How I Got the European Marie Curie PhD Fellowship in the United Kingdom While Living

Have you ever dreamed of pursuing your doctorate in a foreign country while living in another? I too had this dream, and through sheer determination and hard work, I managed to secure a prestigious European Marie Curie PhD Fellowship in the United Kingdom. In this article, I will share my journey and provide you with valuable insights on how I achieved this feat. So, if you're ready to embark on an exciting adventure full of opportunities, keep reading!

Background

Before diving into the details, let me give you some background information about the European Marie Curie PhD Fellowship. Named after the renowned physicist and chemist, Marie Curie, this fellowship offers aspiring researchers an opportunity to undertake PhD studies in a different European country. The program aims to foster international collaboration and nurture scientific excellence.

Identifying the Opportunity

It all began when I stumbled upon an advertisement for the Marie Curie PhD Fellowship while conducting research for my master's degree. The thought of studying abroad intrigued me, and I felt an immediate connection to the program's objectives. Eager to explore this opportunity further, I dug deeper into the application process and requirements.

Applying for graduate studies: How I got a European Marie-Curie PhD fellowship in the United Kingdom while living in Cameroon, Africa

by Joel Dokmegang(Kindle Edition)

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The fellowship had certain criteria that needed to be fulfilled, such as academic excellence, prior research experience, and a strong motivation to work in an international research environment. Additionally, the program required candidates to secure a host organization, which would be responsible for overseeing and supporting their research.

Preparing the Application

Once I had a clear understanding of the fellowship requirements, I began preparing my application. I dedicated countless hours to crafting a compelling personal statement, highlighting my research interests, academic achievements, and motivation to pursue a PhD abroad. It was crucial for me to convey my passion and drive to contribute to the scientific community effectively.

Another crucial component of the application was securing a host organization. I meticulously researched various universities and research institutions in the United Kingdom that aligned with my research interests. Once I identified potential hosts, I reached out to professors and discussed possible projects to undertake during my PhD. Building meaningful connections with potential supervisors played a pivotal role in my application's success.

Navigating the Interview Process

After submitting my application, I was invited for an interview. This was a significant turning point in the process, as it provided me with an opportunity to showcase my skills and passion for research. The interview focused on assessing my intellectual capabilities, research experience, and suitability for the program.

To prepare for the interview, I conducted extensive research on the interview panel members and familiarized myself with their research interests. This enabled me to pose thoughtful questions and demonstrate my enthusiasm for collaborating with them. Additionally, I rehearsed potential interview scenarios, practiced delivering confident responses, and refined my presentation skills.

Overcoming Challenges

Undoubtedly, obtaining the Marie Curie PhD Fellowship was not without its challenges. One hurdle I faced was the strong competition from other highly talented and motivated individuals. To stand out among such a pool of applicants, I had to showcase my unique strengths and emphasize the value I could bring to the research community.

Furthermore, the relocation aspect posed another challenge. Moving to a different country, collaborating with new colleagues, and adjusting to a foreign environment can be daunting. It was crucial for me to demonstrate adaptability, resilience, and openness to cultural diversity during the application process to show that I was well-prepared for this transition.

Celebrating Success

Finally, after months of anticipation, I received the news I had been eagerly waiting for - I was offered the European Marie Curie PhD Fellowship in the United Kingdom! This moment marked the culmination of my hard work and dedication. I celebrated my achievement, grateful for the opportunity to pursue my PhD in a country renowned for its excellent academic institutions and research facilities.

Securing the European Marie Curie PhD Fellowship in the United Kingdom while living in another country was undoubtedly a challenging yet rewarding experience. By recognizing the opportunity, meticulously preparing my application, navigating the interview process, and overcoming various obstacles, I was able to turn my dream into a reality.

If you too aspire to pursue your PhD abroad, take my story as an inspiration and start researching opportunities that align with your passion and goals. With determination, hard work, and perseverance, you can also achieve remarkable milestones in your academic journey. Good luck!

Applying for graduate studies: How I got a European Marie-Curie PhD fellowship in the United Kingdom while living in Cameroon, Africa

by Joel Dokmegang(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1627 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	21 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Have you ever wondered what PhD studies looked like? Have you ever had the desire to pursue PhD studies, or do you know any friends, relatives or loved ones who would like to engage in the adventure? Do you want to set your/their expectations straight? Do you want to test and feel the PhD waters without lifting a finger? Then you are in for a treat.

PhD studies can be fascinating and fulfilling as much as they are challenging. Most people however can only resort to uninformed guesses as to what a PhD journey really looks like. It is like in a theatre hall, where a large curtain often separates the audience from what takes place on the other side. However, one better ought to be right about their expectations, especially if interested, or knowing someone who is interested in pursuing doctoral studies. In this series, curtains will be taken off, you will be invited behind the scenes of a PhD journey. You will get full exposure to the whole experience, from start to finish. Here, I will tell you everything, the high and lows, the good, the incredibly good, the bad, and the ugly. Please put on your seat belts, close your eyes, take a deep breath, you are about to embark on my European PhD journey as a Marie Sklodowska-Curie fellow in the United Kingdom.

In this part, I will tell how I got a Marie-Curie PhD fellowship while I was living in Africa, in my home country Cameroon.