Erasmus Mundus SUFONAMA Scholar Sabeen Imran from Pakistan Shares Her Journey of Studying Sustainable Forest and Nature Management in Denmark and Germany

I am Sabeen Imran, coming from Pakistan, where I did my Bachelor's in Environmental Sciences from the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan. I was selected in 2025 for the Erasmus Mundus SUFONAMA program (Sustainable Forest and Nature Management). Currently, I am studying my first year at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, and my second-year mobility path would be at Gottingen University in Germany.

Educational Background

I have done Bachelors in Environmental Sciences from the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan, where I graduated as a gold medallist. I also did the language proficiency test (IELTS) to strengthen my application. My bachelor's consisted of many subjects related to natural resource conservation, with many seminars that allowed me to study in a multi-cultural environment.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Institutions?

I checked the eligibility requirements, strengthened my applications with some related online courses and a language proficiency test, converted my ECTS (a crucial step), and carefully filled out a form about the topics that I covered in relevant subjects. Also, before applying, I studied the course structure and how it links to my background.

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

Firstly, check the requirements and how they align with your profile. I strengthened my profile with an IELTS score, relevant online courses, and strong recommendation letters where my professors stated clearly what they taught and how I used that knowledge either in a seminar or by writing a paper. I also applied for individual university scholarships, such as at Wageningen University, Netherlands, where I got a full tuition fee waiver, and also in many other Erasmus Programs. The reason to prefer this one was a scholarship, and Erasmus also enables you to build a community that plays a role in your personal growth as well. Also, studying at multiple institutions was the kind of learning I prefer rather than just sticking to one.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

I received a full fee waiver at Wageningen University

75% scholarships at Erasmus Mundus GROUNDWATCH AND FLOODRISK AND ECT+

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

I am pursuing the ERASMUS MUNDUS SUFONAMA program with its focus on sustainable forestry. My mobility track in Germany depends on ‘forest development under climate change’, where I am planning to focus on modelling the effects of climate change on forests, as they are carbon sinks and sources.

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?

Currently, I am in Copenhagen, Denmark, and it feels a lot more expensive than other countries. The cost of living and travel, especially for non-europeans is quite high, but if you manage carefully, the Erasmus stipend is enough to manage your 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?

The language of instruction stays the same, but obviously, you feel many barriers in managing your daily life, like groceries, figuring out the transport or seeking any medical health support. The best way I could find is to use AI and maybe learn some basic vocabulary to help you with the daily things. But I am planning to learn German before going there, as you can survive with English in Copenhagen, but not quite sure about Germany.

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

I would highly recommend the program, but you need to make yourself mentally strong, as there is a lot going on at one time. You will be studying full-time with jam packed schedule and hectic class routine, and at the same time, you will be figuring out your next mobility (the accommodation and other whereabouts of the country). And you need to think ahead of everything. Also, do your budgeting carefully as you will be using your savings for next deposits and travel, etc.