Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Scholar Prachi from India Shares Her Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master's at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam), LUT University, and University of L'Aquila, Netherlands, Finland, and Italy

Hi, I’m Prachi from India. Before joining Erasmus Mundus, I was working as a Front-End Software Engineer at SLB (Schlumberger), where I gained strong industry experience in software development. I joined the Erasmus Mundus Master’s in Software Engineering for the Green Deal (SE4GD), which gave me the opportunity to study in Italy, Finland, and the Netherlands. Studying in three different countries has honestly been one of the most exciting and life-changing experiences for me.

Educational Background

I completed my bachelor's studies in India and then gained around two years of professional experience working as a software engineer. My job really helped me become more practical, independent, and confident before entering such an international academic environment. Because of that, adjusting to different countries and education systems felt easier than I expected. It also helped me connect with program requirements and sustainability knowledge.

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

I spent a lot of time researching programs that matched both my technical background and my growing interest in sustainability. I worked carefully on my SOP, CV, and overall application to clearly explain why this program made sense for my journey. I also looked at student experiences and alumni advice, which really helped me understand what to expect. For me, preparation was mostly about being clear on my goals and telling my story honestly.

I looked into different international study opportunities, but Erasmus Mundus stood out because of its fully funded support and the chance to study in multiple countries. I focused on building a strong application that connected my past work experience, academics, and future goals. It’s definitely competitive, so I think what made my profile stronger was having both industry experience and a clear reason for choosing this path. I tried to show that I wasn’t just applying for funding—I genuinely cared about the program’s mission.

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

I pursued the Erasmus Mundus Master’s in Software Engineering for the Green Deal (SE4GD). The program focuses on software engineering, sustainability, and building digital solutions that can support environmental and social progress. What I really loved was that it wasn’t just about coding, it was about using technology for meaningful impact.

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 definitely changed from country to country. Italy felt more affordable, especially for food and daily expenses, while the Netherlands was noticeably more expensive, particularly for accommodation. Budgeting became super important, and I learned to plan carefully, use student discounts, and manage my scholarship wisely.

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?

Academically, not really, because the courses were in English. But in daily life, yes—sometimes simple things like shopping, transport, or paperwork could feel challenging. I mostly managed by learning basic local phrases, using translation apps, and just being open to asking for help.

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

Definitely, yes. It’s an amazing opportunity not just academically, but personally too. You grow so much by living in different countries, meeting people from around the world, and constantly adapting. My biggest advice would be to apply with strategy, purpose, and relate it to your own story. Believe me its once a lifetime experience.

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

Honestly, I wouldn’t change much about how I prepared for Erasmus because the whole journey itself taught me so much, and thankfully, it worked out for me. But if I could do one thing differently, I’d probably create a stronger Plan B by applying to more scholarships alongside Erasmus, just to keep more options open. I also wish I had documented my preparation journey better from the very beginning, because looking back, that process itself was such an important part of my growth. Overall, I’m truly grateful; it shaped me in ways I never expected, both personally and professionally.