong well-being and aging from multiple perspectives. What excites me most is its combination of all the theoretical training and practical exposure through lab simulations, real-time imagery, and clinical collaborations.

How Did the Cost of Living Vary Across the Countries?

Since I am in my second semester at Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Romania, which is very affordable compared to other European Countries. The cost of living varies across

European countries, I travelled to Germany and

Italy and Romania tend to be more affordable for students.

• Western and Scandinavian countries may have higher living costs, especially for accommodation.

Erasmus+ mobility grant, careful budgeting, and student discounts help manage expenses during my studies.

Did You Face Any Language Barriers?

The language of instruction in the program is English, which made academic learning easier for international students. However, in everyday situations such as shopping or administrative work, the local language can sometimes be a challenge, and I am gradually learning Romanian to adapt better. I see language not as a barrier but as a way to immerse myself better in the culture.

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

Yes, I would definitely recommend the Erasmus+ EC2U program to students interested in interdisciplinary and interuniversity learning. It provides exposure to different academic systems and allows students to collaborate with peers from many countries. It is a life-changing experience.

The experience helps students develop global perspectives, cultural understanding, and professional networks.

My Advice:

• Start preparing early, especially with your motivation letter and CV.
• Highlight both your academic achievements and real-world impact in your application.
• Don’t hesitate to reach out to alumni; they provide invaluable guidance, but always be professional.
• Most importantly, apply with a clear purpose, and know exactly why this program fits into your long-term goals.
• NOTE: RELEVANCY IS THE KEY

Looking Back, Would You Have Done Anything Differently?

I am still in my second semester, and I would say the only thing I might have done differently is prepare more intensively with language basics before arriving. This would have made settling in smoother. But otherwise, every step of the journey from applying to finally joining has been worthwhile, and I am grateful for the opportunities that led me here.