Embarking on an international study is like opening a window to a world of possibilities. It is like a painting where each new perspective and cultural experience is a vibrant colour on the canvas of knowledge. Just as an artist’s palette usually changes due to fresh inspiration, international study broadens one’s understanding, enriching the palette of our experiences with a more nuanced and culturally enriched worldview, and the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s international scholarship programme has gifted me this opportunity.

I am Ebubechi Aduru Nwokoma, a beneficiary of the 2023-2025 Erasmus Mundus joint international master’s degree scholarship programme, EduMaH Cohort. I began my journey in museum education back home in Nigeria to actively engage with my community by utilising the enriching combination of arts and museum artefacts to impart knowledge. The Erasmus Mundus Education in Museums and Heritage scholarship programme has served as a remarkable avenue, providing me with diverse tools and opportunities to explore and employ various methods for museum education practice. Challenging yet incredibly rewarding, this journey has redefined how I see museums: not just as repositories of knowledge, but as vibrant, evolving platforms for discovery. The EduMaH programme is well-rounded as it provides an excellent blend of theory and hands-on experience, offering access to high-quality literature that effectively prepares one for practical application. In the first semester at the University of Glasgow, our engaging visits to museums, coupled with insightful discussions on current and relevant subject matters, have been facilitated by knowledgeable and compassionate educators and an administrative team who are genuinely committed to our personal and professional growth. Glasgow has one of the most wonderful museum practices with Glasgow Life at the helm of its affairs. I was intrigued to find out the outstanding level of inclusion and accessibility that these museums had, and they served as worthy models in the study of museums as great learning resources.

My hands-on experience in museum education was further enriched during my second and third semesters at University College Cork and Radboud University in the Netherlands. There, I explored relevant digital tools with significant potential for humanities research and practice, while also delving into art history, tourism, and the creative industries through immersive seminars, debates, and practical museum exploration and research. Now, I’m inspired to apply my skills to museum education by merging these innovative approaches with hands-on practice, creating inclusive, accessible spaces where academic theory meets tangible community impact.

The EduMaH programme’s thesis semester is carefully structured with the support of dedicated lecturers who provide expert guidance throughout the writing process. Alongside scheduled supervision, students benefit from flexible drop-in sessions, ensuring personalised academic support. Beyond coursework, the program maintains an exceptionally supportive environment, accommodating diverse individual needs from academic and logistical support to mental health resources, ensuring all students can thrive regardless of their circumstances.

Receiving the scholarship is an absolute dream come true, as it has significantly eased the financial burden associated with pursuing higher education. It has allowed me to focus wholeheartedly on my studies without the constant worry about tuition and expenses. This support has been instrumental in shaping my academic journey and empowering me to actively contribute to the field. The programme’s immersive approach and cross-cultural exchanges have allowed me to engage deeply with diverse heritage and traditions. This dynamic exposure has not only broadened my understanding of global museum practice but also strengthened my ability to approach heritage work with empathy, adaptability, and a truly international mindset.

First published: 26 June 2025

<< Student Testimonials