Dorothy Mawuena Buatsi, a Ghanaian scholar, secured the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship in 2021, enabling her to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in Europe, and now shares her experience to inspire others to prepare early, stay confident, and apply for international scholarships.
Dorothy Mawuena Buatsi, a Ghanaian scholar, has shared her inspiring journey of securing the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship in 2021, which enabled her to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in Europe. The prestigious scholarship covered all expenses, including tuition fees, a monthly stipend, travel costs, and health insurance. Securing the scholarship on her first attempt, Buatsi was motivated to start a YouTube channel to share insights about international student life and provide guidance on scholarship applications.
Buatsi’s academic background played a key role in shaping her path. With a strong passion for archaeology, she pursued a first-class degree in archaeology and political science (GPA 3.90) at the University of Ghana, Legon. During her studies, she actively engaged in volunteering, and after graduation, she completed her mandatory national service at the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies. While working as an assistant curator, museum guide, and research assistant, she learned about the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship from a master’s student, which led her to explore and apply for programs aligned with her academic background.
Reflecting on the scholarship application process, Buatsi emphasized the importance of early preparation. She advised prospective applicants to gather key documents, including academic transcripts, English proficiency proof, CVs, and recommendation letters. She also highlighted the significance of writing a strong motivation letter, urging applicants to be honest, strategic, and engaging. Seeking feedback from others and learning from previous scholarship recipients through online resources, she noted, could significantly improve application quality.
Looking back, Buatsi admitted that she initially doubted her chances due to the competitiveness of the program. However, she realized that maintaining a positive mindset was crucial to success. She also cautioned against applying too close to the deadline, as this could lead to avoidable challenges in the application process. She encouraged future applicants to stay proactive, plan ahead, and avoid last-minute submissions.
Buatsi offered key advice for those aspiring to secure similar scholarships: engage in extracurricular activities, internships, and volunteering to enhance their CVs. She emphasized the importance of strategic storytelling in motivation letters, advising applicants to keep their tone positive and professional. Additionally, she urged students to apply to multiple opportunities rather than relying on a single option. Concluding her story, she expressed hope that her experience would inspire others to pursue their academic dreams with confidence and determination.