From Sri Lanka to Europe to the USA: Namal Abeysooriya’s Journey Through the Erasmus Mundus Master’s Scholarship(France,Portugal,Spain,The Netherlands) and a Graduate Assistantship at Tennessee Technological University(USA)

I, Namal Abeysooriya, am pursuing a Ph.D. in Environmental Science at Tennessee Technological University, USA. My story began in a middle-income family in the quiet rural town of Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka, where opportunities often felt distant and higher education seemed like an impossible dream. It was my parents’ unwavering dedication and encouragement that gave me the strength to follow those dreams. Although they are no longer with me, their sacrifices continue to guide every step I take. Over the years, I transformed early challenges into opportunities and built a truly unique academic journey.

The free education system in Sri Lanka gave me my foundation, while international scholarships later opened doors I never imagined possible.

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship and Graduate Assistantship at TTU

In 2020, I was honored to receive the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Scholarship (approximately $57,600), one of the most prestigious and competitive programs in the world, funded by the European Commission, to pursue my M.Sc. degree in Europe. This fully funded opportunity allowed me to study across four top universities in Spain, France, Portugal, and the Netherlands, and it covered 100% of tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and insurance. Beyond academic training, the program gave me the privilege of experiencing diverse cultures, languages, professional opportunities, and perspectives, shaping me into a global scholar. Following my graduation in 2022, I was awarded a Graduate Assistantship at Tennessee Technological University, USA, to pursue my Ph.D. This assistantship provides full tuition support, a stipend, and valuable research opportunities in environmental chemistry and toxicology, enabling me to advance my doctoral studies while contributing to meaningful scientific research..

Educational and Research Background

I earned my B.Sc. in Environmental Science with First Class Honors (GPA 3.70/4.00) from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. I then completed an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree in Environmental Contamination and Toxicology(ECT+) with a final GPA of 3.57/4.00, studying at the University of Pau and Adour Region (France), University of Porto (Portugal), University of the Basque Country (Spain), and Leiden University (the Netherlands).

Currently, I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Environmental Science (Chemistry concentration, GPA 4.0/4.0) at Tennessee Technological University, USA. My doctoral dissertation focuses on the interactions of organic contaminants with microplastics in aquatic ecosystems, integrating analytical chemistry, environmental toxicology, and ecological risk assessment. Alongside my studies, I have presented at international conferences, published peer-reviewed articles, and taken on leadership and volunteer roles, including serving as President of the American Chemical Society Graduate Student Organization at TTU.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship and Graduate Assistantship?

I began the process by exploring opportunities through online sources and connecting with people on social media, including senior batchmates who had prior experience. As the first step of my application, I prepared for the IELTS exam through self-study and practice tests, and successfully completed it to demonstrate my English proficiency. For the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, I applied directly through the official website. I carefully prepared a strong motivation letter and resume, emphasizing my research background and leadership experiences.

For Tennessee Tech University, I applied directly through the university admissions system and also reached out to professors whose research aligned with my interests. Their guidance and support were valuable during the application process, which ultimately helped me secure admission and a Graduate Assistantship.

What Made Your Application Stand Out?

My application stood out because it combined academic excellence with research experience. I submitted a well-structured resume that highlighted my academic record (GPA), research projects, publications, and extracurricular activities. In addition, my motivation letter and statement of purpose clearly reflected my commitment to environmental science and demonstrated how my past academic and research experiences aligned with the goals of the programs. This integration of qualifications, research achievements, and a clear sense of purpose distinguished my application from others.

What Advice Would You Give Others?

• Improve your English with a study plan: If English is not your first language, create a structured plan. Listening practice, consistent study, and keeping a vocabulary notebook can help you build confidence and fluency.
• Explore fully funded opportunities worldwide: Don’t limit yourself to one country or program. Scholarships are highly competitive, so apply to several options to increase your chances.
• Tailor every application: Show how your goals and experiences align with the scholarship’s mission, research focus, and academic values.
• Highlight leadership and impact: Demonstrate how you’ve contributed beyond academics—committees value leadership and real-world impact.
• Apply broadly and confidently: Even competitive programs like Erasmus Mundus are achievable if you clearly present your passion, achievements, and potential.
• Be honest and understand the format: Motivation letters, statements of purpose, and cover letters each have different formats. Don’t copy from others—use your own experiences and ideas to make your application authentic.