How an Ethiopian Student Secured a Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for a Master’s in Public Health in Disasters

I am Samuel, a graduate of the Erasmus Mundus Joint master’s degree in public health in Disasters (EMJM PHID). I pursued this interdisciplinary program across multiple institutions, studying in the Department of Medicine at Universidad de Oviedo (Spain) and focusing on Common Disaster Core Component at and Response Public Health response to Disaster at the Karolinska Institute (Sweden). This diverse academic experience has equipped me with a strong foundation in managing public health challenges during disasters.

Educational Background

Before joining the Erasmus Mundus program, I earned a BSc in Environmental Health Science from the University of Gondar, Ethiopia. After graduation, I worked in Addis Ababa as a Program Supervisor, focusing on community-based health initiatives, and later as a Team Leader for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. These distinct roles allowed me to gain valuable experience in both program management and leadership, preparing me to navigate the multi-country and interdisciplinary nature of the Erasmus Mundus program

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

To prepare for the Erasmus Mundus program, I conducted extensive research to ensure it aligned with my academic and professional aspirations. Simultaneously, I was preparing applications for other prestigious scholarships, such as the SI Scholarship for Global Professionals, through which I was admitted to the MSc Global Health program at Gothenburg University, and the MSc Global Health program at the University of Bonn.

Ultimately, I chose the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree in Public Health in Disasters because of its unique multi-country format, which offered the opportunity to explore new cultures, engage in international collaboration, and experience diverse academic environments. Additionally, the program’s focus closely aligned with my professional goals of addressing public health challenges in disaster contexts.

The Erasmus Mundus program is highly competitive, with multiple stages of selection, including a rigorous interview process. I prepared thoroughly for the interview by reviewing my academic and professional achievements, aligning them with the program’s objectives, and demonstrating my motivation and readiness for the challenges of the program. I believe my application stood out due to my strong academic background, substantial professional experience in public health leadership, and a clear passion for cross-cultural exchange and global health impact.

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

The Erasmus Mundus Joint master’s degree in public health in Disasters (EMJM PHID) is a two-year interdisciplinary program designed to equip professionals with the skills to manage public health challenges in disaster contexts. The program comprises 120 ECTS credits and is taught in English, featuring the following core components:

Common Disaster Core Component (Universidad de Oviedo, Spain): Focused on disaster concepts, risk management, public health in changing environments, and ethical principles in disaster response.

Public Health Response to Disasters (Karolinska Institutet, Sweden): Emphasized analysing disaster impacts, planning and delivering public health responses, and applying qualitative research methods for health response evaluation.

The program concludes with a master’s thesis, which I complemented with an internship at the Amhara Public Health Institute in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, where I gained practical experience addressing disaster-related public health 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?

Oviedo, Spain, was the most affordable city during my studies, while Stockholm, Sweden, was noticeably more expensive. During my time in Europe, I also travelled to several cities, including Brussels, Amsterdam, Rome, Oslo, Manchester, Geneva, and Stockholm.

In Stockholm, I found myself being more cautious with expenses compared to Oviedo. For example, I regularly checked prices when grocery shopping and planned my purchases carefully. To manage financially, I budgeted diligently, prioritized essentials, and approached leisure activities with a well-thought-out plan to ensure I stayed within my means. This programmed approach allowed me to balance my studies, travel, and living expenses effectively.

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?

During my stay in Spain, I faced some language challenges at the beginning. However, having lived in Italy and speaking and understanding Italian helped me grasp Spanish more easily. Later, we started a Spanish language course at the university, which was extremely helpful in overcoming the initial language barrier.

In our Erasmus Mundus program, the language of instruction was entirely in English across all consortium countries, so there were no issues with the academic courses. The language course was more for daily communication and cultural integration.

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

I would definitely recommend the Erasmus Mundus program to others. It’s an incredible opportunity for academic growth, cultural exchange, and professional development.

For those considering this scholarship, my advice is to carefully choose their track, as some countries, like Spain and France, may offer courses in their local languages. It’s essential to conduct thorough research to ensure that the program and track align with your career goals.

Take the time to read all the instructions carefully, prepare your documents meticulously, and focus on crafting a compelling motivation letter that highlights your strengths and aspirations. If instructed, ensure your CV is formatted in the Europass style.

Additionally, don’t underestimate the value of volunteer, leadership, or extracurricular experiences. These aspects of your background are often just as important as academic qualifications and can make a significant impact on your application.

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

Looking back, I thoroughly enjoyed my Erasmus experience. I made good friends from all over the world, from Nepal to Gambia, the Philippines to Egypt, Pakistan to France and Germany, and many more. We worked together on group projects, travelled, and explored different cultures. We tried new foods, visited countless places, and studied hard.

If I could do anything differently, I might have spent even more time exploring local cultures and engaging in more extracurricular activities. I truly wish it had lasted longer, as the experience was enriching and memorable, both academically and personally.