Pakistani Student Earns Erasmus Mundus GEMMA Scholarship for Gender Research

Hi! I’m Symrun Razaque, a globetrotting gender nerd with a heart rooted in Pakistan. I completed my Master’s in Gender Studies through the GEMMA Erasmus Mundus program, studying at Central European University in Austria and the University of Oviedo in Spain. Before this wild Erasmus ride, I earned my degrees in Development Studies from NUST and Bahria University, both based in Islamabad. I did a brief traineeship for three months of summer in the Netherlands with a Dutch INGO as part of the Erasmus+ program.

Educational Background

Before GEMMA, I was immersed in Development Studies, focusing on social work and community development. My master’s research centred around indigenous strategies to combat child sexual violence, while my Bachelor’s research examined the impact of cash transfer policies for women. This strong foundation in research and grassroots engagement made transitioning into a multi-country, multicultural gender studies experience both challenging and exhilarating. I was also teaching a minor course at the undergrad level, which gave me leverage by bringing in more on-ground perspectives.

How did you prepare to apply to the institution?

I practically memorized the GEMMA website! I carefully mapped my passion for intersectional gender research onto GEMMA’s courses, faculty, and mobility options. I also took online courses like “Sexual and Gender Identities” and “Feminist Thought” to strengthen my academic profile. I tailored my statement of purpose to connect my background with GEMMA’s philosophy, focusing on activism and research. Tip: tailor your interests to the expertise of faculty teaching at the two universities that you’re listing as your priorities.

How did you prepare to apply for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

I applied for multiple scholarships — including Chevening, Rhodes, Commonwealth Shared, and individual scholarships offered by universities — but GEMMA was my dream choice. Erasmus Mundus stood out because it wasn’t just about funding; it offered true academic mobility, multicultural immersion, and access to a powerful network of gender scholars. The competition was intense. What made my application stand out was a combination of my research, volunteer work, field experience with minority communities, winning a micro-grant for an anti-extremism project, and a strong motivation to bring gender mainstreaming into mainstream development practice and academia in Pakistan.

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

I pursued the GEMMA Master’s, which focuses on Women’s and Gender Studies. It offered a rich interdisciplinary curriculum spanning feminist theory, human rights, conflict studies, and migration. My focus was the oppression faced by Afghan refugee women in Pakistan, which allowed me to bridge my academic passions and real-world concerns.

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?

Vienna, Austria, was gorgeous — and expensive. Oviedo, Spain, felt like a sweet financial breeze in comparison. I managed by budgeting carefully, hunting for student discounts, relying on budget supermarkets like Lidl and Mercadona, and skipping unnecessary luxuries. Financial planning apps became my best friends. But also, the stipend is sufficient to travel around with some sensible budgeting.

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?

I didn’t face major barriers in Vienna because of the English-dominated academic life.

Bureaucracy without German is tricky but manageable. But living in Oviedo was a different adventure — daily life operated in Spanish. I picked up basic survival Spanish on the go, enough to navigate groceries, transportation, and some casual conversations. The language of instruction for GEMMA was English in both countries. Also, Google Translate is your best friend.

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

Absolutely. I would recommend Erasmus Mundus without hesitation. It’s a life-changing experience — academically, personally, and professionally. My advice? Start early, tailor your application carefully, emphasise both activism and academics and be ready to embrace cultural discomfort as part of growth. It is really what we read in books, a whirlwind romance. You will learn so much about yourself and the world. Also, read up on the universities and their programs in the consortium.

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

I wish I had read up about Vienna and life in Austria more because the first month was chaotic, and by the time I had adjusted, half the degree had already passed. You will make money, so travel a lot and hoard as many memories as you can. Pack LIGHT. Everything is intimidating till you do it. Start exploring opportunities while you’re a student. Apply to anything and everything that says funded, because if nothing, it's free travel.