How a Russian-Azerbaijani Chemist Earned the Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to Study a Master’s in Bio & Pharmaceutical Material Science Across Italy, Spain, and France

Hello, I’m Nargiz. I have two motherlands: Russia and Azerbaijan. In 2023, I applied for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree in Bio & Pharmaceutical Material Science. My first semester was in Italy, second in Spain, and third in France.

Educational Background

My background is in Chemistry, I lived in one Russian city my whole life. Since Chemistry and Material Science are not that far from each other, I decided I might be able to go through the selection process and experience life outside my country.

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

I had good academic achievements, a CV, and a motivational letter. I also applied for Stipendium Hungaricum, for Turkish scholarship, and 2 other Erasmus Mundus programs. I’ve chosen, in particular, EM in Bio & Pharmaceutical Material Science because it seemed more interesting and difficult compared to others. I think the most important thing was my desire and persistence. I didn’t have any experience of studying in other countries before, I had only one short internship in Baku city. But I wanted to deepen my skills and knowledge out of my comfort zone, so I finished my studies with excellent grades, wrote a motivational letter, and got accepted.

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

The focus of the program in Material Science. Briefly, the program is about learning the depths of Materials, including Physics and Engineering.

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 most affordable, in my opinion, is Spain, and expensive – France. As long as I control my expenses and manage to buy what I consider worthy, everything is fine.

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?

Yes, that was complicated for me. But as time passes, it becomes easier because I've gotten used to it.

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

Yes, definitely. My advice: to be focused and study hard.

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

I would’ve studied more for my first semester.