From Pakistan to Europe: How Rosheen Naeem Studied Software Engineering for the Green Deal with the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

Hello, my name is Rosheen Naeem, and I’m a Software Engineer from Pakistan and an Erasmus Mundus Scholar. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Pakistan.

For my master’s, I was part of the Erasmus Mundus program Software Engineers for the Green Deal (SE4GD). I spent my first semester at the University of L'Aquila in Italy, the second at Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT) in Finland, and the third at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in the Netherlands. I completed my thesis and final semester through an internship at Spectral Energy in Amsterdam.

My two cents for anyone thinking of applying: You’ve got this!

Educational Background

I completed my bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering from one of Pakistan’s prestigious universities, the National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST). During my studies, I gained practical experience through technical internships at software houses during the summer breaks.

In addition, I was involved in several student clubs and societies, which helped me develop strong interpersonal and social skills. I also volunteered at various social events, including the Women’s International Film Festival and plantation drives.

After graduation, I worked for a period at a tech company and completed two international open-source internships, Outreachy and Google Season of Docs, which expanded my global exposure.

How Did you Prepare to Apply for Erasmus Mundus Scholarships?

When it comes to Erasmus Mundus, the selection criteria vary depending on the program you apply for. Different Erasmus programs assign different weightage to factors like the motivational letter, academic grades, and work experience.

For my application, I focused primarily on showcasing my experiences. Through my CV and motivational letter, I highlighted both my technical and non-technical experiences that aligned closely with the goals of the program. I put my best effort into all components, including IELTS, CV, and the motivational letter. Additionally, I took relevant online courses related to the Erasmus program to make my profile stand out.

In my opinion, Erasmus Mundus is one of the most competitive scholarship programs globally. My humble advice is to choose only a few programs and tailor your experiences to fit the specific goals and scope of those programs.

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

I studied Erasmus Mundus Software Engineering for the Green Deal — a program that emphasises the crucial role of software in today’s digital world and its impact on the environment. While it covered core software engineering subjects and encouraged innovation, it also focused on understanding the environmental footprint of software systems and explored ways to minimise their negative impact on the planet.

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 in Europe can vary significantly depending on the country and city. Capital and major cities generally have a higher cost of living compared to smaller towns.

During my Erasmus program, I lived in Italy, Finland, and the Netherlands. Italy had a relatively low cost of living, making it easier to manage expenses within the stipend. Finland was slightly more expensive, but with relatively affordable accommodation, it was still manageable. In the Netherlands, I stayed in Amsterdam, where rent and overall living costs are quite high. This can make it challenging for some students to save money or cover all expenses comfortably.

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?

For me, Italy was the most challenging country in terms of language. However, students often use tools like Google Translate, which help bridge the communication gap.

I also learned some basic and commonly used phrases, which proved helpful in daily life. The medium of instruction was always English, so I didn’t face any difficulties in my studies.

At university, all professors and students were fluent in English. However, when interacting with some locals, I relied on Google Translate. I frequently used Google Lens to translate signs, instructions, and especially grocery ingredients.

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

I would highly recommend Erasmus Mundus to everyone. It's a unique experience and a wonderful opportunity to explore European cultures.

It is a fully funded scholarship that covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend, and even travel expenses. Moreover, Erasmus Mundus does not require recipients to return to their home countries after graduation. The program also provides strong career-building opportunities in Europe, including the chance to do a thesis with prestigious companies across different countries.

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

Looking back, I think I would like to document my experiences through vlogging and share the real Erasmus journey.