How an Indian Student Earned the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for a Fully Funded Master’s in Food Technology at the Czech University of Life Sciences and Slovak University of Agriculture

Hello, I'm Sheba Sunny Marottickal, a passionate food technologist and Erasmus Mundus scholar currently pursuing the Danube AgriFood Master (DAFM) programme. My academic journey began with a BTech in Food Technology, which laid the foundation for my interests in sustainable food systems and climate. I have completed my UG from Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Kerala, India.

As part of the DAFM programme, I've had the opportunity to study across multiple European countries. My first two semesters were at the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, where I delved into agriculture and animal science subjects. I also participated in a summer school at the University of Zagreb in Croatia and completed a research internship at the DRIFT-FOOD Research Centre. Currently, I'm in my final year at the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Slovakia, focusing on specialized food science subjects.

Educational Background 

Before joining the Erasmus Mundus Danube AgriFood Master (DAFM) programme, I completed my Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Food Technology, graduating as the university topper with a gold medal. Those years shaped not just my academic journey, but also who I am today. They gave me a strong foundation in food science and processing technologies that has helped me adapt to the rich and interdisciplinary nature of the DAFM curriculum.

Beyond textbooks, I was always eager to explore opportunities that challenged me. One of the most fulfilling experiences was co-founding the first food-based startup at my university, which was later selected for the Young Innovators Programme by the Government of Kerala. It was both humbling and empowering to watch an idea grow into something meaningful. At the same time, being named the University Athletic Champion taught me the value of discipline, persistence, and balance, some lessons I carry with me to this day.

After graduation, I worked as a food technologist in Kochi, Kerala, while also engaging with various national and international organizations. My growing passion for sustainable food systems and climate resilience led me to a unique opportunity: being selected as a Youth Ambassador for the Asian Development Bank. For two consecutive years, I worked as an external consultant, gaining firsthand experience in international development, policy spaces, and collaborative problem-solving.

During that time, I was also invited as a guest speaker on several platforms to share insights on sustainability and food systems, a deeply rewarding experience that strengthened my confidence in public speaking and allowed me to connect with diverse communities across borders.

I also briefly worked as an IELTS trainer, a role that not only improved my communication skills but also deepened my appreciation for language as a bridge between cultures.

Looking back, each of these experiences, whether in labs, on stage, on the field, or in meeting rooms, has helped me grow personally and professionally. They prepared me to embrace the multicultural, multi-country journey of Erasmus Mundus with curiosity, resilience, and an open heart.

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

My dream of studying in an international environment, where cultures, ideas, and knowledge intersect, began during my undergraduate years. I was deeply drawn to programmes that offered highly specialised research opportunities, and I knew that to pursue such advanced studies abroad, I would need strong scholarship support due to financial constraints. That’s why I focused my efforts on fully funded, merit-based programmes that could open doors not just academically, but personally and professionally.

Preparing for the Erasmus Mundus application was both exciting and overwhelming. I spent months immersing myself in the programme details, reading alumni testimonials, and reflecting on how my background and aspirations aligned with what the consortium was seeking. I didn’t want to submit a generic application; I wanted every word to reflect who I truly am, what I’ve overcome, and why this programme felt so personal to me.

The competition was incredibly tough. For the DAFM programme, only 16 students were selected from over 1,300 applicants worldwide. Looking back, I believe what made my application stand out wasn’t just academic excellence or extracurricular achievements; it was the story I told. I wrote honestly about my journey: the courage it took to start my university’s first food-based startup, the resilience I built during challenges, and the unwavering passion I have for making a real impact in food systems and climate action.

Erasmus Mundus, to me, is much more than a scholarship. It’s a community, a cross-cultural experience, and a personal transformation. The process of applying taught me so much about self-awareness, intentionality, and hope. And being part of it continues to shape not just my career path, but the person I am becoming.

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 Joint Master’s Degree in Sustainability in Agriculture, Food Production, and Food Technology in the Danube Region, commonly known as the Danube AgriFood Master (DAFM). This interdisciplinary programme is designed to address the pressing challenges of climate change, food security, and sustainable development, using the Danube region as a model for riparian areas worldwide.

The DAFM programme offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates natural sciences, engineering, economics, and social sciences. It emphasizes sustainable agriculture, food production, food technology, and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods. The programme is delivered through a consortium of seven universities across Central and Eastern Europe, including institutions in Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, Serbia, and Romania.

Students in the programme benefit from a multicultural and interdisciplinary learning environment, gaining insights into sustainable practices and policies relevant to agriculture and food systems. The programme's structure allows for mobility among partner universities, providing a rich educational experience that combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications in diverse contexts.

Overall, the DAFM programme equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to sustainable development initiatives, particularly in the areas of agriculture and food technology, within the Danube region and beyond.

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?

Among the countries I lived in, Slovakia felt the least expensive, probably because the university is outside the most well-known places. As a fully-funded student, the expenses were certainly manageable, but it required careful budgeting and planning, which allowed me to fully enjoy the experience.

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 was always English across all the partner universities, which made following the academic work much easier despite moving between different countries. However, integrating into the local communities was sometimes challenging, depending on the culture and place where I lived. There were moments when language and cultural differences created some hurdles, but I approached them with curiosity and patience.

To bridge the gap, I used various resources and made an effort to learn about local customs. For example, during my time in Slovakia, I took the initiative to learn the basics of the Slovak language.

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

Absolutely, I would wholeheartedly recommend the Erasmus Mundus programme to anyone passionate about international education and eager to grow both academically and personally. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience that goes beyond traditional studies, offering exposure to diverse cultures, high-quality interdisciplinary learning, and a global network of peers and professionals.

My advice for anyone considering this scholarship would be: be authentic in your application and clear about your motivations. Erasmus Mundus values not only your academic achievements but also your story, resilience, and willingness to embrace new challenges. Prepare thoroughly, research the programmes carefully, and don’t be afraid to show your passion for the field and for making a difference.

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

Looking back, I feel truly grateful for all the incredible opportunities and experiences the Erasmus Mundus programme offered me. If I could go back, one thing I’d do differently is to invest more time and effort into building deeper, more meaningful connections with my peers and the local communities right from the start. Because the programme involved moving between countries fairly quickly, it was sometimes hard to fully settle in and truly immerse myself socially. I now realize that taking the time to nurture those relationships would have made my journey even richer and more fulfilling.

That said, every challenge I faced was also a chance to learn and grow. I’m proud of how I adapted to new environments, cultures, and situations along the way. This experience didn’t just shape my career—it fundamentally changed how I see the world, gave me a broader perspective, and deepened my appreciation for diversity and resilience.