Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarship Scholar Paula Vallarta from Mexico Shares Her Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master's at Ghent University, Belgium

My name is Paula Vallarta, I am from Puebla, Mexico, and I am currently in the final semester of an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's in Textile Engineering at Ghent University named WE-TEAM, where I am a recipient of a full EMJM scholarship. I have a background in Chemical Engineering in Universidad de las Américas Puebla (UDLAP) and interdisciplinary experience across multiple countries, including Mexico, Belgium, and Germany. As part of the Erasmus Mundus program, I have studied and lived in Belgium (Ghent, Ghent University), Greece (Athens, West Attica University), and Sweden (Hogskolan Boras), gaining valuable international academic and cultural experience while specializing in textile engineering. I speak Spanish, English, and German, and I am currently learning Dutch

Educational Background

Before joining my master’s program, I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, which provided me with a strong foundation in process engineering and materials science. In addition, I gained industry experience in the German automotive sector, where I worked with a wide range of materials, including thermoplastics, textiles, leatherette, and coated surfaces. This experience strengthened my ability to adapt quickly to applied, international, and multidisciplinary environments.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Ghent University?

I prepared by researching programs that aligned with my interest in materials and textiles, particularly those with strong industry connections. I tailored my CV and motivation letter to highlight both my academic background and my professional experience in material development. I also emphasized my international mindset and adaptability. Additionally, I clearly defined what I wanted to learn from the program and how I intended to use those skills in my future career, which is essential to present a strong and focused application. For the scholarship, 300 people applied, and only 23 people got it.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Scholarship?

I explored several international scholarship opportunities; however, I chose to focus on Erasmus Mundus due to its multi-country structure and strong academic network. I prepared my application by clearly linking my background in chemical engineering and automotive materials with my future goals in textile engineering and sustainable materials.

Erasmus Mundus is highly competitive, and I believe my application stood out due to:

• A strong combination of industry experience and academic background
• A clear and well-defined career direction in materials and textiles
• Demonstrated international exposure and adaptability

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

The program focuses on Textile Engineering, with an emphasis on advanced materials, innovation, and sustainability. It involves studying in multiple European countries, offering exposure to diverse academic systems, research approaches, and industry collaborations.

What makes this program particularly unique is its international teaching structure: professors from around the world, including people from all European countries and Japan, to deliver specialized courses based on their areas of expertise. The curriculum is organized in intensive modules, with a different course each week and examinations approximately every six weeks. This creates a demanding yet highly engaging learning environment that challenges students to become dynamic learners.

What Did You Pursue After the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Scholarship?

I am currently completing my master’s degree and actively seeking professional opportunities in Europe. I aim to further develop my expertise in sustainable materials while remaining open to exploring new fields that allow me to grow professionally and expand my skill set.

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 varied significantly between countries. Ghent, Belgium, was the most expensive, mainly due to housing and food costs. Borås, Sweden, was relatively cheaper in housing but expensive in terms of transportation. Athens, Greece, was the most affordable, despite being a capital city. I managed my finances through careful budgeting and prioritizing essential 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 speak Spanish, English, and German, which helped me adapt across different countries. The language of instruction was primarily English; however, daily life often required knowledge of the local language. While communication in English was generally sufficient, deeper integration and access to job opportunities were more challenging without the local language. I strongly recommend starting to learn the language of your host country or of the place where you want to work as soon as you are accepted into the program.

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

Yes, I would highly recommend it. It offers a unique international experience, strong academic training, and exposure to diverse cultures and industries, helping you become more adaptable, open-minded, and globally oriented. It is also a life-changing experience where you build meaningful connections, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable memories. My advice:

• Be clear about your goals: define why you want to pursue the program and what you aim to achieve afterward.
• Align your academic and professional plans early on, whether you aim to continue in academia or enter the job market.
• Highlight both academic and practical experience in your application.
• Demonstrate adaptability and openness to multicultural environments

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

Looking back, I would have started searching for internships earlier, ideally at least six months in advance. In some countries, paid internships are available, even during the summer, offering valuable professional experience, the opportunity to live in new places, and financial support. Planning ahead can significantly enhance your overall experience. Additionally, platforms like LinkedIn and university job portals can be extremely useful for finding opportunities and should not be underestimated.