From Hunza to Stuttgart: Pakistani Student's Path to a DAAD EPOS Scholarship in Disaster Management

My name is Samida Sher, and I’m from the Hunza Northern Area of Pakistan. I am currently pursuing my master’s degree at HFT Stuttgart in Photogrammetry and Geoinformatics. My background is in GIS/RS, and I have previous experience working with the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) in their Disaster Management Department, where I worked as a GIS officer, focusing on disaster preparedness and safety. My professional journey in disaster management and GIS fueled my passion for furthering my education in this field to better equip myself for addressing real-world challenges in development and disaster response.

DAAD EPOS Scholarship Details

I am honored to be a recipient of the DAAD EPOS scholarship, which supports students from developing countries to pursue postgraduate studies in Germany. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. The DAAD EPOS scholarship was the perfect fit for me, given its focus on development-related programs, which directly align with my career goals in disaster management and GIS.

Educational Background

I completed my undergraduate degree in Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing from the University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan. Throughout my studies, I developed a strong foundation in disaster management, GIS, spatial data analysis, remote sensing, and photogrammetry, which prepared me for my current master's program. The DAAD EPOS scholarship, which requires applicants to have at least two years of professional experience in the field they intend to study, was the perfect opportunity to build on my professional background and pursue my academic goals in Germany. I previously worked with the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) in their Disaster Management Department, where I served as a GIS officer, focusing on disaster preparedness and response. My work experience in disaster management, combined with my certifications in safety monitoring and training, motivated me to further my education to better address challenges in disaster management and development.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Institutions?

To apply to the institutions, I conducted thorough research on universities offering programs related to Geomatics, remote sensing and Photogrammetry and development studies. HFT Stuttgart stood out due to its strong academic reputation in GIS and its alignment with my professional goals. I also sought guidance from mentors and colleagues in the field, which helped me narrow down my options. The information I gathered through university websites, academic publications, and advice from alumni played a crucial role in making my final decision.

How Did You Prepare for the IELTS Exam?

To meet the admission requirements for my master's program, I had to demonstrate proficiency in English through the IELTS exam. I prepared for the exam by taking online practice tests and studying academic English materials, particularly focusing on reading and writing skills, which are essential for my academic work. I scored a good mark, which was sufficient to meet the university's requirements. Additionally, I familiarized myself with the test format through sample questions and timed practice sessions to improve my test-taking strategy.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Scholarship(s)?

Applying for the DAAD EPOS scholarship involved submitting a comprehensive application package, including my academic transcripts, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a detailed CV. I carefully crafted my personal statement to reflect my passion for disaster management, my previous experience with AKAHP, and how the scholarship would enable me to make a meaningful impact in the field. I made sure to align my experiences with the goals of the DAAD EPOS program, particularly its focus on development and international cooperation.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out due to my strong academic background and professional experience in disaster management. My hands-on work with AKAHP, particularly in GIS for disaster response and preparedness, provided a practical understanding of the issues in the field. Furthermore, my passion for community service, reflected in my volunteer work with CERT Pakistan, demonstrated my commitment to disaster risk reduction and my dedication to making a tangible impact. The combination of my academic achievements, professional experience, and commitment to humanitarian efforts helped strengthen my application.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

Looking back, I would have started my preparation for the scholarship and application process earlier. While I believe I put forth a strong application, I think I could have further refined my personal statement and CV by seeking more feedback from mentors earlier in the process. I also would have reached out to more alumni of the DAAD EPOS scholarship to gain further insights into the application process and to ensure I was addressing all the key points required by the selection committee.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

For those looking to apply for the DAAD EPOS scholarship, my advice would be to start the application process early, giving yourself ample time to gather all necessary documents and refine your personal statement. Make sure your application clearly outlines how the scholarship aligns with your career goals and development ambitions. Research the program thoroughly and tailor your application to reflect how you meet the specific objectives of the scholarship. Lastly, don't hesitate to seek feedback from mentors or alumni who have been through the process; their advice can be invaluable.