By Ana Huembes,
EMA Country Representative, Nicaragua
This year’s EMA Days 2024, held under the inspiring theme “Shining Together,” has truly captured the spirit of unity and collaboration that defines the Erasmus Mundus community. As the world celebrated the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we too embraced the values of collaboration, perseverance, and diversity.
Cristian Larios, a Nicaraguan Erasmus Mundus scholar from the Erasmus Mundus Master in Biomedical Engineering (EMMBIOME), joined Erasmus Mundus Nicaragua’s Country Representative Ana Huembes, for an insightful discussion. From the heart of Greece, the birthplace of the Olympics, Cristian shared his journey, offering his unique glimpse into how Erasmus Mundus has allowed him to shine in ways he never imagined.
Breaking Barriers Through Cultural Exchange
For Cristian, Erasmus Mundus has provided more than just academic opportunities. It has given him a platform to create opportunities for himself and open doors to a world of cultural exchange. “I’ve met people from countries I never imagined I’d collaborate with,” Cristian noted. This exposure to different perspectives and traditions has broadened his worldview and enriched his academic and professional experiences. Collaborating with brilliant minds from diverse backgrounds in Serbia, Romania, and Greece has pushed him to excel and adapt to new environments, where he has been resourceful, a trait Nicaraguan students share.
Navigating Challenges Together
Like many Erasmus Mundus scholars, Cristian has faced his fair share of challenges. Adapting to new countries, cultures, and academic systems while far from home can be daunting. But, it is precisely in these challenging situations that the Erasmus spirit of collaboration shines brightest. He shared, “We created study groups to tackle difficult courses and built a support network for when we faced issues with visa documentation”. This collective effort mirrors the teamwork seen in Olympic sports, where athletes push each other to succeed. This also showcases the idiosyncrasy that has its roots in Nicaraguan culture.
Shinning Through Resilience and Adaptability
As a Nicaraguan, Cristian feels his cultural identity has been an asset in his journey. “We Nicaraguans are known for our work ethic and adaptability. We may not have all the skills at the start, but we work hard to achieve our goals,” he proudly stated. His determination and resilience have helped him not only keep up with his peers but also contribute uniquely to the programme. He emphasised the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, encouraging prospective Erasmus Mundus students to take that leap of faith.
Advice for Future Scholars
Cristian's advice to future applicants is simple yet powerful: “Don’t be afraid to try.” He highlights the need for consistency and discipline, suggesting that those aspiring to apply should focus on building their academic and professional profiles. Whether through work experience or academic projects, it is important to develop a plan and work towards it. “Competing with talented individuals from all over the world can be intimidating, but it’s also a chance to develop your talents and shine alongside them,” he concluded.
Shinning Together: The Collective Power of the Erasmus Mundus Community
Cristian’s story reflects the broader message of this year’s EMA Days: that by breaking down barriers and embracing our differences, we can create a global community that uplifts and supports one another. As we move forward, we must continue to shine together, celebrating our collective achievements and fostering connections that transcend borders. The Erasmus Mundus Association remains a testament to the power of international collaboration, and each of us plays a vital role in keeping that spirit and collaboration alive.
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