Nigerian Scholar Awarded the Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to Study Marine Environment Resources Across France, Spain, and Belgium

I’m Oluwakemi Dada, from Nigeria. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Aquaculture and Fisheries Management at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. In 2021, I was awarded the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship to study Marine Environment Resources(MER). My Erasmus journey was a super fantastic experience; starting at the University of Bordeaux (France), where I took my fundamental courses in Oceanography and sea floor geology. I then continued at the University of the Basque Country in Spain and the University of Liège in Belgium. During my second semester, I interned at the University of the Basque Country Marine Station, where I worked on a project assessing the impact of rising sea surface temperature on grey mullet. For my final semester, I joined the Future Oceans Lab at the University of Vigo as a visiting researcher, contributing to an EU-funded project on climate risks and small-scale fisheries in Galicia, one of Europe's important traditional fishing regions.

Educational Background 

Before Erasmus, I earned a Bachelor's degree in Aquaculture and Fisheries Management from the prestigious Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, ranked among Africa's top agriculture universities, where I graduated with a second-class upper division. My undergraduate provided a solid foundation for my interest in marine resource management, especially through relevant coursework and field trips to coastal communities, which significantly influenced my research interests and motivated me to apply for the Erasmus Mundus program

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Institution?

To prepare for my applications, I carefully reviewed the Erasmus Mundus website for the MER program to identify all the required documents. These included: 1) official undergraduate transcript, 2) proof of English proficiency  (most programs accept a medium of instruction letter), 3) international passport, 4) recommendation letters from supervisors or lecturers, 5) personal statement, CV, and other relevant documents. Most importantly, I started early and didn’t wait until the deadline. I also prayed and trusted God for grace throughout the process.

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

I did not apply to multiple scholarships; I focused my efforts on the Erasmus Mundus master’s in Marine Environment Resources, as it closely aligned with my academic background and research goals.  I believe what made my application stand out was its relevance, the strength of my motivation letter, and a clear link between my past academic experiences and future ambitions/goals.

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

My program was Marine Environment Resources (MER). The MER program addresses current issues in the marine environment through interdisciplinary training in areas like oceanography, sea floor geology, marine biotechnology, ecosystem-based fisheries management, marine biology, ecological statistics, and climate change impacts. In addition to the coursework, we also had professional development programs and trainings like the RIMER program and other science forums. The curriculum is designed to equip students with broad and applied marine science knowledge while allowing them to specialize in a chosen area during the thesis phase

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 slightly varied. Spain was the most affordable in terms of housing, food, and basic needs. I was even able to save a bit monthly after paying my rent. Each country offers subsidized public transportation for students, and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) card helped us access discounts on travel ( Flix bus, Ryanair) and services across the EU.

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?

Of course! Language barriers were inevitable. While my program was taught in English, language barriers did arise outside of the classroom. I relied on mobile translators for basic communication and was fortunate to have friends and locals who helped navigate everyday situations. In general, adapting took effort, but it got easier with time. Also, the people were friendly and very warm towards international students.

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

Absolutely. I recommend the Erasmus Mundus program to anyone with broad research interests and a passion for gaining international experience. The experience exposed me to different aspects of marine science and allowed me to choose my path for the next level. Also, after my bachelor’s, I couldn’t afford graduate school in my home country. The scholarship was a good opportunity that enabled me to pursue advanced studies and further my education without financial burden.

My advice: Choose a program that aligns with your long-term goals. Be open-minded and willing to adapt to new cultures and ways of life. It's not always easy, especially when it comes to food and lifestyle changes, but it gets better with time. Embrace the challenges; they’ll help you grow both personally and professionally.

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

Well, I don’t have anything I wish I had done differently during my time. I believe I turned out just fine based on every decision I made, except perhaps to have travelled more! I had on my bucket list to visit at least 10 European countries, but by the end of my program, I could visit 7. Still, it was a truly enriching experience!