Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Journey in Applied Paleontology – Pakistani Student’s Success Story

My name is Shoaib Ahmed Khan, and I am a professional geologist with more than ten years of professional experience in geoscientific research. Currently, I am working at the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) as an Assistant Director (Geology). My background includes diverse roles in Micropaleontology, Carbonate Sedimentology/diagenesis, Paleoclimatology, Paleoceanography, and Exploration geology. I hold a BSc. in Geology with distinction from the University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan, and the prestigious Erasmus Mundus master’s degree in Applied Paleontology for the EMJMD PANGEA (Paleontology, Geoconservation, and Applications) from the University of Lille, France, and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), Greece.

Educational Background

Before embarking on my journey with the Erasmus Mundus program, I completed my Bachelor's degree in Geology from the University of Sindh, Pakistan, where I was honored with the Vice Chancellor’s Gold Medal in recognition of my outstanding academic achievements. My bachelor’s thesis was centered on the Sedimentological studies of a hydrocarbon reservoir, integrating well-log data, well cuttings, and statistical analysis of grain size frequency data for reservoir characterization and depositional environments of the B-Sands of the Lower Goru Formation, Lower Indus Basin, Pakistan.

Beyond academics, I have been actively involved in teaching and community service, further honing my communication and leadership skills. With a solid geologic foundation, research expertise, and a diverse professional background, I was well-prepared for the interdisciplinary and multi-country experience that the Erasmus Mundus program offers.

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

Applying to the Erasmus Mundus program required careful planning and strategic preparation. I prepared a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP), highlighting my previous research, leadership roles, and motivation for pursuing this program. Additionally, I ensured my CV reflected my academic achievements, research contributions, teaching experience, and professional certifications, aligning it with the program’s expectations. Lastly, I secured strong recommendation letters from my professors and my workplace, who could confirm my capabilities and potential contributions to the program.

Could you briefly discuss the Erasmus Mundus program you pursued and the specific field of study it focused on?

The Erasmus Mundus program in PANGEA (Paleontology, Geoheritage, Applications) provides specialized training in applied paleontology, paleobiology, and geoconservation. It is offered by a consortium of four (4) institutions: the University of Lille in France, the National and Kaposdistrian University of Athens in Greece, the University of Minho in Portugal, and the Uppsala University in Sweden. My mobility track, being Applied Paleontology, entails the use of microfossils as proxies for past climates, and oceanographic and environmental changes. This track is offered by the French and Greek universities.

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 considerably across the countries where I pursued my studies. In Greece, residing in a smaller city made expenses relatively affordable, whereas in France, the cost of living was slightly higher, particularly in terms of accommodation and daily necessities. Financially, I had no problem as I was able to get by with my stipends in Greece and received social benefits in France.

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?

Since the program was conducted in English, I did not face academic language barriers. However, daily interactions in France and Greece sometimes required basic knowledge of the local languages. To overcome this, I used translation apps to navigate daily life. Engaging with local students and immersing myself in cultural activities helped me gain a better understanding of the languages and adapt more easily.

Would you recommend the Erasmus Mundus program to others? What advice would you give to someone considering this scholarship?

Absolutely! The Erasmus Mundus program is a fantastic opportunity for students who seek world-class education, international exposure, and interdisciplinary learning. The scholarship provides financial support, making high-quality education accessible. Aside from the opportunity to earn a double master’s degree, I was able to explore many countries in Europe. It was full of excitement and experiences.

My advice for prospective applicants is to start early. Spend time crafting your Statement of Purpose (SOP), CV, and other documents carefully. I believe that for this scholarship, a strong academic background, a well-structured CV highlighting extracurricular activities, and a compelling letter of intent explaining why you are the best fit all play an equally crucial role in the selection process. Find the best program for yourself and thoroughly study their website to understand their requirements. Tailor your application accordingly, include relevant details, and avoid oversharing unnecessary information.

Looking back, would you have done anything differently during your time in the program?

Looking back, if I had the chance to do anything differently during my Erasmus Mundus journey, I would have approached differently is language learning. Although English was the primary language of instruction, daily interactions in routine life sometimes required basic knowledge of the local languages.

Overall, I enjoyed my Erasmus Mundus journey, especially traveling to different European countries like Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, Greece, and France. The Erasmus scholarship also provided me with the opportunity to explore other countries such as Türkiye and Saudi Arabia.