erasmus mundus -food for thought[1]

8/8/2019 Erasmus Mundus -Food for Thought[1]

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1) Main reasons for application of EM scholarship

-The quality of EM courses are quite good-The amount of money for each scholarship holder is better than others-Scholarship holder could have a chance to live in at least 2 EU countries(TRAN TRUNG KIEN)

- In the LCT-related academic community, the partners involved in LCT consortium isfamous not only in Europe but also in the world. They provide us a very good masterprogram, including the curriculum, the teaching staffs and the environment. This is themost important point that I applied for this program and the scholarship.- The amount of money that an EM holder is offerred is more than other scholarships. Itmakes us not to be worried about other things beside studying and researching.- The mobility feature of an EM program give us the chance to study about the culturesof many Europe countries,(HA THANH LE)

-The quality of EM courses are quite good and the chance to get to know Europe(TRUONG TRINH)

- First of all, I love to study abroad in my Master's course, and I thought that going toEurope is a great choice because the education of Europe is quite good.- Although EM scholarship is very competitive, but its initial requirements are not toohard, EM does not require GRE or GMAT like US's universities. Furthermore, therequired TOEFL for my course is just 80 iBT, it is not as high as universities in US,Australia, or Singapore (at least 90 iBT). Admittedly, TOEFL 80 iBT is very suitable forme, because my TOEFL is not really good (I am very ashamed of it).- Finally, in any course of EM, you can study in 2 different countries. It means that I canapproach to 2 different cultures with lots of interesting things (cuisine, fashion, people,and nice places), and I have a good chance to know more 2 languages besides English.It is so great because Italian and French are so nice and romantic to me. Thus, besides

getting more academic knowledge, I can get more cultural knowledge when travelingaround Europe, it is such a good chance that I always dream of.(MAI THANH NGA)

The scholarship is reputed with high education quality-Each scholarship holder can have mobility at least 2 countries.-Students can stay in multi-cultural environment.-Last but not least, I love Europe.(NGUYEN THANH HUYEN)

Nghành học EU4M (Mechatronic) mà em apply hoàn toàn phù hợ p vớ i ngành học ở đạihọc và định hướ ng của em sau này. Khoá học EU4M đặt tại Đức, Pháp và Tây Ban Nha,

trong đó Đức là một nướ c có ngành Mechatronic phát triển hàng đầu. Có môi trườ ng đểnâng cao khả năng về ngôn ngữ, văn hoá các nướ c Châu Âu (đi du lịch là thú vị nhất :D)Học bổng EM khá lớ n, đủ để chi phí cho việc học hành.(HOANG VINH HUNG)

1. For higher study as well as culture learning.(TRAN BINH GIANG)

- The quality of EM courses are quite good and the Scholarship holder could have achance to live in at least 2 EU countries(DO HOAI LIEN)

To have chance to study PhD in EU countries , to have experience in research indeveloped countries. I would like to pursue research in Petroleum area.(TRAN QUANG NGUYEN)

EM HOLDERS GOING TO EUROPE 1



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My main reason for application of EM scholarship are:

- To pursue a Master program to get deep knowledge in the field (Strategic ProjectManagement) and seek for better career opportunities.

- Financial matter: I myself can not cover the tuition fee and living cost whenstudying and living in EU.

- To Exchange knowledge and culture with other students in EU and the othercountries in the world, to get experiences living in Europe and and to take greatopportunity to travel around.

(NGUYEN PHUONG NGA)

Quality education in my field: Some countries in Europe whose agriculture and foodtechnology are well-known, for instance the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweeden, aremy target destitnation. I witnessed facilities for food industry and research inDenmark so Europe is my first priority for studying abroad. Besides, I could have doubledegrees of two universties after Food of Life course. Could not ask for anything better!

- Financial support: Of course, quality education comes with some conditions (Nopain, no gain). I could not afford for tuition fee and living costs in Europe withoutscholarship anyway.

- Opportunities to experience different culture and travel around (It is so easy totravel in Europe with Schengen Visa).(BUI QUYNH CHI)

The main reason I applied to EM Scholarship is to a better education, which helps meshape my skills and knowledge. Heard about EM from my colleagues, I did someresearches for courses I intended to apply. I found that I would have a chance to work

with the best prominent professors in my field. No need of much thinking, I know thatEM (particularly LCT) is the most appropriate program for me. A minor reason to add onis to experience rich cultures in Europe.

(TRAN MANH KE)

2) Concrete difficulties occurred during the applicationand your actions (e.g. : information search, language,

communication for correspondance, required documents,visa, air tickets,…)




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-Some course requires certificate of graduation from high school (e.g: EMCLP). Ipersonally think that the University Degree is enough because I cannot enter theUniversity without graduation from high school. I mention it as some people throw highschool certificate when they have University Degree.(TRAN TRUNG KIEN)

I've just had to face some minor difficulties in my application process. My LCTconsortium is very cooperative and helpful. The information they provided via the website is very informative and complete(HA THANH LE)

-Some course requires certificate of graduation from high school (e.g: EMCLP). Ipersonally think that the University Degree is enough because I cannot enter theUniversity without graduation from high school. I mention it as some people throw highschool certificate when they have University Degre: i agree with anh Kien.-Communication for correspondence: sometimes it takes me long long time to receiveenail responses back from European offices (immigration office, international office :).(TRUONG TRINH)

I really did not meet any difficulty during my application. It is only a little problem that Ihave waited 3 weeks for my visa, that made me little nervous.(MAI THANH NGA)

-For some countries, students have to prepare complicated visa documents. If it ispossible, the Commission may support to students in visa/neccessary docs processing(for example, students achieve schloarship in Chevening Scholarship Program can getvisa easily to UK)(NGUYEN THANH HUYEN)

* Vấn đề khó khăn lớ n nhất mà em gặp phải là ngôn ngữ (vì khoá học của em là học bằngtiếng bản địa Đức và Tây Ban Nha). Em xém chút nữa là không đạt đượ c học bổng này vìvấn đề ngôn ngữ :(. Và tháng sau sang Đức thì em vẫn phải tiếp tục đối mặt vớ i khó khănnày trong việc học.(HOANG VINH HUNG)

2. Information search, TOEFL, required documents.(TRAN BINH GIANG)

During application process, I get lots of advice from my friend, who was accepted for anErasmus Mundus Scholarship last year. Therefore, I do not think I face many difficulties,or just minor one. The application procedure was not very complicated either. Personally, I think applicantshould have/meet in handAcademic degree and English proficiency test, available to submit when requiredClear motivation, addressing well both the course’s objective and personalsuitability/expectation/purposesStrict application deadline with all required papers submittedAt present, I am just at the step of visa application and I can foresee that there will bedifficulties. However, I am still waiting for more information from the Italian embassy inHanoi (as I spent my first year at an Italian institution), as it requires special papers invisa application. I will share with you and others once I feel clearer about the process if it’s ok? (DO HOAI LIEN)

I think that the most difficulty is that applicant do not have enough information aboutprocedure of application, concrete of requirements and how to prepare documents




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exactly ( form of LORs, proposal project...) how to contact to referees ( They shouldsend letters directly or they should take stamps, seal......)(TRAN QUANG NGUYEN)

I did not meet many difficulties during the application, just some minor things inrequired documents. I applied for 3 courses; therefore, it took so much time to fill the

required application form, curriculum vitae, SOP of separate course.(NGUYEN PHUONG NGA)

Personally, I had some difficulties in application procedure. They are:

a. Contact with Coordinator. I guess this is because of the huge number of questionsfrom the applicants all over the world.

b. The information of some courses is quite unclear. For example, who can apply? andwhich Bachelor degree is eligible?. From my experience, I want to apply for CEMACUBEcourse which is about Biomedical Engineering. I emailed them to ask whether mybackground can be applied or not. They said YES, so I sent my application package tothem. After the deadline, they said me that I cannot apply for that course because mybackground is not eligible. I conclude that we need to ask them carefully beforeapplying, if not, we can waste a lot of time and more important, we can miss anothercourses.

c. The Visa procedure is quite complicated. I started my first year in Vienna, Austriawhere students have to look up accommodation themselves. I find it is very difficultbecause finding other Vietnamese students in Vienna for more information is not easy. Ithink that it is very useful if we get some Emails of Vietnamese students in Europe.(LE HONG THU)

3) Practical advice for Vietnamese successors of this

programme before, during, and after the scholarshipapplication




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- GPA, English score, SOP, and experiences are important. I think other people mayhave better advises.(TRAN TRUNG KIEN)

1. Getting general informationOnce making decision applying for EM scholarship, I google to find all informationrelated to this programme to get an overview about EM in general. In this case, the

Erasmus Handbook is really valueable to give you a general idea about EM. If this hand-book is translated into Vietnamese it will be very good. Otherwise I think EM Delegationmay consider delivering print version of this handbook to Vietnamese students viauniverisity network and/or EM roadshow.I read carefully all desciptions about the available courses that fits into my interestsand made a short list of 5 courses.I also found an interesting blog of an EM alumni who wrote in detail about hisapplication process and post his sample of Statement of Purpose and Letter of reference.I visited ttvn forum and read all the threads related to EM scholarship. The forum ismostly gossiping but sometimes you can find some interesting information (example:which postal services are available to send your application package ...).2. After making a short list of 5 courses, I read more informations available on eachcourse website, read thoroughly about course programm (whether I really like thecourse or not) and the eligibility (whether it is suitable for me).Next I chose 2 favourite courses to apply.3. I prepared all the docs required and during that process, I kept a very close contactwith the course coordinator. I wrote him emails to ask about specific thing that I cannot find the answer on the website and his answers were really a good help.I browsed through the course desciptions on the website and the university websiteand read more about the field that I'm going to apply before writing the Statement of Purpose to make sure that my writing fits into the programme's requirement.Unlike other applicants who usually prepare for their application months before thedeadline, my application process is quite short - 02 weeks only. My advice to otherapplicants is to find all the information available, sort it down, prepare the bestapplication package and then take it easy. You shouldnt worry so much coz applying fora scholarship is only 1 step in the whole life!(NGUYEN THUY DUONG)

- Please read carefully the handbook of LCT available in the website- Please focus on the LCT-related research experience and mention it reasonably in theStatement of Interest.- English proficiency of the successors need not to be high, just be above the minimumrequirement of LCT consortium since it is not in the criteria of being granted an EM-LCTscholarship.- Prepare your application as soon as possible and do not hesitate to contact to the LCTconsortium.

(HA THANH LE)

GPA, English score, SOP, and experiences are important(TRUONG TRINH)

-Try to investigate scholarship program carefully before the application submission(NGUYEN THANH HUYEN)

* Em cũng có vài kinh nghiệm chia sẻ trong quá trình xin học bổng:1. Cố gắng thể hiện tất cả những gì mình đạt đượ c một cách chủ động trong các tài liệumình gửi cho họ. Khi viết SOP hay LOR, chúng ta nên đạt câu hỏi cho ngay bản thân mìnhlà mục tiêu cụ thể của mình là gì. Viết SOP không chỉ là để cho ngườ i ta thấy về bản thân

mình, thành tích và tham vọng của mình mà còn là cơ hội để ta xác định chính xác cáimình đã, đang và sẽ làm. Chúng ta đã làm đượ c gì và sẽ muốn làm gì. Đây là bướ c emđau đầu nhất, mặc dù thực tế thì đôi khi họ cũng không đánh giá khoản này cao lắm.




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2. Điểm chắc(GPA) và vị trí của bạn ở trườ ng lớ p (Ranking) là thứ mà các giáo sư ở ChâuÂu quan tâm nhất. Rất may ranking của em là 1/xxx.3. Trong quá trình apply thì nên hỏi han những ngườ i đã đượ c học bổng nghành của mìnhnăm trướ c và liên lạc vớ i bác giáo mà mình nộp hồ sơ cho họ để hỏi rõ ràng những vấn đềmình đang thắc mắc.(HOANG VINH HUNG)

3. Good and early preparation before applying.(TRAN BINH GIANG)

I am very please to share my experiences in application and prepararion for EramusMundus program.According to me, all applicants should achieve the following things before application:- have bachelor degree relevant with master course provided by EM- good English skills (get TOEFL 550 or IELTS 6.0)- have working experiences in subject that is appropriate for master course.-have good research proposal.Each master course in EM program has own webpage that provide all necessaryinformation for applicants. Therefore, applicants should read it carefully beforeapplication.It is also important that applicants should contact regularly with the coordinator of thepropram in order to ask information they need.Application on time is very significant to success.These are my experiences through application for EM program that I want to sharewith future applicants.(DO VAN CHAU)

I think that we should read scholarship brochure information carefully to find out whatrequirements we miss. then, we should prepare . Moreover, we should contact withcoordinators of each program immediately and actively to have clear understandingof the course we want to apply(TRAN QUANG NGUYEN)

Before: Try to search related information about EM scholarship, courses, anduniversities as early as possible, take notice of the deadline.

·During: Try to be patient when waiting for result and correspondence from courserepresentatives.

(NGUYEN PHUONG NGA)

Firstly, when you are not sure about anything which is not stated in the course's

website (even FAQ) or other forums like ttvnonline, vietphd, etc. you should email toask course's coordinator(s), do not try to guess or ask friends. It is because there aremany courses, each one will have a different deadline, required documents, etc, thusyou might misunderstanding.

Secondly, you should have courses' general conditional requirements like Ielts,transcript, certificates, CV, etc. which are all translated (if any) and certified as soon aspossible, it will possible let you feel more confident before jumping into next step:finding a suitable course.

Thirdly, I think we should be patient, do not send (spam) mails too many, you shouldbear in mind that all coordinators need time to process not only your application but

also many (may be) a thousand of applications. Believe me, they are really helpful,they just do not have enough time. So avoiding spam mails. Good news will come toyou sooner or latter.




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Another point which stands out is that, you should have a clear plan in writing Letter of Motivation (LOM), from my point of view, it is very important because by that LOM,board of examination will possible find out who you are, your purposes, your interests,etc. Believe or not, you will be the best person who can describe yourself, your dream.

Last but not least, GPA is a good point but it is not everything, so do not afraid if youcannot get a high distinction degree or high GPA (about 8.5 for example), the important

thing is the way you can show to the board of examination how different you are (Ithink there are many high GPA application, but a few ones that really different) andhow will you apply these knowledge that you acquired into (very) specifically target(s).

PS. Everyone has an equal chance, so always be optimistic, competitive is goods,however, sometime you should focus on yours not looking-comparing with others.(DO KIM THANH)

Before: I think the most important document in an application profile is Letter of Motivation. Your GPA could be high or not, it does not really matter (mine is only 7.96).As long as you could state clear and specific targets for yourself and your community,you would be different.

In addition, another document is valuable enough to consider is the translation of yourgraduation thesis recognized by your instructor (as much as you could, even if therewere some uncertainties). It shows how much you care about your study and how yourstudy actually is.

During: Nothing at all. Let it be. Do not bother your contract person with too manyemails.

After: Revise my scientific study and English; look forward for necessary documentssent by post; prepare following procedures (I am not pretty sure about these)(BUI QUYNH CHI)

About EM application, In my view, EM at the present, is a open and clear procedure. InVietnam, it is also a well-know and discussed topic in some website such as ttvnol.com,thus it is the most important to connect the internet, broaden networking and makeclear STEPS, TIME, and make a DETAIL PLAN for preparing all required documents,especially CV, LoR, SoP... It is always difficult for the first time, so precise and carefulpreparation is very important. Notice that, there are many Vietnamese studentsgranted EM scholarships and that we always can ask them practical information andexperience.

In conclusion, I would like to share that "Connetion to the Internet and CarefulPreparation is the key for EM scholarship".(NGHIEM TAN)

Thinking of my application process, I have 2 rules to share with in hoping they will helpother people success with their applications.Rule no. 1: Follow the instructions.Many people feel that finishing application process is not straightforward; there arealways some obstacles lying in their paths. They passed their questions on forumseeking the help from previous successors and from experience ones. It’s not a smartway to solve the problems. My advice is reading carefully the instruction posted in EM

courses and just following them. That’s it. No big deal. Most of EM programs provideclearly steps of how to apply to applicants. If there are some points that confuse you,


http://ttvnol.com/

http://ttvnol.com/



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just email to coordinators to get clarification. Don’t just take a glimpse and submit yourapplication while you do not fully understand the procedures.Rule no. 1 also works well when you need to obtain documents from university orcompany. You need some certifications? How you can get them? Go to studentservices/office manager in your university and ask for instructions. Once you get detailinstructions, it’s easy to go through.Rule no. 2: Do what you love and love what you do.

Getting scholarship is just one step in your life. The most important step is to find thework you love.I am lucky to find out my love and passion in my early life. I love working with numbers,particularly statistics. One said, “It is easy to lie with statistics. It is hard to tell the truthwithout it.” I like to see the real world in the eyes of a statistician. I also fell in lovewith language. Language as a tool of thinking, it’s very interesting when you look atlanguage (written and verbal) to understand other’s mind. And by understanding manyothers’ mind, you can understand our society and predict the future.With love of statistics and language, I conducted my undergraduate thesis with goodresults. 3 publicized papers, 2 of them are on international conferences. When Igraduated, I worked for a company, which processes millions document per day. Atthere, I still did what I love for nearly 2 years. With strong background and skills, theresult of my application is predictable. To put an end this rule, I quote from Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple, “Your work is going to filla large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believeis great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven'tfound it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll knowwhen you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as theyears roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle.”(TRAN MANH KE)




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4) Needed supports before going to Europe

- It is so great if Delegation of the European Commission to Vietnam could arrange ameeting between Scholarship Holders.(TRAN TRUNG KIEN)

I personally think that it will be valueable if the EC Delegation can organise some kindof networking event and/or Orientation Day in Vietnam for EMer before departure toEurope.(NGUYEN THUY DUONG)

- We are actively gathered all EM holder this year to meet and exchange experiencesbefore going to Europe. However, we think that the EC Delegation in Vietnam couldofficially contact and help us meeting each other, provide Vietnamese successorcontacts for further purposes. We think EC Delegation in Vietnam should launch anofficial Vietnam EM holder community. This will be helpful for the EM holders as well asthe broadcast of EM program in Vietnam. -

- Please arrange an official meeting for us before we go to Europe like otherscholarships(HA THANH LE)

The picking up at the airport services of international offices for international students:I need this one or else sometimes I'm confused!(TRUONG TRINH)

I hope Delegation of European Commission will support us in the process of applyingour visas (to make it more quickly) and give us lots of useful advice to help us havethe best preparation before studying in Europe (for example: good airlines withmoderate prices, or more information about Europe' culture, or interesting places to

travel)(MAI THANH NGA)

-Accommodation and Greeting Service at the first time students arrive the foreigncountry.(NGUYEN THANH HUYEN)

* Nếu anh Hiếu tổ chức đượ c 1 cuộc gặp mặt của các thành viên EM thì em nghĩ là rất tốt.Một câu lạc bộ cũng là 1 ý tưở ng để có những hoạt động cụ thể giúp đỡ khoá sau hay cáchoạt động xã hội.(HOANG VINH HUNG)

4. initial travel cost, culture sharing, experience sharing via a meeting(TRAN BINH GIANG)

2) Chính vì vậy, em hi vọng trước khi đặt chân tới châu Âu, chúng em sẽ có một buổi gặp gỡ, trao đổi(có thể khoảng đầu hoặc giữa tháng 8) với các anh chị đã từng theo học học bổng này để có một cái nhìntoàn diện, thực tế hơn về nền giáo dục Châu Âu. Qua đó, những khúc mắc về phương pháp học tập sẽđược giải tỏa và chúng em có thể tự tin học tập ở trường cũng như học tập trong cuộc sống ở xứ lạ.(NGUYEN THI THU HIEN)

EC might organize meeting and/or orientation for EM scholarship holder beforedeparture

(DO HOAI LIEN)




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Procedure to apply for VISA, information about health insurance, scholarship, how tobook cheap air tickets

(TRAN QUANG NGUYEN)

Information about student network, groups and supports for international students,

especially for EM awardees.Information about Europe: Visa, people, student life, study,…..etc.

(NGUYEN PHUONG NGA)




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5) Imaginable challenges of study in Europe

- It must be a lot of challenges both in academic work and daily life, because most of

scholarship holder live in a country in with English is not a native language. (TRAN TRUNG KIEN)

- The culture shock will be the thing that I should mention. I have to learn otherlanguage that's not English and Vietnamese. I have to adopt with the high educationenvironments.(HA THANH LE)

Weather (cold and snow) and loneliness feeling: _ if my social adapation is quick andthe people are friendly and helpful, then my life is less lonely when I'm there.(TRUONG TRINH)

I think I will meet lots of difficulties to adapt to the life in Europe. My English is notreally good to listen to lectures. Because I will study in Italy and Belgium, I must study2 difficult languages for communicating with native peoples.(MAI THANH NGA)

-Languages and home sick.(NGUYEN THANH HUYEN)

* Thách thức đặt ra khi học tập ở Châu Âu là do bản thân mục đích của mỗi ngườ i đặt ra.Riêng em học về kĩ thuật nhưng những kĩ năng mềm về ngôn ngữ, thuyết trình, các kiếnthứ về văn hoá lại là một vấn đề phải cố gắng đạt đượ c để hoàn thiện bản thân.(HOANG VINH HUNG)

5. Culture shock, local language, weather like.(TRAN BINH GIANG)

I think I will face to many challenges when I study in Europe, such as: culture andlanguages of European countries, the climate of countries I will study (eg., Norway,Estonia and Italia) are extremely cold. Therefore, I have to adjust myself rapidly to newenvironment.(DO VAN CHAU)

Em hình dung ra những khó khăn khi học tập ở nước ngoài, đó là một môi trường học tập khác biệt rấtnhiều so với ở VN. Những gì em viết dưới đây là từ hoàn cảnh của em, có thể phiến diện và không đúng

với những cá nhân khác, nhưng em vẫn muốn chia sẻ: +. Ở trường đại học nước ta, em có thể vui chơi cả kì và cày sâu cuốc bẫm chỉ một tuần trước khi thicũng có thể đạt điểm cao. Giao tiếp giữa giáo viên và sinh viên không nhiều, làm việc nhóm tuy cónhưng chưa phát huy được hết năng lực sáng tạo của từng người, mà đôi khi nó chỉ là sự đối phó giữamột bên gọi là assigment và một bên là score/ completion. Những vấn đề em nghiên cứu đơn thuần mớichỉ là sưu tầm, cóp nhặt tài liệu từ nguồn tài liệu khác nhau và sắp xếp lại một cách sáng tạo thành sản

phẩm của mình. Em quá phụ thuộc vào những nghiên cứu, kết luận, phân tích của người khác và dễ dàngđồng tình với những gì họ viết. Em ít khi soi chiếu kỹ lưỡng lại lí thuyết, kiểm định vào thực tế mà họctập một cách khá máy móc.+. Khi nghĩ tới việc học tập ở châu Âu, em sợ rằng liệu cách học truyền thống của mình có khả năng

giúp em đạt hiệu quả không, trong khi e vẫn muốn dành nhiều thời gian cho việc trải nghiệm cuộc sống

đầy thú vị và lôi cuốn tại châu lục này. Em sẽ làm việc nhóm rất nhiều, với những người bạn mới từ cácquốc gia, sắc tộc, tôn giáo khác nhau nên chắc chắn sẽ phải đối mặt với nhiều quan điểm và việc bấtđồng quan điểm.




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Vấn đề ngôn ngữ cũng là một trở ngại lớn ngay cả đối với những người giỏi tiếng Anh, khiến chúng ta sẽcó nhiều khó khăn trong tiếp cận bài giảng hay thảo luận. Em cũng lo lắng cho các project hay finalthesis, không hiểu cách nghiên cứu của họ khác biệt với mình những gì?(NGUYEN THI THU HIEN)

- Living away from home and different weather(DO HOAI LIEN)

The big barrier would be language which makes us more difficult to communicate withlocal people and to understand their culture. The other challenger should be the difference between Vietnamese educational systemand host country(TRAN QUANG NGUYEN)

Moving a lot.- Difficult to build network because of staying for a short time in each country.- Difficult to adapt to weather, living condition…etc. in each country.(NGUYEN PHUONG NGA)


erasmus mundus -food for thought[1]

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