Erasmus Mundus Scholar, Smarika Kafle from Nepal, Completed a Master’s in Sustainable Drug Discovery Across Belgium, Poland, and the Netherlands

My name is Smarika Kafle, and I am originally from Nepal. I completed my Bachelor’s in Pharmacy before joining the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s program in Sustainable Drug Discovery in 2023. The program is an international collaboration between Ghent University in Belgium, Medical University of Gdańsk in Poland, University of Groningen in the Netherlands, and University of Lille in France. My academic journey took me across three countries. I spent my first semester in Ghent, the second in Gdańsk, the third in Groningen, and then returned to Gdańsk for my thesis research.

I currently work in the supply chain department of CAR-T cell therapy at Galapagos, and this master’s program played a huge part in preparing me to get the role and perform well in it.

Educational Background

Before joining the Erasmus Mundus program, I had completed a Bachelor’s in Pharmacy. This gave me a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, industrial processes, quality assurance, and drug discovery. The subjects I studied in my master’s often built directly on what I had learned during my bachelor’s, which made the academic transition much smoother. The multi-country aspect of the program was entirely new to me, as this was my first international experience. Moving every six months to a different country came with challenges like visas, insurance, and finding accommodation. However, it also brought incredible personal growth. The supportive program and friendships I built made the experience not only manageable but truly enjoyable.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Institution?

I started preparing around October or November 2022, shortly after discovering the Erasmus Mundus program in Sustainable Drug Discovery. I took the IELTS test to meet the English language requirement and then tackled all the necessary documents step by step. I wrote my motivation letter, updated my CV, and requested recommendation letters from my professors. I also spent time researching the program and its partner universities to make sure it was a good fit for me. I submitted my application on time, and on April 1, 2023, I was thrilled to learn that I had been awarded the Erasmus Mundus scholarship.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Scholarship?

Before Erasmus Mundus, I had also applied to a master’s program in the United States and was accepted. I chose Erasmus Mundus because of its unique combination of academic rigor, cultural exposure, and social experience across multiple countries. The scholarship is highly competitive. Around 700 applicants applied to my program, and only 21 were selected. I think what made my application stand out was the combination of strong grades from my bachelor’s and a well-crafted motivation letter that clearly expressed my goals and enthusiasm for sustainable drug discovery.

Erasmus Mundus Program and Field of Study

I pursued the International Master of Science in Sustainable Drug Discovery (S-DISCO), a two-year Erasmus Mundus program focused on integrating sustainability principles into pharmaceutical research. The program covers all stages of drug discovery from target identification and molecular modeling to preclinical development. Students spend each semester at a different partner university, gaining exposure to diverse teaching methods, research environments, and cultural settings. The final semester is dedicated to a research thesis, which can be completed at one of the consortium universities or with an international partner. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory agencies, research institutes, or non-academic organizations where sustainable drug development is in high demand.

Cost of Living Across Countries

The Erasmus Mundus stipend was enough to live comfortably throughout the program. However, the cost of living varied significantly. Belgium and the Netherlands were the most expensive, mainly due to higher rent and daily expenses. Gdańsk, Poland, was much more affordable, and since the stipend was in euros, I was able to save quite a bit during my semester there. Financially, Poland was the easiest place to manage, while Belgium and the Netherlands required more careful budgeting.

Language Barriers and Language of Instruction

I did not face major language barriers because the program was taught in English throughout. In Belgium and the Netherlands, nearly everyone speaks English fluently, which made communication easy. I even started learning a bit of Dutch to understand daily conversations, and I am still continuing that journey. The only challenge came in Poland, where administrative tasks like insurance and government paperwork were often in Polish, and many people, especially in public offices or smaller shops, did not speak much English. It was manageable, but it pushed me to be more patient and resourceful.

Would You Recommend the Erasmus Mundus Program to Others?

Absolutely. I would recommend it 100 percent. It has been the most enriching experience of my life academically, culturally, socially, and personally. Before joining, I had never traveled abroad, but this program completely changed that. Moving between countries, adapting to new systems, and meeting people from all over the world transformed me into a more confident and open-minded person. For anyone considering applying, I would say start early, research thoroughly, and focus on telling your story authentically. The program is competitive, but hard work and preparation truly pay off.

Looking Back, Would You Have Done Anything Differently?

Not much, but I would have approached some practical aspects differently. Finding accommodation in the Netherlands was particularly challenging because of the housing crisis. I started searching a bit late and took the first available student housing, which was expensive for what it offered. Looking back, starting early and doing more research would have made a difference. My advice for future students is to plan ahead for each move, including visas, residence permits, insurance, and accommodation. Preparing before arriving in a new country makes the transition much smoother, especially since classes start immediately and leave little time for administrative tasks.