Gabriella Agyei (22) was born and raised in Italy by Ghanaian parents, and an important part of her identity and worldview has been shaped by her family’s migration history. After studying Political, Social, and International Sciences at the University of Bologna, she is now pursuing her master’s in Governance of Migration and Diversity at Erasmus University – supported by an Erasmus Trustfonds scholarship.
Could you tell us a little bit about your background and how it has influenced you?
"My dad migrated to Italy in 1997, and in 2002, he had worked hard enough to bring my mother over as well. This was while she was pregnant with me. I was born in Italy only three weeks later. The fact that my parents are not Italian has always played an important role in my identity. My first language is Italian, so I think in Italian. But when I was at home, the language I spoke was a different one. The culture I was taught was a different one. And the community I was raised in was an immigrant one. This shaped the person I am today."
How did it influence your academic choices?
"Because of my personal background and the recent rise of right-wing, anti-immigrant sentiments, I became interested in themes like social inequalities and the integration of immigrants. It felt like a calling. Four months ago, I finished my undergraduate degree in Political Science in Bologna. This was a really important moment for me and my family because my parents never had the opportunity to study, and they made a big effort to ensure that I could achieve the highest possible study level.
When I graduated, I realized I didn't want to stop there, so I applied for my master’s abroad. I wanted to study migration and research better solutions to this phenomenon. I'm not going to call it an issue because I don't see it as an issue. We all moved from somewhere; we just need to understand how to manage it efficiently and humanely. I found the perfect course at Erasmus University, here in Rotterdam.
There was just one problem: I needed funding. Even though my parents support me in every way they can, their means are limited. Then I discovered the Erasmus Trustfonds and immediately applied. A couple of weeks later, I received an email. As the tone was very casual and business-like, I thought it was a rejection. But then I read on and discovered I had been granted the scholarship! I was so happy. I immediately sent screenshots to all my loved ones. I remember my dad texting me: Bravissima Gabri, we are really proud of you. As we are usually not very emotional with each other, this really gave me the feeling that my hard work was paying off."
How was your experience arriving in the Netherlands?
"I arrived when the weather was still good. The sun was shining, and I loved Rotterdam from the moment I set foot in it and saw all those tall buildings. I said to myself: Okay, I am home. Since I was granted accommodation at the Social Hub, I didn’t even have to worry about housing. I still have to get used to the weather as it is now, but apart from that, I am really glad to be here!"
What are you going to do after this?
"My plan is to pursue a PhD. I'm currently applying to universities in the UK, the Netherlands and other European destinations. Eventually, I want to be a policymaker, but first, I need to gain as much specialized knowledge and expertise as I can, as I suffer a little from impostor syndrome (laughs)."
Why do you support the Erasmus Charity Run?
"I strongly believe in giving back what you receive. I stumbled upon the scholarship website by chance, and many of the people I’m studying with didn’t even know this opportunity existed. It is really important for me to help raise awareness. The scholarship has changed my life and given me the chance to just be a student without having to worry about funding."
- More information
The Erasmus Charity Run is a fundraising run where you raise money for students whose dream is to study at Erasmus University Rotterdam. Together with fellow participants you run for a good cause where you also raise money for Scholarship Students.
Do you also want to help fund scholarships for talented students like Gabriella? Support one or more participants of the Erasmus Charity Run via this link.
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