Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Scholar Sergio Marvin Galván Camacho from Mexico Shares His Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master's at the Erasmus Mundus Master’s Program in Sustainable Systems Engineering, Europe

My name is Sergio Marvin Galván Camacho, and I am a Mechanical Engineer from Mexico. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Tecnológico de Monterrey, where I developed a strong foundation in design, manufacturing, materials, and engineering problem-solving. I also had the opportunity to study abroad in Nice, France, where I completed complementary studies in General Management at IPAG Business School.

I later joined the Erasmus Mundus Master’s program in Sustainable Systems Engineering, known as EMSSE. Through this program, I studied in different European countries, including France and Albania, with the following academic mobility connected to Spain.

Educational Background

Before joining the Erasmus Mundus program, my academic background was mainly in Mechanical Engineering. During my bachelor’s degree at Tecnológico de Monterrey, I gained experience in mechanical design, manufacturing processes, CAD tools, materials, simulations, and project development. I also participated in engineering and sustainability-related projects, which helped me understand how technical knowledge can be applied to real industrial challenges.

My previous international experience in France also helped prepare me for the multi-country structure of Erasmus Mundus. Studying abroad taught me how to adapt to different academic systems, communicate with people from different cultures, and manage the administrative and personal challenges of living in another country. Professionally, my experience at companies such as LG Electronics and Vertiv also prepared me to work in international and multidisciplinary environments.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Institutions?

To prepare my application, I first researched the structure of the EMSSE program and its partner universities to understand how my profile matched the objectives of the master’s degree. I reviewed the academic tracks, mobility scheme, course content, and expected graduate profile.

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

I worked on presenting a coherent profile: my engineering background, my international experience, my professional work in industry, and my motivation to specialize in sustainable materials and energy engineering.

I also explored other scholarship options, including Mexican scholarships and loan opportunities such as FIDERH and SECIHTI/CONAHCYT. However, I chose Erasmus Mundus because it offered a complete academic and international experience, including financial support, mobility between countries, and the opportunity to study in a program designed by several European universities.

The scholarship was very competitive because it attracted applicants from many countries and different academic backgrounds. I believe my application stood out because I had a combination of academic preparation, professional experience in engineering companies, international exposure, and a clear motivation to connect mechanical engineering with sustainability, advanced materials, and industrial innovation.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

I was not formally offered another scholarship before accepting the Erasmus Mundus opportunity. I explored other funding options, but the Erasmus Mundus scholarship was the main scholarship that allowed me to pursue this international master’s program.

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

The program focuses on the relationship between manufacturing, sustainable systems, reliability, data structuring, and industrial applications. What interested me the most was the possibility of connecting my mechanical engineering background with modern challenges such as sustainable production, smart factories, energy optimization, and the development of materials and technologies for more efficient industrial systems.

What Did You Pursue After the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

After the scholarship, I would like to work in the European industry, especially in sectors such as automotive, manufacturing, refrigeration, data centers, or advanced materials. My goal is to apply the technical and international knowledge gained during the program to help develop more efficient, sustainable, and innovative engineering solutions.

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 varied significantly depending on the country and city. France was generally more expensive, especially in terms of rent, transportation, and daily expenses, although living in a student residence helped reduce costs. Albania was more affordable compared to France, particularly for food, local transportation, and general daily expenses. Spain, especially Barcelona, is expected to be more expensive than Albania and closer to France in terms of rent and living costs. Budgeting was very important because the mobility structure of the program also involves travel costs, visa or residence procedures, and settling into a new country more than once.

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?

Yes, there were some language barriers, mainly outside the classroom. The academic language of instruction was mainly English, so I was able to follow the courses and communicate academically without major problems. However, daily life was different depending on the country.

In France, basic French was useful for administrative procedures, housing, transportation, and daily interactions. In Albania, the local language was different and less familiar to me, so I relied more on English, translation tools, and help from classmates or local people when needed.

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

Yes, I would definitely recommend the Erasmus Mundus program to students who are open to studying in different countries, adapting to new cultures, and challenging themselves academically and personally. It is not only a master’s degree, but also a complete international experience.

My main advice would be to apply even if you feel that you do not meet every single requirement perfectly. Many students do not apply because they think their grades, experience, or profile are not enough, but I believe Erasmus Mundus evaluates more than just academic results. Of course, grades are important, but they are not everything.

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

I would have improved my language preparation before arriving in each country, especially basic French and other local phrases for daily life. Overall, the experience has been very valuable, but better preparation would have made the transition between countries smoother.