Winning a scholarship to
study abroad is a dream which every student wish to achieve. However, being
selected to study abroad is not as easy as one thinks because there are many
steps, according to what kinds of scholarships you are applying, to be given a
scholarship. Although scholarship-getting process is very sophisticated
time-taking, it’s worth trying because a never-give-up spirit and special tips
from some scholarship grantees are some of the elements which can help you to
achieve it. Most importantly, obtaining a scholarship to study in various
European countries is even challenging; however, some Cambodian students are
able to deal with these challenges. SAM Chanmaliny, born and had a primary
education in Banteay Meanchey but later on moved to live and have a high
education in Phnom Penh, is a senior student at Department of Media and
Communication of Royal University of Phnom Penh. Currently, Maliny is an exchange
student at University of Oviedo in Spain. She is one of some Cambodian students
who were given Erasmus Mundus scholarship to study in European countries. Here
are some tips and suggestions she would like to share to the next generations
wishing to apply for Erasmus Mundus scholarship.
What is Erasmus Mundus scholarship?
Erasmus Mundus scholarship is a cooperation and mobility
program in the field of higher education aiming to
enhance and to promote dialogues, educational quality and understanding among
people through cooperation with Third-Countries. EU Erasmus Mundus grants have
provided scholarships to more than 200 Cambodian students and academic staffs
in Cambodia since 2005. Erasmus Mundus scholarship has a lot of
projects, and I get MOVER project scholarship.
What are the main requirements to get this scholarship?
This scholarship has only
one selection criteria, which is a document scanning or selecting process.
However, some other scholarships have 2 main criteria: document selecting and
interviewing. The applicants have to prepare the documents well to submit such
as Transcript, Motivation Letter, Learning Agreement, Language Certificate(TOEFL),
Curriculum Vitae, Recommendation Letter, Certificate of Appreciation: community
service, and other achievement you have, and
Personal Documents: ID card, family record (all translated in English).
All document-submitting processes are done online, so the applicant needs to
have some rudimentary knowledge of using internet.
How do you prepare yourself before applying to get this exchange
scholarship?
Well, there are some techniques
I used. First, do research clearly about the scholarship, its objective, major
which you can apply, and the criteria you are required to meet. Then, give
yourself more time to prepare between 1 to 2 months. We cannot prepare the
documents in the rush way. Furthermore, it is important to submit all the
documents they want, and don’t miss even one because those documents will score
us. Besides, don’t forget to proofread your documents before submitting to make
sure they have no mistakes.
Do you have any tips to
write a convincing application form and to do interview effectively?
I don’t have much tips, but some. Show your interest in the scholarship,
and rationally express why you want to study the subject you choose. Then, tell
the reason why you should be selected, especially your contribution when you
are back.
Do you think why you are selected?
I didn’t expect I was
selected at first. However, I tried my best to do it. I put my effort and
commitment into it, and I am optimistic for what I do. Finally, I was selected
and I thought that this was the reward for the one who worked hard. Therefore,
I believe that if you have true commitment and passion on it, you will get it.
If you fail for the first time, you will be able to get it for your second time
or next time, so don’t give up. Defeat is not a true failure, but not to have
tried is a true failure.
From your own observation,
what do most students lack when applying for a scholarship?
I per se think that they
don’t have clear knowledge and information about a scholarship they are
applying. Applying scholarship is not easy, so we have to know the information
of the scholarship clearly in order to effectively fulfill required criteria.
Meanwhile, they don’t spend enough time to prepare their application form
and other required and necessary documents.
What are your suggestions
to the next generation who wants to apply for Erasmus Exchange scholarship
program?
Those wishing to apply for this scholarship,
you should put more time and commitment to prepare application form, and be
positive for what you do. Besides, you should often search for available
scholarship information, especially on internet in order to know when the
scholarship will be provided so that you can start to prepare. Most
importantly, you have to strengthen your language proficiency such as English.
Try your best to maintain good academic performance in university because your
transcript is seriously taken into account. Last but not least, do some
volunteering works because, more or less, it definitely helps you.
