Dear followers,
Today we have another success story from Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree graduate. Erasmus Mundus scholarships are widely known about. They provide an opportunity to study at top universities in various countries of Europe and beyond depending on the Program. The person we interviewed was able to study in some of the best Universities in Italy, Germany and Spain.
- Can you describe your academic journey leading up to Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degree MathMods?
I graduated from Complex Systems Bachelor’s Degree Program in Saint-Petersburg State University. Later I got accepted to University of Bologna, Faculty of Economy and Statistics, Quantitative Finance Program, where I studied for one year.
- What inspired you to pursue higher education in Europe?
Passion towards Science, good conditions for studying, and a good scholarship.
- How and when did you apply for your studies?
When I realised that Finance wasn’t something I want to pursue, I started looking for scholarship programs in Mathematics and came across Erasmus Mundus scholarship. I filled out the application form on their website and submitted my TOEFL score.
- What has been your major, and why did you choose it?
My major was Stochastic Systems (exploration and research of random and chaotic processes). I always loved Mathematics so after a year in Bologna I decided to continue my studies in the field of Mathematics.
- Have your academic interests evolved during your time there?
Yes, of course. I learned many new things, that broadened my knowledge and opened the bigger world of Mathematics.
- Can you share some of the challenges you’ve faced in your studies and how you’ve overcome them?
Study materials were challenging and the level of education was high. I had to spend more time on studying than I used to while in undergraduate studies.
– Have you been involved in any research projects or internships related to your field of study? What did you learn from these experiences?
Yes, studying on this program involves participation in various research projects. Participation in all those projects contributes to academic process and provides necessary practical experience.
- Have you had the chance to explore subjects outside of your major, and if so, how have they enriched your educational experience?
I was able to take Engineering and Programming courses which allowed me to participate in interdisciplinary projects and research.
- How did you manage your time between classes, assignments, extracurricular activities, and personal life?
I tried to concentrate on studies, which took most of my time, but it definitely is worth it.
- Can you share an example of a challenging academic problem or project you’ve worked on and how you approached it?
I had a project where I had to make a model, which would represent the schedule for airplanes arriving to the airport in order to avoid having them on the same track and at the same time. I have met with the manager of the airport and tried to understand the nature of the problem and practical aspects of it. This allowed me to view the problem from their side and to start working in the right direction.
- Lastly, do you have any tips or advice for prospective students who aspire to study on Erasmus Mundus or any other top-tier scholarships? What qualities or strategies do you believe are essential for success in such a challenging academic environment?
In order to graduate challenging programs like the one I studied on, you have to really like what you are doing and understand that your priority is studying.