Thanks to the Erasmus Mundus scholarship offered by the European Union, Francisco Burbano, a graduate in Modern Languages ​​with a focus on English and French from the University of Cauca, is currently studying his master's degree named PETal (Play, Education, Toys, and Language) in four different European countries.

The student, originally from the city of Pasto, graduated from the Modern Languages ​​program with a focus on English and French in 2020. He applied for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship, offered by the European Union, through which he is currently pursuing the master's program called PETaL (Play, Education, Toys, and Language), which focuses on early childhood education. The scholarship offers the opportunity to study in up to four different countries on the continent.

"For example, in my case, I studied my first semester in Córdoba, Spain; the second in Lisbon, Portugal; the third in Istanbul, Turkey, and for the fourth semester, I have the option to choose in which country (out of the three previously mentioned) I want to be to develop my thesis," Francisco said.

The countries and universities where the postgraduate program will take place are predetermined and can be observed when searching for the master's program to apply for. Francisco Burbano mentioned that he learned about this scholarship through an advertisement on the internet and was able to apply by following tutorial videos on the YouTube platform. Consequently, he plans to host a webinar explaining the benefits of the scholarship and the steps to apply for it, so that Unicaucanos students and graduates who are interested can register.

The duration of the postgraduate program offered by the Erasmus Mundus scholarship is two years. Currently, Francisco Burbano is in his third semester in Istanbul, Turkey, where he will remain until the end of February 2024. "Regarding my experience in the countries I've been to, I can say it has been challenging but incredibly enriching. I have learned a lot academically as well as culturally, socially, and about myself," he added.

Francisco Burbano emphasizes that the University of Cauca helped him a lot in his academic formation, offering learning spaces such as volunteering, exchange programs, and tutoring, which helped to build a substantial resume enabling him to take advantage and apply for the scholarship.

Therefore, through these life stories, we reaffirm that this educational institution transforms lives through its solid academic formation. In addition to being an excellent and supportive university, it boasts nearly 200 years of experience that support its credibility.