Sharing Letter From Spain

Dear FTb friends,

• After you decided which courses you want to apply, pay attention in the due date. Generally, Erasmus Mundus courses are open for application around September and closed around January. However, each course has its own schedule.

• Prepare all the documents needed for the application well. They usually asked for many documents, including language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS), statement of intent, diploma, and academic record in hard copy. Yes, you have to send all of them by post.
• If you pass the document selection process, you will be contacted to arrange a phone interview. Please choose a reasonable and convenient time for a phone interview. To be taken into account, Europe has 6-7 hours different with WIB.

• Be prepared for your interview. Questions like: “Why do you think you are appropriate to be accepted in this course?” and “What is your plan after you have finished this course?” are usually been asked in the interview. By predicting the questions, you can write down the possible answers J and it helps to overcome your nervous and you will be more fluent in answering their questions.
• During the interview, just be yourself and be honest with your answer. For instance, if you have never used a Mass Spectrometry, then say you have not. Do not tend to bluff J.
• After the interview process, you have to wait a few months to know whether you are accepted or not. 

By the way, I am taking Erasmus Mundus Masters in Forensic Science course and this is my last year. So far, I have been studying in three different countries. My first semester was in Córdoba, Spain. Second one was in Lisbon, Portugal and my third semester including final research project is held in Lincoln, United Kingdom.

Academically, this course has increased my knowledge and broaden my point of view. Some modules left marks in my life; Forensic Pathology (that was the first time I saw fresh dead bodies being autopsied J and learned some interesting crime facts like how to differentiate homicide and suicide), Forensic Anthropology (we did mass grave digging, 4 days consecutively in 9°C and autumn rain. My group and I will never forget the feeling when we started to see a glimpse of bones from the grave, euphoria! J. Later on, we were assigned with one skeleton and we have to arrange, reconstruct the biological profile, and analyzed the taphonomy, trauma, and pathologies. Yes, like in a famous TV Series, BONES J), Pharmacology (especially the sleepless nights before the final exam when we had to remember a lot of drugs name, their effects, and the interactions with other drugs).

Well, living in Europe is not always about study, exam, and research. We definitely have a lot of fun here J. Since I fancy travelling (I believe some of you also do J), I spent most of my breaks (e.g. winter break, spring break) to travel around Europe. I will never forget how beautiful Barcelona is, how fun riding a bike surrounded by blooming tulips in Amsterdam, how amazing Paris is, how historical Rome is, and how impressive London is. For you who love gastronomy, Europe offers a lot of different tastes. Personally, I am a fan of Spanish cuisine. I believe most of them can make you say, “¡Ostia, que rico!”¹ and ask for a second round J. Here are some of my favorites: patatas revolconas, patatas bravas, tortilla de patatas, paella, cochinillo, croquetas de jamon, and salmon y kiwi rollado.

To my FTb friends, don’t be afraid to pursue your dreams. Be open to all the possible chances and have courage to step out from your comfort zone. Keep up the hard work and strive to your best. I’m wishing you success and happiness in your study and career J. Ciao!

Cheers,

Dewi

FTb 2006

(Lv.dewi@gmail.com)