By Md Mahamudul Hasan Mredul,
EMA Programme Representative for MER
On a vibrant October day at the University of Bordeaux, students from the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programme in Marine Environment and Resources (MER) gathered to celebrate EMA Days 2024. Themed "From Classroom to Career: How Erasmus Supercharges Your Skillset", the event offered students an inspiring platform to share their experiences, insights, and the transformative power of the Erasmus Mundus programme.
The event was initiated by Md Mahamudul Hasan Mredul, the Erasmus Mundus Student and Alumni Association Programme Representative for EMJM MER, and coordinated voluntarily by Dibash Deb, a current MER student, whose efforts were instrumental in making the day a success. Through their leadership and commitment, EMA Days 2024 highlighted how the Erasmus programme equips students with professional expertise and intercultural skills to thrive in global careers.
Throughout the day, students reflected on the invaluable ways Erasmus empowers them with its multidisciplinary curriculum, hands-on experiences, and enriching cultural exchanges. This combination, they shared, provides them not only with academic knowledge, but with the adaptability, communication, and teamwork skills essential in the modern workforce.
Md Mahamudul Hasan expressed how deeply Erasmus has impacted him,
“Erasmus has been a transformative experience, supercharging my skills through its multidisciplinary curriculum, rich cultural exchange, and exposure to European educational excellence. The diverse academic approaches have broadened my expertise, while interacting with peers from around the world has strengthened my cross-cultural communication and adaptability. This holistic experience is equipping me with the skills necessary to thrive in a globalized professional environment.”
Another student, Malsha Ranathunga from Sri Lanka, shared her passion for marine conservation and explained how the Erasmus programme is helping her to prepare for a career protecting the ocean:
“The Erasmus Mundus Master’s fuels my passion for marine conservation and equips me with essential skills for a career protecting the ocean. The programme’s international, hands-on approach broadens my views and sharpens practical skills like field research and sustainable fisheries management. It boosts my confidence to face real-world challenges and connects me with professionals who share my goals, providing the support I need to shape a better future in marine conservation.”
Nur Mohammed Farhad from Bangladesh described the Erasmus experience as a launchpad for a global career in marine science and environmental management. He noted that
“Participating in the EMJM in Marine Environment is transforming my academic path into a foundation for a global career. The interdisciplinary curriculum, hands-on fieldwork across Europe, and research activities are enhancing my technical expertise. Additionally, Erasmus helps develop essential soft skills like cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and teamwork—all crucial in today’s competitive job market.”
The day also saw heartfelt reflections from students like Daniel Vázquez Carrillo, Menuka Bhathiya, and Paul Ayomide Eweola, who echoed the significance of European academic excellence and the unmatched learning environment that Erasmus offers. For many, the program’s unique mix of scientific communication training, language development, and networking opportunities is laying a solid foundation for their careers. By connecting with top European universities, they are honing their knowledge and skills in marine sciences and environmental management—tools that will prove indispensable as they tackle global environmental challenges.
EMA Days 2024 at the University of Bordeaux was a celebration of academic growth, international friendships, and career readiness. Through shared stories and experiences, EMJM MER students are shaping a path toward impactful careers in marine and environmental sciences, equipped with the skills, passion, and connections they need to make a difference.
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