Background

My name is Caroline Mokeira, and I'm from Nairobi, Kenya. I studied at Enoomatasiani Secondary School, a public school in Kajiado North. I scored a C in my KCSE (Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education), missing a C+ by one point, which was a bit discouraging. Nonetheless, I loved school. After high school, I went to the University of Nairobi, where I pursued a diploma in Social Work and Social Development. Thereafter, I volunteered in two children's homes. Eventually, I went into full-time ministry work in the church. While I served in the church, I felt a deep calling to study theology so I could effectively teach the Bible to teenagers. Thus, I went ahead and pursued a bachelor's degree in Theology at the African International University, with a scholarship from Nairobi Chapel. It took quite a while to finish, because I was studying whilst working, and in the midst of it, I lost my mum to stage IV lung cancer. Hence, my late graduation on 5th July 2024. Upon graduating, I began searching for a prospective master's programme. I felt that making the decision immediately was the right choice, as I had spent time on my undergraduate studies.

Why I decided to study abroad

I chose to study abroad for several reasons. Firstly, I craved the experience of studying in a foreign country. I had traveled to Germany only a few years prior and spent 3 incredible months there. Surrounded by so many opportunities for growth, learning, and rich new cultures. The thought of studying abroad became increasingly appealing! I loved traveling, and I had a deep desire to experience life outside Kenya. I thought to myself, 'I really need a change'. I soon stumbled on the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship in partnership with the ReD Global programme.

About the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship partnership with ReD Global

The ReD Global program is a dual master's scholarship offered in partnership with Erasmus Mundus alongside different European and Latin American universities. The scholarship is designed to allow the beneficiaries to study in different countries each semester. The ReD Global, which stands for Religious Diversity in a Globalised World, is a new program that began three years ago. It encompasses different courses with major themes on theories, research, religion, cultures, and politics. In the third semester, scholars are allowed to choose between an academic or professional track. The program brings together scholars from all over the world.

Scholarship benefits

The ReD Global and Erasmus Mundus scholarship covers tuition fees and a monthly stipend during the time of study. However, you incur personal financial costs, such as the IELTS exams, visa application, flight to the first country of study, accommodation deposit, first month rent, and other personal preparation costs.

My Application Journey

The program has several requirements to be met. It included GPA, a motivation letter, IELTS results, two letters of recommendation, and a sample of the applicant's research paper. As for my motivation letter, I consulted a friend who had recently completed their master's degree to help review. Guided by his advice, I tweaked and edited it to my satisfaction. I also submitted a research paper that I wrote during my undergraduate studies, and two reference letters from one of my professors and a work colleague. The process was fairly straightforward.

IELTS: English proficiency tests

The IELTS process presented several setbacks. The scholarship eligibility for IELTS was a general score of 7.0 and a minimum of 6.5 in each of the four skills: writing, reading, speaking, and listening. I signed up at a test centre in January and began preparing for it. On the day of the exam, I forgot to carry my passport, a document that I used to register, and I needed it to verify my identity. Crushingly, I was unable to sit for the test that day. I was required to book the test again and pay an additional fee of $70, in addition to the initial $300. When I got my results, I had missed one skill by 0.5 points, and I had to retake it. That was an additional $162 on my bill, which was rather challenging, but thankfully, I was able to pay it and pass the retake. I had an overall C1 proficiency.

Structured for Clarity

I submitted my application on the 'Progress Portal', which is designed for prospective applicants to submit their academic documents. It was essentially a checklist of all the documents we needed to upload, ensuring that we wouldn't miss anything. It was a rather laid-back interaction, much to my relief. The second process was the interviews with the ReD Global and partner universities. In the interview, I shared my motivation for the programme and how I planned to give back to the communities that I would be a part of. Approximately a week later, they contacted me with a provisional scholarship offer. Then I began my visa application process.

Visa application

The visa application process took some time, as the school applies on behalf of the student through the ISD (International Students Desk). Our applications were sent to the Immigration desk for processing. This takes 5 weeks, then you can proceed to purchase your plane ticket and travel necessities. After five weeks had gone by, I hadn't received any feedback on my visa application, so I reached out to the Erasmus Kenya coordinator to inquire. My departure date was fast approaching. They really helped, and I received my visa. The Erasmus Kenya team held online pre-departure sessions on procedural instructions, from applying for an e-SIM, navigating airport layovers, to packing. Since the programme involves moving to different countries, your documents need to be verified by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Then, depending on the country, you might need an apostille stamp on your academic documents as verification from the embassy. In my case, I did it at the Portuguese embassy in Kenya, in preparation for my second semester.

Class breakdown

In the Religious Diversity programme, the key religions we study are Christianity, Islam, and Judaism alongside European history, Latin and Greek cultures, politics, and philosophy, among others. We are graded through group projects, individual research papers, essays, and other assignments. The program structure changes in different countries. In the Netherlands, the semester had two blocks. In Block A, there were two compulsory courses, while in Block B, we had to pick two out of four courses. During the second semester in Coimbra and Cordoba, the courses are set differently. Additionally, the beauty of this programme is in the diversity of the scholars. In my cohort, there are 18 nationalities from different religious backgrounds, thus we also learn from each other's experiences.

Why Groningen?

Groningen, Netherlands, is the starting point for the first semester. Thereafter, scholars have to choose which universities to attend in their second, third, and fourth semesters. I was excited about going to Groningen, particularly because it has a reputation for research, a skill I longed to improve. I loved that the university has international students.

When I moved to the Netherlands, it was not an easy feat to find accommodation. Beyond that, it was rather stressful adjusting to the weather while cycling on public roads. Processing my student permit, signing up with the municipality, and registering with a general practitioner were a few things I had to do. It was pretty hectic, but I understand different countries have different procedures. Nonetheless, this experience is exposing me to how different countries work; therefore, I've chosen to view this as a learning experience, as it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

First week

My first few weeks in Groningen were a bit challenging. Thankfully, I arrived in the Netherlands before my classes began. I had ample time to work on my registration process. Upon arrival, the International Student Desk (ISD) directed us on how to complete the student permit application in Utrecht. Additionally, I registered under the municipality, which is what I did as soon as I got my permit. Finally, depending on which continent you're from, you're required to run a TB test at a station for $50 at a recommended station.

Besides this, I began learning about the systems, culture, and environment of the new country. I had to hire a bike as a means of transport. During my first few weeks, I learnt to intentionally be gracious and kind to myself, being in a new continent and country. It will get stressful, you'll struggle to settle down, and you'll have no guarantee that others will be kind or gracious to you.

My Life Outside of Class

One of my priorities when settling down was to find a community of believers. I found a good church near me, Vineyard Community Church Groningen. It is important to find a place where you feel a sense of belonging. I joined a running club, a decision heavily inspired by the fitness culture here in the Netherlands. The weather has definitely been my biggest hurdle in maintaining this new habit, but it has become something I've had to grow into. I also joined HOST, a Christian students' weekly evening hangout. This provided me with a good community of believers to do life with. To be in a new environment, surrounded by unfamiliar things, one can fall prey to loneliness, depression, and becoming overwhelmed faster than you'd think. Thus, I would advise students to find a church or a group that runs their favourite activities, clubs, or sports, also through ESN (Erasmus Student Network). Don't hesitate to venture into new sports or interests; you may end up learning more about yourself than you think.

Work-life balance

I spend my weekends exploring new places, visiting cultural institutions like museums, and going to church on Sunday. At times, I volunteer by helping church members in need of an extra hand with some projects. I enjoyed meeting up with new friends over a cup of coffee or having meals together with my cohort members.

Networking

Networking is extremely important, but so is making friends solely for the sake of community. It is also important to be a friend to yourself first and to be okay with being alone. Don't cut ties with your friends and family back home; keep in touch with them as much as you can. Additionally, do not underestimate the importance of networking; it truly is your ticket to growth. No matter how hard it is, try to put yourself out there. It is the only way to become part of a community. Go outside and meet people, because that's how you'll get internships and job opportunities. You need people, so go to events and get to know people. Attend mentorship sessions, symposiums, workshops, and field trips. Don't let your introversion hinder you from meeting people who would change the course of your life for the better.

Post-graduation plans

At the end of our studies, we are free to choose between two tracks: the professional track, where you either choose to go into an industry of choice and work, or the academic track, which leads to developing your PhD proposal. I'm still figuring it out since I changed careers from being a youth worker to being a full-time student.

Advice to applicants

Do not underestimate the importance of taking the IELTS test. As an international student mostly from Africa, there are simply some things that you cannot bypass. Therefore, endeavour to sit for it and prepare thoroughly; it is an assessment.

The application process is rather tedious, especially because there are so many factors that you need to juggle at the same time. I would advise everyone to be extremely meticulous with the process; do not wait until the last minute. Work on all aspects of your application gradually, and refine it as you go. Research beyond your course details. Attend webinars for prospective international students.

Maintain a good relationship with your former lecturers or professors; they are valuable. This is the community that will provide reference letters for you and mentor you through writing your motivation letter.

When it comes to accommodation, understand the housing situation in the country you're going to. Housing situations vary in different countries within Europe. For example, it is easy to find accommodation in Spain and Portugal, but a challenge to find in the Netherlands. Look for potential accommodation options, be careful not to be conned, and learn about the city even before you move there.

When applying to a Master's programme, you may choose to be as flexible as you wish, but be sure to select something that is linked to what you studied in your bachelor's or first master's degree. Going into a discipline that you are somewhat familiar with will not only enhance your confidence whilst applying, but you will also be advantaged in a competitive scholarship.

If you can, ensure you apply for a good conduct certificate while you're still in Kenya or Africa. Applying while in Europe is a complicated and expensive process.

To all young people in Africa, especially my fellow Kenyans, actively look for these scholarship opportunities and do your due diligence when applying for them.

Finally, put God first while searching, applying, waiting, studying, and don't stop there. Pray, journal, and read your Bible, and you'll see how God will guide your every step.