How an Indian Student Received the Fully Funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to Pursue a Master’s in Sports Management Across France, Poland, and Luxembourg

Hello everyone, I’m Udit Banerji, a 22-year-old sports management student currently pursuing my master’s in sports management as an Erasmus Mundus Scholar under the GOALS program. I completed my bachelor’s degree in sports management in 2024 from the International Institute of Sports and Management in Mumbai, India.

Sports have always been a passion of mine, and after graduating from high school, I discovered that a university in India was offering a specialized course in sports management. This immediately intrigued me, so I researched more about the field, and eventually, I decided to pursue it. Moving to Mumbai for my studies was a big step, as I was born and raised in New Delhi, the capital of India. However, it turned out to be an incredible experience that deepened my understanding of the sports industry and shaped my career path.

Educational Background

I completed my schooling under the CBSE board in India, spending 14 years in the system. For my high school specialization, I chose the arts stream, where I studied sociology, economics, political science, English, and informatics practices.
Despite this background, I decided to switch to sports management due to my deep passion for sports and the opportunity presented by the specialized course in India. As I mentioned earlier, I have always been passionate about the field, and the possibility of turning that passion into a career was what drew me to this path.

Growing up, English played a significant role in my life, and I believe my proficiency in the language has helped me adapt to my Erasmus Mundus experience. Studying in a multi-country program means being surrounded by people from diverse backgrounds, and communication becomes key. Since English is a global language that connects people worldwide, my fluency has allowed me to integrate more easily into this international environment.

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

When it came to preparing for my application, I owe a lot of credit to my family, especially my sister, who guided me through the process with the right information and support. Their encouragement helped me stay focused and navigate the application effectively.

For scholarships, I only applied for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship because of its prestige and well-structured financial support. The scholarship not only provides a stipend throughout the 24-month program but also covers tuition fees, which was a crucial factor for me. Managing the costs of an international master’s program on my own would have been challenging, so Erasmus Mundus was the ideal choice.
Regarding competitiveness, Erasmus Mundus is highly selective. Each program typically receives around 100 to 200 applications, but only about 20 to 25 students are awarded the scholarship.

What made my application stand out was my background in sports management, both academically and professionally. I was fortunate to gain significant work experience in the sports industry while in India, and my volunteering experience at the Paris 2024 Olympics also played a key role. Additionally, my strong spoken English skills, the way I structured my motivation letter, and my performance in the interview all contributed to making my application competitive. Ultimately, these factors helped me secure the scholarship for the program.

Could You Briefly Discuss the Erasmus Mundus Program You Pursued and the Specific Field of Study It Focused On?

I am currently pursuing the Erasmus Mundus GOALS program, which stands for Governance and Administration of Leisure and Sports. This program primarily focuses on sports management, and the degree we earn is a Master’s in Sports Management. Within the program, there are two specialization tracks: Sports Industry and Leisure, Sports, and Event Management.

I chose the Event Management track because, during my three years of undergraduate studies, I was actively involved in organizing and managing various sports events. This hands-on experience made me realize how much I enjoy working in event operations, and it inspired me to pursue opportunities in larger, more complex sporting events in the future. That passion ultimately led me to select this track.

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?

I am still pursuing my master’s and have just completed my first semester in Lille, France. My second semester will be in Toruń, Poland, and my third semester will take place in Luxembourg.

Financially, I was awarded the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's (EMJM) scholarship, which provides a total sum that covers most of my living expenses. However, the cost of living varies significantly across the countries I will be studying in.

Lille, and France in general, is not the cheapest place to live as a student. Managing finances can be challenging, especially for those without a scholarship. Even with financial support, it depends on the amount received and how well one manages expenses. That said, university housing, smart shopping, and mindful spending can make a big difference in navigating daily expenses effectively.

From what I know, Toruń, Poland, will likely be the most affordable city in terms of living costs, whereas Luxembourg is expected to be the most expensive. Financial management is key—being conscious of spending habits, choosing budget-friendly supermarkets like Lidl or Aldi over more expensive chains, and making cost-effective choices can help students manage their budgets efficiently. Ultimately, it’s about balancing quality and affordability to make the most of the experience while staying financially responsible.

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?

In Erasmus Mundus master’s programs, the language of instruction is always English, regardless of the number of universities or countries involved. Since all my courses, professors, and classmates communicate in English, I have never faced any language barriers in my studies.

However, in day-to-day life, language barriers can be a challenge. Each country has its own language, and not everyone speaks English fluently. For example, in France, it was sometimes difficult to navigate daily interactions because I don’t speak French fluently. Now, as I move to Poland, I anticipate a similar challenge since Polish is the primary language, and not everyone speaks English there either. That said, adapting to different languages can also be an exciting part of the experience. If you have a knack for picking up new languages or enjoy learning them, this program offers a great opportunity to immerse yourself in multiple cultures and languages over two years. While it can be tough at times, it’s also a valuable learning experience.

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

Yes, I would 100% recommend this or any Erasmus Mundus program. There is a wide range of programs available, and you can explore them on the Erasmus+ website to find the one that best suits your interests and career goals.

My advice to anyone considering this scholarship is to be genuine in their application and truly understand the significance of this opportunity. Studying in multiple European countries over two years, potentially
with a generous scholarship, can be a life-changing experience. It not only enhances your academic and professional growth but also broadens your global perspective.

However, it’s important to recognize that while this journey comes with incredible learning experiences, it also has its challenges—adapting to different cultures, managing finances, and navigating new environments. If you are serious about your field and willing to embrace both the struggles and rewards, then this is the perfect opportunity for you.

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

Fortunately, I am still part of the program, having just completed my first semester. Looking ahead, my biggest piece of advice to anyone selected for an Erasmus Mundus program is to truly make the most of this experience. Yes, academics are important—you need to study, stay focused on your career, and think about the future. But at the same time, this is an incredible opportunity to live in multiple European countries over two years, meet people from diverse backgrounds, make lifelong friends, and create unforgettable memories.
If I could change anything about my first semester, I would have allowed myself to enjoy the experience even more. So, to those considering this scholarship, work hard, stay committed to your goals, but also remember to have fun. You deserve it.
Thank you!