Stories That Connect: Erasmus Mundus Experiences

Linda Paula

Welcome to "Stories That Connect: Erasmus Mundus Experiences" – a podcast series dedicated to the transformative journeys of students and alumni of Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programmes. We sit down with scholars and alumni to explore their real-life experiences and cross-border paths in European Universities. This series dives deep into what it means to study in an international joint-degree programme, build cross-cultural bridges, and navigate life-changing opportunities in European higher education.

Episodes

  1. Oct 22

    From the US to European Higher Education: Erasmus Mundus Master’s Experience - Wayne Tarrant

    Welcome to “Stories That Connect: Erasmus Mundus Experience” — a space for honest, deep conversations with remarkable people who have succeeded in international education at European universities, particularly through the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJM) degree programs. We often see these people shining and succeeding in the highly competitive and unique field of higher education — an environment that can open doors to life-changing paths and opportunities. But behind every Erasmus Mundus success story is a real, unvarnished journey filled with determination, challenges, and the belief that education can change lives. I’m your host, Linda Paula. I’m someone who loves people and their life stories, and over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with people from many different walks of life. But education holds a particularly special place for me. In this episode, I speak with Wayne Tarrant from the United States. Uniquely, Wayne embarked on his Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Quantitative Economics (QEM) already holding a PhD and having an established career as a professor in the US. His story is particularly inspiring because he didn't undertake this journey alone - he moved across the world to study in Europe together with his wife and young children. He shares what it meant to step back into the role of a student, the profound impact international mobility had on his entire family, and his ongoing dedication to giving back to the global educational community. Connect with Linda Paula: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-paulauska/ Professional Website: https://www.project-abc.com/ Blog: www.essence-people.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linda.paula.stories/ E-mail for insights, feedback, collaborations: linda.paula.collaboration@gmail.com Connect with the Guest: Wayne’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-tarrant-216972aa/ Wayne's University Profile/Contact: https://www.rose-hulman.edu/academics/faculty/tarrant-wayne-tarrant.html Official Project & Network Links: Official Erasmus Mundus Catalogue: https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/erasmus-mundus-catalogue_en Mundus Students and Alumni Association (EMA): https://www.em-a.eu/ Note: Visual elements generated with Google Gemini (Google AI Pro subscription) and audio tracks generated with Suno AI (Pro Subscription) were used in the production of this video. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. #ErasmusDays #ErasmusPlus #ErasmusMundus #StudyInEurope #internationaleducation #UnitedStates #GlobalMobility #QEM #QuantitativeEconomics #ErasmusMundusScholarship #StudyAbroad #StudyAbroadInEurope #InternationalStudents #HigherEducation #GlobalEducation #EducationMatters #EducationChangesLives #LifelongLearning #HumanStories #RealStories #LifeStories #InspiringStories #UnfilteredStories #ErasmusMundusAssociation #EMA #LindaPaula #LindaWrites #StoriesThatConnect #ErasmusMundusExperience #EMJM

  2. Oct 18

    From Serbia to European Higher Education: Ana’s Erasmus Mundus Master’s Experience

    Welcome to “Stories That Connect: Erasmus Mundus Experience” — a space for honest, deep conversations with remarkable people who have succeeded in international education at European universities, particularly through the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJM) degree programs. We often see these people shining and succeeding in the highly competitive and unique field of higher education — an environment that can open doors to life-changing paths and opportunities. But behind every Erasmus Mundus success story is a real, unvarnished journey filled with determination, challenges, and the belief that education can change lives. I’m your host, Linda Paula. I’m someone who loves people and their life stories, and over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with people from many different walks of life. But education holds a particularly special place for me. Through these unhurried, empathetic conversations, we explore the true human journeys behind the degrees — where these people come from, the obstacles they have overcome, and how they have turned seemingly impossible dreams into reality. In this episode, I speak with Ana Janjusevic from Serbia. She secured a prestigious Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s scholarship, experiencing the unique and transformative journey of studying across European universities. In our conversation, Ana shares her personal path, the realities of global mobility, and how this international education experience has shaped her life and worldview. Connect with Linda Paula: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-paulauska/ Professional Website: https://www.project-abc.com/ Blog: www.essence-people.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linda.paula.stories/ E-mail for insights, feedback, collaborations: linda.paula.collaboration@gmail.com Connect with the Guest: Ana’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anajanjusevic/ Official Project & Network Links: Official Erasmus Mundus Catalogue: https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/erasmus-mundus-catalogue_en Erasmus Mundus Students and Alumni Association (EMA): https://www.em-a.eu/ Note: Visual elements generated with Google Gemini (Google AI Pro subscription) and audio tracks generated with Suno AI (Pro Subscription) were used in the production of this video. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. #ErasmusDays #ErasmusPlus #ErasmusMundus #StudyInEurope #internationaleducation #Serbia #GlobalMobility #ErasmusMundusScholarship #StudyAbroad #StudyAbroadInEurope #InternationalStudents #HigherEducation #GlobalEducation #EducationMatters #EducationChangesLives #LifelongLearning #HumanStories #RealStories #LifeStories #InspiringStories #UnfilteredStories #ErasmusMundusAssociation #EMA #LindaPaula #LindaWrites #StoriesThatConnect #ErasmusMundusExperience #EMJM

  3. Oct 8

    From Brazil to European Higher Education: Erasmus Mundus Master’s studies - Gisele de David Branda

    Welcome to “Stories That Connect: Erasmus Mundus Experience” — a space for honest, deep conversations with remarkable people who have succeeded in international education at European universities, particularly through the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJM) degree programs. We often see these people shining and succeeding in the highly competitive and unique field of higher education — an environment that can open doors to life-changing paths and opportunities. But behind every Erasmus Mundus success story is a real, unvarnished journey filled with determination, challenges, and the belief that education can change lives.I’m your host, Linda Paula. I’m someone who loves people and their life stories, and over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with people from many different walks of life. But education holds a particularly special place for me. Through these unhurried, empathetic conversations, we explore the true human journeys behind the degrees — where these people come from, the obstacles they have overcome, and how they have turned seemingly impossible dreams into reality. In this episode, I speak with Gisele de David Branda from Brazil. She secured an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s scholarship in Migration and Intercultural Relations (EMMIR). Her academic journey not only took her across European universities but also included a unique mobility experience in Uganda. Today, she helps others as an Intercultural Psychologist, and in this conversation, she shares her fascinating journey in the Erasmus Mundus program, how it changed her life, and the realities of studying abroad. Connect with Linda Paula: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-paulauska/ Professional Website: https://www.project-abc.com/ Blog: www.essence-people.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linda.paula.stories/ E-mail for insights, feedback, collaborations: linda.paula.collaboration@gmail.com Connect with the Guest: Gisele’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giselebranda/ Gisele’s Website: https://www.hubintercultural.com/english Official Project & Network Links: Official Erasmus Mundus Catalogue: https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/erasmus-mundus-catalogue_en Mundus Students and Alumni Association (EMA): https://www.em-a.eu/ Note: Visual elements generated with Google Gemini (Google AI Pro subscription) and audio tracks generated with Suno AI (Pro Subscription) were used in the production of this video. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. #ErasmusMundus #StudyInEurope #internationaleducation #MigrationAndInterculturalRelations #InterculturalPsychology #InterculturalRelations #GlobalMobility #ErasmusPlus #ErasmusMundusScholarship #StudyAbroad #StudyAbroadInEurope #InternationalEducation #InternationalStudents #HigherEducation #GlobalEducation #EducationMatters #EducationChangesLives #LifelongLearning #HumanStories #RealStories #LifeStories #InspiringStories #UnfilteredStories #Brazil #Uganda #ErasmusMundusAssociation #EMA #LindaPaula #LindaWrites #StoriesThatConnect #ErasmusMundusExperience #EMJM

  4. Oct 4

    From Sri Lanka to European Higher Education: Manuja’s Erasmus Mundus Master’s Experience (IMBRSea)

    Welcome to “Stories That Connect: Erasmus Mundus Experience” — a space for honest, deep conversations with remarkable people who have succeeded in international education at European universities, particularly through the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJM) degree programs. We often see these people shining and succeeding in the highly competitive and unique field of higher education — an environment that can open doors to life-changing paths and opportunities. But behind every Erasmus Mundus success story is a real, unvarnished journey filled with determination, challenges, and the belief that education can change lives.I’m your host, Linda Paula. I’m someone who loves people and their life stories, and over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with people from many different walks of life. But education holds a particularly special place for me. Through these unhurried, empathetic conversations, we explore the true human journeys behind the degrees — where these people come from, the obstacles they have overcome, and how they have turned seemingly impossible dreams into reality. In this episode, I speak with Manuja Promodya Hendawitharana from Sri Lanka - in his life education has always been a priority. As a passionate deep-sea scientist, he secured an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s scholarship in Marine Biological Resources (IMBRSea), studying across top European universities. Today, he shares his fascinating path into marine research, the realities of studying abroad. Connect with Linda Paula: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-paulauska/ Professional Website: https://www.project-abc.com/ Blog: www.essence-people.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linda.paula.stories/ E-mail for insights, feedback, collaborations: linda.paula.collaboration@gmail.com Connect with the Guest: Manuja’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuja-promodya/ Network Links: - Official Erasmus Mundus Catalogue: https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/erasmus-mundus-catalogue_en - Mundus Students and Alumni Association (EMA): https://www.em-a.eu/ Note: Visual elements generated with Google Gemini (Google AI Pro subscription) and audio tracks generated with Suno AI (Pro Subscription) were used in the production of this video. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. #ErasmusMundus #StudyInEurope #internationaleducation #IMBRSea #DeepSeaScience #MarineBiology #ErasmusPlus #ErasmusMundusScholarship #StudyAbroad #StudyAbroadInEurope #InternationalEducation #InternationalStudents #HigherEducation #GlobalEducation #EducationMatters #EducationChangesLives #LifelongLearning #HumanStories #RealStories #LifeStories #InspiringStories #UnfilteredStories #SriLanka #ErasmusMundusAssociation #EMA #LindaPaula #LindaWrites #StoriesThatConnect #ErasmusMundusExperience #EMJM

  5. Sep 27

    Erasmus Mundus Alumna: From the Philippines to European Higher Education | Lizlit C. Cabag

    Welcome to “Stories That Connect: Erasmus Mundus Experience” — a space for honest, deep conversations with remarkable people who have succeeded in international education at European universities, particularly through the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJM) degree programs. We often see these people shining and succeeding in the highly competitive and unique field of higher education — an environment that can open doors to life-changing paths and opportunities. But behind every Erasmus Mundus success story is a real, unvarnished journey filled with determination, challenges, and the belief that education can change lives. I’m your host, Linda Paula. I’m someone who loves people and their life stories, and over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with people from many different walks of life. But education holds a particularly special place for me. In this episode, I speak with Lizlit C. Cabag from the Philippines, who overcame financial challenges through hard work, perseverance, and a strong commitment to education. She studied in Erasmus Mundus Masters program across universities in France, Portugal, and Spain. Today, she is a lecturer at Caraga State University, bringing her international experience home and inspiring the next generation of students. Connect with Linda Paula: - LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/linda-paulauska - Professional Website: www.project-abc.com - Blog: www.essence-people.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linda.paula.stories/ - E-mail for insights, feedback, collaborations: linda.paula.collaboration@gmail.com Explore & Connect with the Guest: Lizlit’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/lizzzlit Lizlit’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizlitcabag/ Official Project & Network Links: Official Erasmus Mundus Catalogue: https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/erasmus-mundus-catalogue_en Mundus Students and Alumni Association (EMA): https://www.em-a.eu/ See more conversations where my guests and I dive into life experiences and what it takes to study in an Erasmus Mundus Master’s. Hear from deep-sea scientists, university lecturers, lawyers, psychologists, and more who fulfilled their dream to study in these programs. More episodes are coming up on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. If you have ever benefited from EU programmes or participated in any EU initiatives, join the EU Alumni Global Network join a LinkedIn group and stay active with other members: www.linkedin.com/groups/16398003/ Subscribe to the EU Alumni Magazine here: https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/eu_alumni/user-subscriptions/8908/create to find the latest updates and hear about new EU opportunities for you! Note: Visual elements generated with Google Gemini (Google AI Pro subscription) and audio tracks generated with Suno AI (Pro Subscription) were used in the production of this video. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. #ErasmusMundus #StudyInEurope #ErasmusPlus #ErasmusMundusScholarship #StudyAbroad #StudyAbroadInEurope #InternationalEducation #InternationalStudents #HigherEducation #GlobalEducation #EducationMatters #EducationChangesLives #LifelongLearning #HumanStories #RealStories #LifeStories #InspiringStories #UnfilteredStories #Philippines #CaragaStateUniversity #EnvironmentalScience #ErasmusMundusAssociation #EMA #LindaPaula #LindaWrites #StoriesThatConnect #ErasmusMundusExperience #EMJM

  6. Sep 9

    Erasmus Mundus Alumna: Losing Sight at 16, Topping School in Nepal & European Education | Sristi KC

    Welcome to “Stories That Connect: Erasmus Mundus Experience” — a space for honest, deep conversations with remarkable people who have succeeded in international education at European universities, particularly through the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJM) degree programs. We often see these people shining and succeeding in the highly competitive and unique field of higher education — an environment that can open doors to life-changing paths and opportunities. But behind every Erasmus Mundus success story is a real, unvarnished journey filled with determination, challenges, and the belief that education can change lives. I’m your host, Linda Paula. I’m someone who loves people and their life stories, and over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with people from many different walks of life and life experiences. But education holds a particularly special place for me. I care deeply about education and the opportunities it can create, and I’m deeply aware that having the opportunity to study is a privilege. Through these unhurried, empathetic conversations, we explore the true human journeys behind the degrees — where these people come from, the obstacles they have overcome, and how they have turned seemingly impossible dreams into reality. In this episode, I’m in conversation with Sristi KC from Kathmandu, Nepal. Sristi lost her sight at the age of 16, faced immense societal barriers, graduated at the top of her college class, and traveled across Europe while studying for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s degree in Choreomundus. Today, she is a mother and wife, the founder of the NGO "Blind Rocks", an inclusion trainer, and a passionate advocate for inclusion around the world. She is also a speaker who shares her story and expertise at public events worldwide. Connect with Linda Paula: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-paulauska/Professional Website: https://www.project-abc.com/Blog: https://essence-people.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linda.paula.storiesE-mail for insights, feedback, collaborations: linda.paula.collaboration@gmail.com Explore & Connect with the Guest: Sristi’s NGO (Blind Rocks): https://blindrocks.orgSristi’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sristikcofficialSristi’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sristikcofficialOfficial Project & Network Links: Official Erasmus Mundus Catalogue: https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/erasmus-mundus-catalogue_enErasmus Mundus Students and Alumni Association (EMA): https://www.em-a.eu/EMA Inclusivity Unit (Lead by Sristi KC): ability.inclusion@em-a.eu See more conversations where my guests and I dive into life experiences and what it takes to study in an Erasmus Mundus Master’s. Hear from deep-sea scientists, university lecturers, lawyers, psychologists, and more who fulfilled their dream to study in these programs. More episodes are coming up on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Note: Visual elements generated with Google Gemini (Google AI Pro subscription) and audio tracks generated with Suno AI (Pro Subscription) were used in the production of this video. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

    Erasmus Mundus Alumna: Losing Sight at 16, Topping School in Nepal & European Education | Sristi KC

About

Welcome to "Stories That Connect: Erasmus Mundus Experiences" – a podcast series dedicated to the transformative journeys of students and alumni of Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programmes. We sit down with scholars and alumni to explore their real-life experiences and cross-border paths in European Universities. This series dives deep into what it means to study in an international joint-degree programme, build cross-cultural bridges, and navigate life-changing opportunities in European higher education.