Erasmus Mundus Scholar, Soundharya Dharshini, Shares Her Journey of Pursuing a Master’s in Chemical Innovation and Regulation Across Europe

Hello, my name is Soundharya Dharshini. I am a regulatory professional with a strong background in chemical innovation, sustainability, and product safety. I began my Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Chemical Innovation and Regulation in 2023 in Spain and later moved to Italy to pursue my Master’s thesis. Studying across countries has given me a truly interdisciplinary and international perspective on chemical regulation and innovation.

Educational Background 

Before joining the Erasmus Mundus program, I completed a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering. Following my undergraduate studies, I worked as a Regulatory Compliance professional in the automotive sector, focusing on chemical regulations and product safety for around 3 years.

To be honest, I talk to different people who live in various countries, saw a lot of informational videos, and also the experiences that I had during work were also International, so equipped to go experience it, but living here, I am still getting used to different settings. I think the key is to be curious.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Institutions?

My journey toward Erasmus Mundus began with a deep passion for sustainability and chemical regulation. While exploring Master’s programs globally, I realized that only a limited number of programs truly specialize in this niche field.

I prepared applications for three Erasmus Mundus programs, tailoring each application carefully based on the course modules, program structure, and faculty expertise. I invested significant time understanding how each program aligned with my long-term career goals in regulatory affairs and sustainable chemical innovation.

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

I approached the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship application as a holistic process. I carefully crafted my motivation letter to highlight:

• Academic consistency
• Relevant industry experience
• Leadership potential
• A clear and realistic career vision
• More importantly, why am I suitable for this program

The scholarship is highly competitive, and I believe my application stood out due to:

1. Prior industry experience in regulatory compliance
2. Academic records and publications
3. A strong commitment to sustainability and chemical regulation
4. Clear alignment between my past experience, current studies, and future goals

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Although I was offered a partial scholarship in another Erasmus Mundus program, I chose this program because of its course structure and specialization, which aligned perfectly with my career aspirations. Additionally, I was awarded a full Erasmus Mundus scholarship for this program, making it my top choice.

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 Chemical Innovation and Regulation focuses on bridging chemistry, toxicology, sustainability, innovation, and regulatory affairs. One of the program’s greatest strengths is its diversity, both academically and culturally. My cohort included students from backgrounds such as pure chemistry, toxicology, nanotechnology, biotechnology, process engineering, and more. The program follows a combined curriculum in the first year, while the second year allows students to specialize according to their interests.

Overall, the program is designed to train professionals capable of navigating complex regulatory systems while supporting safe and sustainable innovation. It prepares graduates for roles in regulatory agencies, consulting firms, industry, and policy-oriented organizations.

How Did the Cost of Living Vary Across the Countries You Studied In?

The cost of living varied noticeably across countries. Southern European countries such as Spain were relatively more affordable, particularly in terms of housing and daily expenses, while other regions were comparatively more expensive.

I managed my finances through careful budgeting, shared accommodation, and prioritizing essential expenses. The Erasmus Mundus stipend played a crucial role in maintaining financial stability. However, I strongly recommend that students plan and save for the first three months, as initial expenses can be high.

Did You Face Any Language Barriers? How Did You Overcome Them?

The language of instruction was English, which remained consistent across universities. However, daily life required adapting to local languages. Initially, I faced minor challenges in administrative and social situations. I overcame this by learning basic Spanish, practicing regularly, and immersing myself in the local culture. Curiosity, openness, and willingness to adapt were key. This experience significantly strengthened my communication skills and cultural adaptability.

Would You Recommend the Erasmus Mundus Program to Others? What Advice Would You Give?

Yes, absolutely. I highly recommend the Erasmus Mundus program to students who are academically driven, adaptable, and globally minded. It will definitely be the greatest experience of your life. I am super grateful to have lived that.

If you would ask me for advice:

1. Starting to prepare early
2. Be clear about your career vision
3. Clearly demonstrate alignment between your background and the program’s mission
4. Embrace mobility, cultural differences, and challenges as part of the learning process

Looking Back, Would You Have Done Anything Differently?

Looking back, I would have focused even more on networking and staying curious from the very beginning. While the academic and professional growth was immense, building strong connections early can significantly enhance long-term opportunities. Overall, the experience was truly transformative, and I would choose Erasmus Mundus again without hesitation if I can😉