Areesha Khattak

It started with a simple question: “What are your future plans?” — and I had no clear answer. All I knew was that I wanted something meaningful in journalism, even when people told me my path made no sense.

Journey

Pakistan → Denmark → United Kingdom

Year

2026

Field of Study

Media Studies

Program

Erasmus Mundus Master's in Journalism, Media and Globalisation (Specialization: Crisis & Conflict)

My Journey

Applying for international opportunities felt uncertain at first. I didn’t even have a clear answer about my future, and whenever I spoke about pursuing conflict journalism, people around me would say there was no scope in it. But deep down, I knew I wanted more than just a stable path — I wanted meaning, impact, and stories that matter.

My journey truly began when I started exploring scholarships and global programs. That’s when I came across Scholarships Corner, which became one of my main sources of guidance. Through it, I learned how international applications work, what documents are required, and how to prepare myself for competitive opportunities like Erasmus.

I won’t say it was easy. In 2025, I applied for Erasmus for the first time and faced rejection. It was discouraging, and for a moment, I questioned whether I was good enough. But instead of giving up, I took it as a learning experience. I worked on improving my application, refining my goals, and understanding what truly makes a strong candidate.

The following year, I applied again for the Erasmus Mundus Master’s in Journalism, Media and Globalisation — and this time, I got selected.

Getting that acceptance felt surreal. All the uncertainty, doubt, and effort finally made sense. Today, I am part of a program that aligns perfectly with my passion for journalism, global narratives, and conflict studies, studying across Denmark and the United Kingdom.

Looking back, I realize that not having all the answers in the beginning wasn’t a weakness — it was the start of my journey. Sometimes, uncertainty is what pushes you toward the path you’re truly meant to follow.

What Made My Application Stand Out

Growing up in Gilgit, a remote mountainous region in Pakistan, I faced many challenges—limited access to global opportunities, lack of exposure, and fewer resources. But I held on to one thing: my passion for learning and sharing stories. A major turning point in my life came when I was selected as a Kennedy-Lugar YES scholar, which allowed me to study in the United States. That experience opened my mind, strengthened my confidence, and sparked a commitment to inspire other students like me. In addition to academics, I began documenting my personal journey through vlogs on YouTube. Over time, my channel grew to nearly 30,000 subscribers. I now use that platform to share experiences, educational opportunities, and motivational content for youth from underserved areas—especially those who feel unseen. From attending the U.S. Congress to leading Model United Nations conferences back home, each step has made me more determined to bridge the gap for others.

Tips and Advice

Be authentic and own your story. You don’t need to be from a big city or speak perfect English to achieve something meaningful. What matters most is your passion, your willingness to try, and how you grow through each experience. Start small, stay curious, and take initiative—whether it’s leading a school project, applying to a scholarship, or even starting a YouTube channel like I did. Most importantly, believe that your background is your strength, not your weakness.

Achievement Highlights

  • Selected for Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (Fully Funded)
  • Completed first year at Aarhus University / Danish School of Media & Journalism, Denmark
  • Selected specialization in Crisis & Conflict at City St George’s, University of London
  • Overcame initial rejection (2025) and secured selection in 2026 after reapplying
  • Built strong foundation in journalism, global narratives, and conflict studies