Alisa's Journey Through the EMJM Programme: “A Once‑in‑a‑Lifetime Opportunity”

Name: Alisa Pesotskaia
Age: 22
From: Russia
Programme: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Imaging, the Visual AI track

Why did you choose to study the EMJM programme?

I have dreamt about doing an international master’s degree since I was 15 or 16. So even before I finished my Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, I knew that I wanted to continue my studies abroad. The EMJM programme felt like the perfect opportunity, as you get to study in several European countries. I applied and was incredibly happy when I was accepted. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so I decided to go.

I had never been abroad on my own before, so it was a huge step, especially since my husband is still in Russia. It is difficult to be apart, but luckily one of my friends from my home university was also accepted to the programme. Going through this adventure together has made the experience both easier and more meaningful.

You did your first year of the programme in Milan, Italy. How was that?

It was a great experience, and a big step to be abroad by myself for the first time. The university, Politecnico di Milano, was really big, and the pace of studies there was intense – just as I like it. We had long days filled with lectures, seminars, and assignments and the professors were inspiring and well-known in their fields. I am so proud of how I managed the intense periods of study and how much I learned.

In my spare time, I also had the chance to explore the city of Milan, which was so much fun. I got to know the other students, and we spent a lot of time together – mostly outdoors. One of our hobbies was discovering cafés and restaurants, and we found some favourites where we used to go regularly. We also travelled to many beautiful places around Milan.

And now you are in your second year of the programme, studying in Sweden at Mid Sweden University. What are your experiences here?

Yes, now I live in Sundsvall, and I love that the city is surrounded by forest. It makes me feel like nature is everywhere around me, which reminds me of my hometown in Russia. Sundsvall is a smaller city than Milan, with a slower pace, and Mid Sweden University is a very nice university with beautiful architecture.

A big difference in Sweden, compared to both Italy and Russia, is the study rhythm. Here we have fewer lectures and more self-study time, which is very different from what I am used to. But it allows me to do other things for myself and enjoy nature more. I go for walks almost every day and spend a lot of time with the other students. We study together or meet at someone’s apartment to play board games and eat pizza. We have also visited many new places together, both around Sundsvall and further away – for example, we travelled to Lapland in the very north of Sweden.

Is there any specific subject or course that you think has been the most interesting so far?

I found the Quantitative Research and Development course about writing scientific articles very helpful because it directly corresponds to what I want to achieve after the programme.

And what are your plans when the programme ends?

After the master’s defence in June next year, I will go back to Russia for one or two years. Then my dream is to pursue a PhD and eventually become a professor in computer vision. What I love about computer vision is that the results are so visible and immediate – you can build something in a day and see it work.

Already when I was in university, I started attending optional courses connected to computer vision, and in my last year, I was a teaching assistant for the course. So computer vision has been a passion of mine for a long time, and I would say that the programme has strengthened it even more!

What would you like to say to other students who are thinking of applying to the programme or going abroad to study in general?

Don’t be scared of something big that awaits you in your life! For me, living and studying abroad for the first time has been both exciting and scary – but when you are young, I think it is worth taking the risk. Moving to another country, experiencing new cultures, and learning how to live independently can be challenging. You will face new systems, learn how to find accommodation on your own, and adapt to different teaching styles. But you will grow, discover your strengths, and learn so much – both academically and personally.

I have gained a lot from this experience, and it has also helped me understand what kind of lifestyle I enjoy and what balance I want between work, studies, and personal life. I would never have learned so much about myself if I had stayed in my hometown.

You will grow, discover your strengths, and learn so much – both academically and personally.