Erasmus+ Program: Impact Based Alumni Testimonials at EU Alumni Night

 

University of Mauritius Staff with  EU Ambassador 

At the Erasmus alumni night held on 19 December 2025, the EU Ambassador to Mauritius H.E. Mr. Oskar Benedikt explained the strategic vision of the Erasmus+ initiative from which many academics and students of the tertiary education institutions has benefited over the past 3 years. 

Mr K.Boodhoo of the Faculty of Agriculture attended the event 

 The Erasmus+ program is an investment in human potential with long-term returns. This philosophy resonates directly with the strategic goals articulated by the EU delegation, which challenged alumni to apply their global perspectives and enhanced capabilities toward Mauritius's own long-term development goals, such as its Vision 2050. The program equips its alumni with the global perspective, personal resilience, and international network needed to become effective leaders and contributors in an interconnected world.

The core objectives of the Erasmus+ initiative can be summarised by three interconnected pillars:

• Community Creation: The program is designed to bring together individuals who have gone to Europe to study, engage in a project, foster university cooperation, or work as a trainee. This creates a dedicated community where they can exchange experiences and maintain connections, fostering a sense of shared identity among alumni that extends beyond their time abroad.
• Horizon Expansion: A central aim is to "open the horizon" for participants, encouraging them to "discover something new" in a different environment. This process is intended to broaden their "view on the world," challenging preconceived notions and fostering intellectual curiosity.
• Transcending Borders: The program actively promotes the idea that "human connection that transcends the borders" is possible and necessary. By facilitating these exchanges, it aims to demonstrate that national borders are "artificial things" and that shared humanity is a more powerful and unifying force.

The Erasmus+ program is framed as a direct extension of the broader values of the European Union.The ambassador referenced the EU's principle of "unity in diversity" and its historic role in advancing peace, reconciliation, and democracy, for which it was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012. By facilitating exchange and partnership with countries like Mauritius, the program serves as a vehicle for these values, promoting a model of global cooperation and solidarity. These strategic aims set the stage for the deeply personal transformations reported by the program's alumni.

 Personal and Professional Transformation

Some Alumni shared their stories, and a few powerful themes emerged. Their reflections reveal that the true impact of studying abroad isn't just about what you see, but about how you change. Here are three of their most profound takeaways.

A Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery

For one participant, the Erasmus+ journey was described in a single, powerful word: "healing." His testimony highlights a deep psychological and emotional impact. Coming from a small island and being the only participant from his cohort, he admitted to a profound initial fear, believing he would feel "isolated, misunderstood, and often alone."

Instead of isolation, he found connection. He described consciously choosing to leave behind "past mistakes, traumas, and experiences" to begin the journey with "a clean heart and an open mind." Through the challenges of living in Palermo, Italy, he reported learning fundamental lessons in "self-acceptance, resilience, and the power of embracing diversity." Furthermore, the act of living abroad directly strengthened his "independence and... emotional maturity."

Cultivating Skills Beyond the Classroom

Another participant’s testimony reinforces the idea that the program’s most valuable lessons are often learned outside of a formal academic setting. She asserted that Erasmus+ "teaches you skills that no other classroom can teach you with the same authenticity." The immersive, cross-cultural environment naturally fosters the development of critical transferable skills. She specifically identified the following competencies honed during her experience: Collaboration, communication across borders and socialisation.

She explained that the program "pushes you out of your comfort zone" in practical and demanding ways. She cited being tested by a "-20-degree winter," learning to cook for herself, and traveling extensively to "countries where I had never visited before." This forced independence and engagement with new environments are key drivers for developing the adaptability and social acumen essential in a globalized world. The personal growth achieved through these practical challenges is intrinsically linked to the development of meaningful interpersonal connections.

Building Global Networks and Cultural Fluency

Beyond individual growth, the Erasmus+ program serves as a catalyst for building international connections and fostering deep cross-cultural understanding. Participant testimonials consistently emphasize the creation of lasting global networks that transcend national and cultural boundaries. This section examines how the program facilitates community-building and enhances participants' ability to navigate a diverse world.

From Strangers to Family

A recurring theme in the alumni stories is the transformation of acquaintances from around the world into a close-knit, supportive community. The shared experience of being an international student in a new country appears to accelerate the formation of deep, familial bonds.

• One participant articulated this sentiment perfectly, stating his discovery that "home is not always a place, but the people who surround you." He now considers himself to have "pieces of home scattered around Europe," signifying a permanent, personal network that spans the continent.
• Similarly, the other participant described creating a "small precious family" with friends from numerous countries. She expressed her gratitude for this outcome, stating, "I am beyond grateful to say that I have friends all across Europe now." This network, built through shared classrooms and kitchens, represents a tangible and enduring benefit of the program.

Transforming Differences into Bridges

The immersive nature of the program fundamentally alters participants' perspectives on cultural diversity. The experience moves beyond theoretical appreciation to a practical understanding of how to connect across cultural lines.

One alumni offered a profound insight gained from her time abroad: "our cultural differences are not really differences. They're bridges." This perspective shift is a core outcome of the program, fostered through daily interaction and shared experiences. Testimonials provided concrete examples of this cultural exchange in action:

• Shared Celebrations: She  described how her international friends came together to celebrate the festival of Diwali with her.
• Culinary Diplomacy: She recounted cooking chicken Briyani for her friends, a meal that "was gone under 5 minutes," serving as a simple yet powerful testament to successful cultural sharing.

Her observation on the geography and culture of Europe—those countries are "so close together, but they all share so many different cultures"—underscores the rich learning environment the program provides. Participants don't just learn about another culture; they learn to navigate a multitude of them simultaneously.

The Erasmus+ Value Proposition

This review, drawing directly from the authentic and compelling testimonials of Mauritian alumni, demonstrates that the Erasmus+ program delivers transformative outcomes that extend well beyond traditional academic metrics. The synthesis of these findings articulates a clear and powerful value proposition for participants, their home communities, and the broader goal of fostering global understanding. The program's definitive value lies in its ability to simultaneously foster personal development, build global communities, and enhance cultural competence.

The primary program outcomes, as evidenced by the participant experiences, can be distilled into three key areas:

1. Accelerated Personal Growth The program serves as a powerful catalyst for developing emotional maturity, confidence, independence, and resilience. By placing participants in unfamiliar environments and pushing them beyond their comfort zones, it forces them to develop coping mechanisms and self-reliance that shape their character for a lifetime.
2. Creation of Enduring Global Networks Participants build deep, personal connections that transcend national and cultural boundaries. These relationships form an invaluable international community of peers, friends, and future collaborators, effectively transforming strangers into a global family.
3. Enhanced Cultural Competency The immersive experience fundamentally shifts participants' perspectives on diversity. It replaces theoretical knowledge with practical, lived experience, fostering a genuine appreciation for different cultures and building the cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills essential for the 21st century.

 

Acting VC Speech - Installation of the fifth Chancellor- University of Mauritius._ A Profile of National Contribution and Global Ambition

Acting VC Prof. M.Santally (on the right)  with the New Chancellor, Dr N.Gopee

At the landmark ceremony at the University of Mauritius centered on the official inauguration of Dr. Neerunjun Gopee as the University of Mauritius fifth chancellor, the acting Vice Chancellor, Prof M. Santally reflected on the university’s sixty-year legacy, highlighting its integral role in the nation’s development through academic excellence and specialized research. He gave a detailed accounts of various faculties illustrate achievements in fields ranging from climate-smart agriculture and engineering to digital transformation and medical science. Furthermore, he emphasised the university’s rising international profile, noted by its global rankings and prestigious memberships in African research alliances. He concluded by reaffirming a commitment to national progress while celebrating the new chancellor's long-standing dedication to the academic community. An abridged version of his speech is given below.

Introduction: Forging a Nation's Future for Six Decades

As the University of Mauritius celebrates its 60th anniversary, we reflect on a historic journey that began with our founding in 1965. Established at a pivotal moment in the nation's history, the university has accompanied the Republic of Mauritius through every stage of its post-independence journey, serving as a cornerstone of its development. Our institution was founded on the core belief that higher education is a powerful driver of both individual opportunity and sustainable national development—a principle that continues to guide our mission. This profile provides a comprehensive overview of the university's history, academic achievements, and strategic vision, highlighting the profound and ongoing impact it has made. With over 75,000 graduates serving across all spheres of society, our legacy is a testament to our foundational role in building a prosperous and independent Mauritius.

1.0 A Legacy of Nation-Building

The history of the University of Mauritius is deeply and inextricably linked to the history of a successful and independent Mauritius. This symbiotic relationship has been a strategic force in shaping national progress, with our institution consistently rising to meet the evolving needs of the nation. For six decades, we have anchored our mission in three core pillars—education, research, and service—to build capacity, foster innovation, and serve the public good. This enduring commitment to excellence has been guided by a distinguished lineage of chancellors, culminating in today's installation of our fifth. The university’s historical impact has been driven by the dedicated work of its academic faculties, whose specialized contributions have been vital to our collective success.

2.0 Academic Pillars of Excellence: A Faculty-by-Faculty Impact Analysis

The university's national and international standing is built upon the distinct contributions and specialized excellence of our core faculties. Each faculty has cultivated unique strengths, forged critical partnerships, and delivered impactful outcomes that have advanced both knowledge and national development. This section evaluates the specific achievements and strategic importance of these academic pillars.

2.1 Faculty of Agriculture

The Faculty of Agriculture has played a pioneering role in introducing and advancing scientific agriculture in Mauritius. With a history extending nearly 112 years to its origins as the College of Agriculture in 1914, its work remains critical to national resilience and food security.

• * Key Contributions: The faculty's work in sustainable farming, integrated pest management, and climate-smart agriculture has been vital for small farmers.
• * Direct Community Impact: Initiatives like the DZA program and the transformation of Belmar into a climate-smart agriculture village demonstrate how research can directly improve livelihoods and reduce poverty.
• * Legacy of Education: The faculty has trained over 3,500 graduates who contribute to the sector.
• * Global Research Reach: Its research now spans critical global fields, including biotechnology, genomics, and climate adaptation.

2.2 Faculty of Engineering

The Faculty of Engineering serves as the nation's primary engine for industrial and infrastructural innovation, a role it has expertly fulfilled for over five decades, producing skilled professionals who drive the country's development.

• * Professional Recognition: Its programs are formally recognized by the Council of Registered Professional Engineers.
• * International Standards: In 2016, the faculty aligned its degrees with the standards of the Engineering Council of South Africa, a signatory of the prestigious Washington Accord, strengthening its position as a globally recognized provider of engineering education.

2.3 Faculty of Information, Communication, and Digital Technologies

This faculty is instrumental in supporting the country's ambitious digital transformation agenda, expanding access to high-impact programs that prepare students for the future of technology.

• * Advanced Programs: It recently introduced the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence to meet growing industry demand.
• * Global Collaboration: The faculty launched an international Bachelor's program in Data Science in partnership with CY Cergy Paris Université.
• * Industry-Academia Integration: It is piloting the nation's first "foros in applied computing," a pioneering public-private partnership model where industry-designed micro-credentials are mapped to university credits, leading to degrees and guaranteed high-value employment for Mauritians.

2.4 Faculty of Law and Management

As the university's largest faculty, it serves approximately 3,500 students across a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, producing leaders in business, law, and public service.

• * Professional Accreditation: Many of its degrees are accredited by leading professional bodies, including the ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, and the CFA Institute.
• * Research Excellence: To date, the faculty has crossed the milestone of 250 impact factor publications, secured more than 60 research grants, and engaged in over 70 consultancy projects.
• * Global Researcher Recognition: Three of its faculty members are ranked among the top 2% of researchers worldwide by Stanford and Elsevier.

2.5 Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences stands at the forefront of the nation's public health strategy, tackling our most pressing health challenges through world-class research and collaboration.

• * International Partnerships: It actively collaborates with leading institutions, including the University of Bordeaux, the University of Reunion Island, and the University of Geneva.
• * Sustained Research Excellence: Academics from this faculty have been ranked among the world's top 2% of scientists for five consecutive years.

2.6 Faculty of Science

Established in 1989, the Faculty of Science is committed to strengthening academic quality and fostering innovation in the fundamental and applied sciences.

• * International Accreditation: Its BSc Honours Chemistry program is accredited by the prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry, UK.
• * Promoting Excellence: Since 2014, the faculty has organized the Raman contest to promote excellence in mathematics among students.

2.7 Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities

This faculty continues to expand its offerings to meet diverse regional and global needs, fostering critical thinking and cultural understanding.

• * Flexible Learning: It offers fully online programs to enhance accessibility for students.
• * Innovative Programs: The faculty has launched new initiatives in psychology, theater, and African studies.
• * Community Engagement: It maintains strong engagement with communities, NGOs, and policy stakeholders to ensure its work is relevant and impactful.

The focused work of these faculties is complemented and amplified by a network of specialized centers that address strategic national priorities.

3.0 Specialized Centers for Strategic Impact

Beyond the traditional faculty structure, the university hosts specialized centers that serve as hubs of strategic, cultural, and technological importance. These centers extend our reach and impact, driving innovation and preserving the nation's unique heritage.

• Confucius Institute                             
• Fostering cultural importance through arts and language exchange.
• Center for Tourism and Hospitality    
• Advancing the nation's strategic tourism sector through research and training.
• Center for Research on Slavery and Indenture
• Preserving and interrogating key elements of Mauritian history and cultural heritage.
• Center for Innovative and Lifelong Learning (CILL)
• Drives institutional e-learning, online program development, and the university's digital credential initiatives.
• Center for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research (CBBR)
• Serves as a flagship regional hub for biotechnology and nanotechnology research.
• Center for Information Technology and Systems (CITS)
• Advances the university's digital transformation and serves as the regional Cisco and Huawei Academy.

The vital work of these centers contributes significantly to the university’s growing international profile and its recognition on the global stage.

4.0 Global Recognition and Strategic Alliances

Six decades of unwavering commitment to quality teaching, research excellence, and community service have enabled the University of Mauritius to earn significant recognition on the global stage. These international milestones reflect our institutional resilience, continuous improvement, and regional leadership.

• * Times Higher Education World University Rankings: Earned a coveted position among the world's leading universities, validating our commitment to global standards of academic and research excellence.
• * Alliance of Research Universities in Africa (ARUA): Admitted as a full member, joining an elite consortium of the continent's most distinguished research institutions, including the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University.

These achievements serve as a strong foundation for the university's ambitious, forward-looking agenda.

5.0 A Vision for the Future

Building on our distinguished legacy, the University of Mauritius remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the national agenda and shaping the country's future. Our strategic priorities are aligned with the long-term aspirations of the Republic of Mauritius.

• 1. Supporting the National Agenda: Actively contribute to the national agenda for higher education.
• 2. Promoting Internationalization: Enhance global engagement and strategic partnerships.
• 3. Delivering Quality Teaching: Maintain and elevate standards of pedagogy and student experience.
• 4. Conducting Impactful Research: Focus on research that addresses key societal challenges and drives innovation.
• 5. Advancing Sustainable Development: Strengthen contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• 6. Realizing Vision 2050: Advance the long-term national vision for Mauritius.

This vision will be carried forward under new leadership, renewing our enduring mission for the decades to come.

Conclusion: Enduring Commitment, Renewed Leadership

From its origins as a singular national institution to its current status as a globally recognized university, the University of Mauritius has been a constant engine of progress for the nation. This journey of growth and achievement is now poised to accelerate into a new era with the installation of our new chancellor, Dr. Neerunjun Gopee. His leadership is a catalyst for renewed momentum, ensuring the university will not only continue to prosper but will advance its mission with greater ambition. We are confident he will serve as an outstanding ambassador for our institution, both locally and internationally, reinforcing our enduring commitment to shaping a brighter future for all.

The Pro Chancellor Prof R.V. Sannassee Speech on the installation of the fifth Chancellor at the University of Mauritius - A Profile of Distinction

Introduction: A Convergence of Service and Scholarship

The installation of a new Chancellor is an event of profound institutional significance, representing for the University of Mauritius a reformation of its values, its mission, and its aspirations for the future. This occasion honors an individual whose life and career resonate deeply with the university's ideals. The appointment of Dr. Gopy is a testament to this tradition, celebrating a distinguished figure whose professional journey has been defined by a deep and steadfast commitment to excellence, service, and intellectual curiosity. This profile chronicles the key milestones of his remarkable career, from his foundational education to his leadership on the global stage, culminating in his esteemed appointment as Chancellor.

Installation of the Fifth Chancellor of the University of Mauritius - Dr Neerunjun Gopee, GOSK, MBBS, FRCS

The Faculty of Agriculture (FoA) staff attended the installation ceremony of the fifth Chancellor of the University of Mauritius, Dr. Neerunjun Gopee. 

Dean of FoA, Assoc. Prof. J. Govinden Soulange

 and Assoc Prof D.Goburdhun, Head of AFS Department,

with Dr N.Gopee ( In centre) 

In his address, he  reflected on his long history with the institution as both a lecturer and council member. He emphasised that higher education must balance transactional knowledge for career readiness with ethical commitment and personal growth. He addressed the urgent institutional needs, such as the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor and the resolution of funding challenges through better governance and alumni engagement. Furthermore, he advocated for translational research that bridges the gap between academic theory and practical societal benefits. He strongly advocated for a shift in research focus towards "translational research" with demonstrable societal and economic impacts. He concluded his speech by distinguishing human consciousness from artificial intelligence and calling for multidisciplinary collaboration to meet the nation's developmental goals. 

Some of his Notable Quotes

Responsibility of Educators

"Life affords no greater responsibility, no greater privilege than the raising of the next generation." (Attributed to Dr. Everett Koop)

Knowledge & Crisis

"...how critical proper knowledge and communication are to bring clarity and avert a potential crisis."

Sustainability of Education

"This is still the goal but at what cost. I believe a serious reflection must be done in this regard..."

Graduate Preparedness

"Empowering mean it means preparing work ready graduates and not merely academically..."

The Professional World

"So it is a jungle out here. you know, it's a fierce competition for survival."

Advice to Students

"Don't waste your time joining processions or your woke projects..."

The Nature of Knowledge

"Knowledge is a circle whose center is everywhere but whose circumference is nowhere." (Attributed to Swami Vivekananda)

The Universe

"...the universe is not only strange but it is stranger than we can imagine." (Attributed to Albert Einstein)

Artificial Intelligence

"Will AI become conscious? They are still debating but thousands of years ago we had the answer the answer is no."

A summary of his address is given below.

Adisha Sewdyal's Conservation Journey in Mauritius

Adisha Sewdyal, an alumna of the Faculty of Agriculture with a specialization in agricultural extension, made a significant career shift from agricultural research to avian conservation and biodiversity conservation. She initially worked as research assistant assessing wheat varieties at the Mauritius Research Council. She then dedicated six years to the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation (MWF), where she spearheaded critical field-based conservation initiatives. Her work focused on several endangered endemic bird species:

Pink Pigeon: Engaged in breeding programs, habitat management, and population surveys.
Echo Parakeet: Oversaw nest-site monitoring and facilitated release initiatives.
Mauritian Cuckoo Shrike: Conducted behavioral research and habitat restoration activities.
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• 
  Key Conservation Strategies and Achievements
  Her contributions included conservation and monitoring efforts for these endangered avian species, in collaboration with a diverse team of biologists and ecologists. A major part of her role involved implementing innovative field strategies:

She implemented predator management strategies, including the use of traps, to protect critically endangered birds from introduced mammalian predators. The MWF heavily utilizes the Goodnature® A24 Self-Resetting Traps to control rats (Rattus spp.) due to their efficiency and non-toxic nature, saving significant staff time. These trapping methods are also used to create "mainland islands" in areas like the Black River Gorges National Park. A mainland island is a defined area where intensive predator control is used to create a safe refuge for native species to thrive. 



The Goodnature trap A24

Her work included tracking devices, banding individual birds, and conducting habitat assessments, which involved vegetation surveys, nesting site identification, and predator density mapping.

Career at Ebony Forest Conservation

After her successful journey with the MWF, she joined the Ebony Forest. Adisha Sewdyal was a key member of the conservation team at the Ebony Forest Conservation Project, with her active involvement documented across various initiatives, particularly during the period of 2019 to 2024. Her work at the 50-hectare restoration site in Chamarel was integral to the project's strategy, which combined habitat restoration and species reintroduction with intensive predator control. 

A brief summary of her work includes: Avian Species Management: She was part of the team responsible for the successful reintroduction and establishment of endangered bird sub-populations.   

This included working with the Echo Parakeet, such as the translocation and release of ten chicks from the Black River Gorges National Park to the Ebony Forest reserve.

She also contributed to the successful re-establishment of the Mauritius Kestrel, a new sub-population of which began breeding annually in nest boxes within the forest, with chicks successfully fledging in 2020.

o Her team's efforts also prepared for the reintroduction of other critically threatened passerine species, including the Mauritius Olive White-eye and Mauritius Fody.

Predator Control Implementation: She was involved in implementing and maintaining a 19-hectare multi-tool predator control grid. This grid, which uses traps like GoodNature A24, was essential for reducing invasive mammalian predators (such as rats, cats, and tenrecs) to create a safe ecological refuge for the endemic fauna.

Capacity Building and Training: Adisha was listed as one of the staff members who received extensive training in avifauna conservation. This training covered a wide array of skills, including bird handling, ringing, nest watching, bird morphometrics, and data collection, which helped strengthen the in-house capacity of Ebony Forest.

In 2024, Ms Adisha  Sewdyal, has now moved on to work with Société Rouillard Frères where she continues to contributing to the preservation of Mauritius’ biodiversity.

Key Messages for Future Students: Skills for Success

The alumnus's career demonstrates that the most paramount factors for success are intrinsic: a deep-seated love for nature and robust resilience. Her willingness to start as a volunteer and dedicate six years to demanding fieldwork, facing the inherent challenges of endangered species management, highlights that commitment and perseverance are the true engines of progress. In any field, from engineering to business, this passion will fuel motivation, and resilience will ensure you push through setbacks and maintain high standards when projects become difficult.
Adisha stresses that practical experience is paramount over basic academic credentials alone. Her hands-on acquisition of life-long experiences—from the rigorous discipline learned during an unrelated early internship to the specialized techniques of hand-rearing and habitat restoration—shows the value of applied knowledge

A successful career requires a constant willingness to learn new skills and adapt to broader roles. She transitioned from specialized, species-specific work (Pink Pigeon) to holistic ecosystem management (Ebony Forest) and mastered modern analytical tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This trajectory illustrates that continuous upskilling and the proactive acquisition of knowledge—whether technological, analytical, or managerial—are essential for career longevity and growth in any profession. Your ability to learn and apply new skills will define your strategic relevance in an ever-changing professional landscape.

Adisha has played a pivotal role in reversing the declines of critical avian species, ensuring their long-term viability, and making significant contributions to the preservation and enhancement of Mauritius's unique biodiversity through diligent research, innovative predator control, and meticulous species management.

Photos have been sources form Ebony Forest and MWF websites.

A big Bravo for Adisha's contribution to Preservation of Mauritius Biodiversity