Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree
Water and Coastal Management
WACOMA
Members of the Quality Assurance Board; Members of the Advisory Board.
The main role of Students Representatives is to gather and communicate the students’ point of view, needs and suggestions reporting both positive feedback and concerns about issues that may affect the students’ experience. Students Representative are Members of the Quality Assurance Board and participate to internal evaluation procedures. They are Members of the Advisory Board, in charge of evaluating the EMJMD programme and its development in order to suggest actions for improvement. Students Representatives are elected by their cohort peers (WACOMA students).
The mandate is valid until graduation.
Q. How did you hear about EMJMD WACOMA and why did you decide apply?
A. I heard about EMJMD WACOMA while I was a graduate student at the University of Algarve in Faro, Portugal. Alice Newton, who is also involved in WACOMA was my professor at the time and she recommended for me to look into the possibility of continuing my studies through WACOMA. After doing some research about the program and seeing everything it had to offer, then debating this amazing opportunity with my family, close friends and some professors, I decided to apply and that I would go straight from one graduate program into another. I saw WACOMA as a great way to continue and expand my studies with coastal management, as a great way to learn about new cultures and as a great way to meet people who have similar interests and life goals as I do.
Q. How did you hear about EMJMD WACOMA and why did you decide apply?
A. I found out about the EMJMD WACOMA program by researching on the web about scholarships for masters related to the environment. I applied for the scholarship because I am a very curious person and I really like challenges. I am an Environmental Engineer and I worked for many years in projects related to natural resources in Paraguay. As I come from a landlocked country, I was very curious to learn about a completely new area for me.
Q. How did you hear about EMJMD WACOMA and why did you decide to apply?
A. I heard from the Erasmus Master program from a former student. Afterward, I decided to check the offer and I found WACOMA very appealing due to the focus on water management and coastal zones. My country, Costa Rica, has many kilometers of shoreline and I desired to understand more how the coastal environment interacts with other ecosystems. I was also very interested in water management and to learn how to properly manage freshwater and groundwater resources. So, the program offered me both perspectives. Also, the master has both thesis and internship which allows you to acquire work experience before graduation.
Q. How did you hear about EMJMD WACOMA and why did you decide to apply?
A. During my last year of my undergraduate studies, I started looking for possible future graduate studies. I have come across several interesting masters, however WACOMA has certainly caught my eyes. Egypt has a very diverse and stunning coastline spanning the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, yet it is put in a huge risk due to the rapid and unmanaged development happening there. WACOMA focuses on these topics and how to approach and solve them using different tools. Moreover, it is operating in an almost different area from my undergraduate studies in Environmental Engineering. I saw WACOMA as the opportunity to expand my knowledge in the field of environment and add the marine and coastal environment to my expertise.
Q. How did you hear about EMJMD WACOMA and why did you decide apply?
A. I found out about EMJMD during my undergraduate Erasmus study in Portugal, through some Portuguese colleagues. Given that my parents studied and worked abroad, while growing up I always had the desire to travel while studying. During my undergraduate degree in Oceanography, I had the chance to cooperate with Professionals in the field of Coastal Engineering and Management that caught my attention. Consequently, I decided to apply to WACOMA in order to acquire the appropriate knowledge and expertise in that area. Since WACOMA’s courses are organized not only by Professors, but also by Field Specialists and that the application was open to students from a wide range of Sciences, the eagerness to see myself into the WACOMA family grew.
Q. How did you hear about EMJMD WACOMA and why did you decide apply?
A. I got to know about WACOMA via a friend and colleague at the University of Cape Coast. He knew I was looking for an opportunity to pursue further study abroad since I have had all my education in Ghana. I decided to apply because I thought it will add extra knowledge to what I already had in the field of coastal management and introduce me to new areas in natural sciences that I did not have knowledge about.
Last update: 26 January 2021
Q. How did you hear about EMJMD WACOMA and why did you decide apply?
A. I heard about EMJMD WACOMA while I was a graduate student at the University of Algarve in Faro, Portugal. Alice Newton, who is also involved in WACOMA was my professor at the time and she recommended for me to look into the possibility of continuing my studies through WACOMA. After doing some research about the program and seeing everything it had to offer, then debating this amazing opportunity with my family, close friends and some professors, I decided to apply and that I would go straight from one graduate program into another. I saw WACOMA as a great way to continue and expand my studies with coastal management, as a great way to learn about new cultures and as a great way to meet people who have similar interests and life goals as I do.
Q. Why you decided to participate in the Students’ Representatives elections?
A. I decided to participate in the Students’ Representatives election because I knew that I would be extremely well equipped to assist my classmates with any issues they had. My previous graduate program was in Marine and Coastal Systems, so I entered WACOMA with background experience of already living as a European student and resident. These experiences translates to me being able help my peers with any questions or concerns they had relating to matters both inside and outside of the classroom.
Q. Please can you give a short comment on your experience during the 1st semester?
A. While 2020 certainly brought new challenges to WACOMA, the quality of the professors and material that were introduced to us in class was phenomenal. We all know that this semester was much different than what any of us were used to, but even in the online classes everyone felt connected and engaged to the professors and to the lessons that were presented. While it was tough to experience the Italian culture, from going on field trips to working on presentations together, the friends that I have made through WACOMA have given me memories that I will never forget.
Q. We would like to know about your expectations for the 3 semesters to come as a EMJMD WACOMA Student and your prospects in professional careers.
A. I know that the remaining 3 semesters to come as an EMJMD WACOMA student hold new opportunities to allow me to grow as a student and as a person. Soon, we will all be exposed to a new culture and to new surroundings in Cadiz, Spain, which will bring new challenges that come with studying several different modules at once while at the same time, adjusting to a new environment. Soon after, the exciting prospect of an internship and being able to apply myself to a final thesis is what I am looking forward to the most. I know that this program will prepare me to excel in my professional career, while I am still unsure of exactly what career title I want, I know that I will be ready to face every opportunity and challenge that presents itself along the way.
Q. How did you hear about EMJMD WACOMA and why did you decide apply?
A. I found out about the EMJMD WACOMA program by researching on the web about scholarships for masters related to the environment. I applied for the scholarship because I am a very curious person and I really like challenges. I am an Environmental Engineer and I worked for many years in projects related to natural resources in Paraguay. As I come from a landlocked country, I was very curious to learn about a completely new area for me.
Q. Why you decided to participate in the Students’ Representatives elections?
A. I decided to participate in the representative elections because I always want to help others and I believed I could do it very well, representing my classmates is an honor.
Q. Please can you give a short comment on your experience during the 1st semester?
A. The first semester, like everything else in 2020, was very particular. All the time there were uncertainties, but we had a lot of support and everything went in the best possible way. At all times I felt very happy to have been on time to attend classes in person, and I am very grateful for having had that opportunity. The organization of the classes, their development, everything was carried out in an excellent way and the university had the ability to maintain excellence despite all the difficulties. I am very satisfied with the level of the classes, the excellent teachers, and the very interesting subjects. I'm very happy.
Q. We would like to know about your expectations for the 3 semesters to come as a EMJMD WACOMA Student and your prospects in professional careers.
A. WACOMA apart from being a master's program is a life experience. It is very difficult to know what to expect in the second year and the possibilities are so wide that it is simply beautiful. My expectations for the next 3 semesters are, first to live a beautiful experience in Cádiz, a city and a country that I do not know yet and then to find a thesis topic that I am passionate about and I am open to go anywhere to develop it. My job expectations are also difficult to define yet but going like what I am learning now, I am sure that I will be happy and fulfilled.
Q. How did you hear about EMJMD WACOMA and why did you decide apply?
A. I found out about EMJMD during my undergraduate Erasmus study in Portugal, through some Portuguese colleagues. Given that my parents studied and worked abroad, while growing up I always had the desire to travel while studying. During my undergraduate degree in Oceanography, I had the chance to cooperate with Professionals in the field of Coastal Engineering and Management that caught my attention. Consequently, I decided to apply to WACOMA in order to acquire the appropriate knowledge and expertise in that area. Since WACOMA’s courses are organized not only by Professors, but also by Field Specialists and that the application was open to students from a wide range of Sciences, the eagerness to see myself into the WACOMA family grew.
Q. Why you decided to participate in the Students’ Representatives elections?
A. Considering that I have already studied and worked in four Universities, I feel comfortable expressing team’s concerns and sharing them with the Professors and the Field Specialists and thus, cooperate in a positive way during our stay abroad.
Q. Please can you give a short comment on your experience during the 1st semester?
A. First semester was organized with lots of lectures and field trips which made me integrate quickly the WACOMA life. I was also amazed on the way that our team, soon became an international family.
Q. We would like to know about your expectations for the 3 semesters to come as a EMJMD WACOMA Student and your prospects in professional careers.
A. My expectation is to get trained by Professionals in the field of Coastal Management and gain hands-on experience. My goal is to start a career as a Coastal Manager with an effect on vulnerable coastal areas Worldwide and someday bring all that knowledge and implement sustainable strategies in Greece.
Q. How did you hear about EMJMD WACOMA and why did you decide apply?
A. I got to know about WACOMA via a friend and colleague at the University of Cape Coast. He knew I was looking for an opportunity to pursue further study abroad since I have had all my education in Ghana. I decided to apply because I thought it will add extra knowledge to what I already had in the field of coastal management and introduce me to new areas in natural sciences that I did not have knowledge about.
Q. Why you decided to participate in the Students’ Representatives elections?
A. I felt it was an opportunity to help my colleagues in every way I could to make their period of study with WACOMA comfortable.
Q. Please can you give a short comment on your experience during the 1st semester?
A. Although I was one of the three people to arrive late for the semester due to visa delays, I think it was very engaging since there were a lot of lectures, exercises and field activities.
Q. We would like to know about your expectations for the 3 semesters to come as a EMJMD WACOMA Student and your prospects in professional careers.
A. My expectation is to be exposed to more areas in the field of study. Have some time to experience other European countries, diversity and cultures.
I wish to have a career as an expert with a civil society organization that pushes sustainable water and coastal management processes in my country.
Q. How did you hear about EMJMD WACOMA and why did you decide to apply?
A. I heard from the Erasmus Master program from a former student. Afterward, I decided to check the offer and I found WACOMA very appealing due to the focus on water management and coastal zones. My country, Costa Rica, has many kilometers of shoreline and I desired to understand more how the coastal environment interacts with other ecosystems. I was also very interested in water management and to learn how to properly manage freshwater and groundwater resources. So, the program offered me both perspectives. Also, the master has both thesis and internship which allows you to acquire work experience before graduation.
Q. Why did you decide to participate in the Students’ Representatives elections?
A. The nomination came from another classmate. Since the beginning I was very outspoken, and I believe does the reason why my classmates choose me. I agreed so I can support and help in the improvement of the master.
Q. Please can you give a short comment on your experience of the WACOMA program so far?
A. Far more than the professional development and the acquirement of knowledge, WACOMA has been a deeply personal growth experience. It is not an easy task to leave home and a good job position to pursue the goal of higher education. Nonetheless, I would not do it any differently. WACOMA is an excellent opportunity to learn from three different universities and countries and it gives you the chance to open your prospects to a new field of study. Also, the diversity in countries of your other classmates allows you to learn about different ways of life, culture, and experiences. And to be honest, it has been really fun!
Q. We would like to know about your expectations for your 2nd year as a EMJMD WACOMA Student and your prospects in professional careers.
A. Now, I am starting my thesis project. I will be working with coastal city management based on ecosystem services at the University of Cadiz. I also need to do my internship. I think the 2nd year will be a lot of work but I’m very excited to start working on a project for an extended period and be able to go deep in a particular subject. For the prospects in professional careers, I am hoping that WACOMA opens the door for me to start working in water and coastal management as a consultant, but sometimes I consider also getting my Ph.D. Time will tell.
Q. How did you hear about EMJMD WACOMA and why did you decide to apply?
A. During my last year of my undergraduate studies, I started looking for possible future graduate studies. I have come across several interesting masters, however WACOMA has certainly caught my eyes. Egypt has a very diverse and stunning coastline spanning the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, yet it is put in a huge risk due to the rapid and unmanaged development happening there. WACOMA focuses on these topics and how to approach and solve them using different tools. Moreover, it is operating in an almost different area from my undergraduate studies in Environmental Engineering. I saw WACOMA as the opportunity to expand my knowledge in the field of environment and add the marine and coastal environment to my expertise.
Q. Why did you decide to participate in the Students’ Representatives elections?
A. I have been nominated by my classmates unanimously to take on the role of a students’ representative. I have been proactive in helping my colleagues in several issues and reaching a solution that satisfies all of us. I believe the initiative I take has put my classmates’ faith in me, and I will do my best to represent them and improve our experience with this master.
Q. Please can you give a short comment on your experience of the WACOMA program so far?
A. The experience so far has been overwhelming. I have learned a lot about the coastal processes, how does the very thin coastline of our countries defines lots of strategic values and how important is the need to manage it to ensure a sustainable future. Not only that, for the first time in my life, I have become a fully self-sustaining independent individual, I cannot stress how important that is to me. Leaving the comfort zone of my country and culture was not easy, but the things I have learned and gained is definitely worth it. In my cohort, I have been exposed to 16 different culture and nationalities on an almost daily basis, this gives you a totally different perspective on life and allowed me to grow further. It is really an eye-opening experience that I will always be grateful for.
Q. We would like to know about your expectations for your 2nd year as a EMJMD WACOMA Student and your prospects in professional careers.
A. My second year will focus on acquiring professional and hands-on experience in research and industry. I will work on studying coastal lagoons using remote sensing with University of Algarve as my thesis. I will also be able to gain work experience on actual real-life cases in the area of coastal management, in a professional environment, working with people who has years of experience in the field. The things I am learning with WACOMA and the upcoming experiences, will give me an edge and an advantage in the market. They will boost my career and will hopefully land me on an adventurous and amazing career. Perhaps even later, I may come back to do a PhD. In any case, I hope that I will be able to have an impact and leave my mark anywhere I would go.
