Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Recipient, Reinfrida Ostack Mwalongo from Tanzania, Shares the Story of How She Applied for the Fully Funded Award to Pursue Her MSc in Transition, Innovation, and Sustainability (TISE) Across Four European Universities

My name is Reinfrida Ostack Mwalongo from Tanzania, and I am currently pursuing my Erasmus Mundus Master’s in Transition, Innovation, and Sustainability (TISE). Through this program, I have had the opportunity to study in four universities across Europe: Nova University of Lisbon in Portugal, University College Dublin in Ireland, Poznan University of Economics and Business in Poland, and Danube University Krems in Austria. During my undergraduate program and after, I used to volunteer with several organisations in Tanzania, focusing on heritage preservation and environmental initiatives. These experiences strengthened my interest in the connection between cultural heritage, community engagement, and sustainability, and inspired me to pursue further studies in an international and interdisciplinary setting.

Educational Background

My undergraduate background is in Heritage Management, with a focus on cultural heritage and community engagement in the conservation of heritage resources from the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. This prepared me well for a multi-country academic journey because it taught me how culture, community, and environment are interconnected. Alongside heritage studies, I have also been deeply engaged in climate and environmental issues. I have always believed that we cannot fight climate change without looking at the past and learning from traditional practices that communities used to protect their environment. This belief shaped both my academic path and the way I approach global challenges.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Institutions?

From a young age, I knew I wanted to pursue my master’s abroad, though I had no clear idea how or when it would happen. I started preparing during my second year of undergraduate studies. I remember attending an educational fair organized by the EU Delegation in Tanzania at the University of Dar es Salaam, where all EU countries presented different study abroad opportunities, and that’s how I ended up at the Erasmus booth, where I met several awardees. The information was overwhelming, and I wanted to apply for every scholarship I heard about. But I quickly realised that I needed time and preparation. I began doing online research, reaching out to former scholarship awardees, seeking advice from my supervisors and mentors at UDSM, and spending hours watching YouTube vlogs about scholarships. These small steps slowly built my confidence and direction.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Scholarships?

My first applications were for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship, the Australian Government Scholarship (to three universities), the Romanian Government Scholarship, and Erasmus Mundus. For Erasmus, I initially received a partial offer with a score of 71/100, but since the program I applied to was not funded by Erasmus for the coming year, I decided to withdraw. Later, in 2023, I applied again, this time to four Erasmus Mundus programs, as well as the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship and the Commonwealth Scholarship. I was offered a conditional place at the University of Stirling in the UK, but I eventually chose Erasmus Mundus (TISE). I chose TISE because of its interdisciplinary nature, which combines sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation areas that I am passionate about. The program also allowed me to study across four different European universities, exposing me to diverse cultural and academic perspectives. Most importantly, I saw TISE as the perfect bridge between my background in heritage management and my growing interest in climate action and community-based solutions, offering the skills and knowledge I need to contribute meaningfully to both local and global challenges.

The application was very competitive, with people from all over the world applying. What made my application stand out was that I took time to prepare every document carefully, reviewed my essays and presentations several times, and sought feedback. I was also honest about my journey and experiences, showing a clear link between my academic background, my future goals, and how the program could benefit not only my personal growth but also my community back home. I think this sincerity and clarity gave my application an edge.

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

The TISE program is highly interdisciplinary, focusing on issues of sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation. It combines environmental, social, and economic perspectives, preparing students to work on solutions that address today’s global challenges.

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?

So far, I have studied in Portugal and Ireland. Portugal was affordable for me, neither too cheap nor too expensive. Ireland, however, was more expensive, especially in terms of accommodation and transport. Thankfully, the Erasmus stipend helped me cover the costs. I expect Poland and Austria to have different living costs as well, and adapting to each country is part of the learning journey.

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, I faced some language barriers. For example, in Portugal, most people spoke Portuguese, and I tried to learn the language, but it was challenging. Luckily, our program is fully taught in English, so academically, I did not face any major issues. Still, the experience showed me how important it is to learn new languages, not only for studies but also for daily life and integration.

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

I would definitely recommend Erasmus Mundus to anyone who dreams of studying in Europe. For me, it has been more than just a master’s program. It has been a life-changing experience that combines education, travel, cultural exchange, and career opportunities. My advice to anyone considering this scholarship is to prepare early, review your documents carefully, let others give you feedback, and be open to improving your application. Most importantly, follow your passion and show how your goals connect with the program. Nothing comes easy, but with preparation and persistence, it is possible.

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

If I could change one thing, I would have started learning new languages earlier. I am still working on this, but I feel it would have helped me connect more deeply with local people in each country. Other than that, I feel that TISE has given us everything we need, and I am proud to be part of this program.