Sarah, a Nigerian Scholar, Pursues Her Master's in Social Work Fully Funded by the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

My name is Sarah Amas, and I was born and raised in Nigeria. I am currently pursuing a Master's in Social Work, with a strong focus on Mental Health. I am quite passionate about understanding the effects and psychological impact of climate change and displacement on vulnerable populations. After completing my bachelor's degree in Social Work, I took some time to gain practical work experience, which played a crucial role in refining my professional focus and identifying my key areas of interest. I was subsequently awarded the Erasmus Joint Master's in Social Work with Children and Youth (ESWOCHY), a prestigious program supported by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union. The program is coordinated by Mykolas Romeris University (Lithuania) and involves esteemed partner institutions, including Riga Stradins University (Latvia), the Catholic University in Ruzomberok (Slovakia), and ISCTE University Institute of Lisbon (Portugal).

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

After applying for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship, I also applied for the Australia Awards scholarship. I was fortunate to be awarded the Erasmus Mundus scholarship just before completing my application for the Australia Awards. The Erasmus Mundus scholarship is highly competitive, and I credit my success to God. My experience volunteering with non-governmental organizations, along with my leadership skills and dedication to working with young people in underserved communities both professionally and personally played a significant role in making my application stand out. I am also grateful to a good friend who guided me and provided valuable support during my preparation, particularly for the interview process. His assistance was instrumental in helping me present my experiences and motivations effectively.

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 in Social Work with Children and Youth (ESWOCHY) focuses on equipping students with the knowledge and skills to address the needs of children and youth in global social work contexts. The program emphasizes human rights, intercultural communication, comparative international research, policy development, and the newest knowledge of using ICT in social work practice. It prepares students to lead and develop policies, addressing contemporary challenges such as migration, social inequality, and mental health issues. The program involves studying in multiple European countries, providing diverse perspectives and practical experience.

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 monthly Erasmus Mundus stipend was sufficient to cover my living expenses in each study country. Lithuania, my first mobility destination, was very affordable, with a double dorm room costing 145 EUR per month and food expenses averaging just over 70 EUR. Transportation costs were minimal at about 6 EUR per month. As I transitioned to Latvia (175 EUR for dorms) and Slovakia (200 EUR), living costs increased slightly. Portugal is expected to be even higher, though still manageable for a decent student lifestyle.

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 throughout the program was English, which made academic communication easier. However, communicating with locals was sometimes challenging due to the different native languages in each country. With only about five months in each location, it was difficult to learn much of the local language. I tried to learn basic phrases and relied on translation tools to bridge the gap when needed.

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

Absolutely! I wholeheartedly recommend the Erasmus Mundus program for its exceptional cultural exchange and global learning opportunities. For those considering this scholarship, prepare well in advance: gather essential academic documents like transcripts and academic records, and gain practical experience in your field to make your application stand out. Be sure to put in the work, ask for help, and seek feedback throughout the process. If you can, please publish a paper. The program provides unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth, and thorough preparation will help you make the most of it.

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

I don’t think I would change anything about my time in the program. Every experience, challenge, and success will contribute to my growth, so I am ready for it.