Eiffel Excellence Scholar, Alejandra Meneses from Venezuela and Colombia, Shares the Story of How She Pursued Her Master’s in Development Economics and Public Policy at Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne in France

My name is Alejandra Meneses. I was born in Venezuela and raised in Colombia, which has deeply shaped my identity and commitment to understanding the social, economic, and political challenges of the Latin American region. I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations in Barranquilla, Colombia, at Universidad del Norte, where I graduated with Honors (Mención de Honor al Graduando de Excelencia).

Keen to deepen my expertise in evidence-based development policy, I applied for the Master 1 Études du Développement (ECO) followed by the Master 2 Expertise économique du développement, Politiques publiques et projets (EPOLPRO) at Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, programmes uniquely combining development economics, public policy analysis, and project evaluation.

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Details

I received the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, awarded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, which fully financed my master’s studies at Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. The scholarship covered a monthly stipend, international travel, health insurance, and cultural activities.

This award was decisive: without it, pursuing graduate studies in France would not have been financially possible.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

Yes, throughout my undergraduate studies, I received several prestigious scholarships that shaped my academic trajectory:

1. Pacific Alliance Scholarship – Guadalajara, Mexico (2013)

Awarded by the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this scholarship funded an academic exchange at the University of Guadalajara. The financial support I received (8,476 MXN/month + IMSS medical insurance).

2. Banco Santander Universidades Scholarship – Oaxaca, Mexico (2012)

This scholarship allowed me to study at the Universidad Benemérita de Oaxaca.

3. Korean Government Invitation Program – Konyang University (2011)

I completed the Korean Government Invitation Program for Undergraduate Students, a highly selective academic and cultural exchange in South Korea.

Educational Background

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in International Relations at Universidad del Norte with a GPA of 4.58/5.0 and repeated honors distinctions. My degree combined economics, political science, and international studies, disciplines that prepared me exceptionally well for advanced work in development policy and economics.

Through my undergraduate scholarships, I gained early exposure to different development contexts in Latin America and Asia, complementing my coursework with hands-on experience in gender equality initiatives, microfinance, and local development projects.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne?

My preparation began more than a year before applying.

1. Semillero de Talentos – Colfuturo (Colombia)

In 2014, I joined the Semillero de Talentos de Colfuturo, where I received highly structured guidance on:

• Selecting programmes aligned with my goals
• Strengthening my academic CV
• Drafting and revising my motivation letters
• Scholarship-oriented writing and short-answer responses
• Mock interviews
• Personalised advising sessions

This programme played an essential role in helping me build a competitive, well-strategised application.

2. Direct Consultation with Université Paris 1

One year before applying, I proactively contacted the Bureau des bourses – Direction des Relations Internationales (DRI) at Université Paris

• eligibility for the Eiffel Scholarship,
• the structure and expectations of the M1 ECO and M2 EPOLPRO,
• language requirements,
• academic prerequisites,
• and how to position my application strategically.

This direct interaction confirmed that EPOLPRO’s focus on development economics, public policy, and project evaluation was perfectly aligned with my academic preparation and career aspirations.

How Did You Find Information About Scholarships and Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne?

I primarily used:

• Colfuturo’s scholarship and programme databases
• Official university websites (Université Paris 1, Campus France)
• Input from professors and professionals in international development
• Direct contact with the Paris 1 International Office
• Semillero de Talentos advising sessions

 Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

No standardized tests were required for my programme because it was taught in French, and I had already completed a C1 French diploma prior to applying.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship?

My Eiffel application combined:

1. Rigorous coaching from Semillero de Talentos

Including application review, CV review, motivation letter editing, scholarship-specific guidance, mock interviews, and personalised advising.

2. Direct feedback from Paris 1’s Bureau des bourses

This helped me tailor my application to institutional priorities.

3. A strong, coherent motivation letter

My motivation letter explained my academic background, volunteer experience with women’s economic empowerment programmes, and my aspiration to work in development policy and gender equality

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or French? 

My classes were conducted primarily in French, as the Master 1 Études du Développement (ECO) and the Master 2 Expertise économique du développement – Politiques publiques et projets (EPOLPRO) at Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne are French-taught programmes. Some readings and occasional materials were available in English, but full participation in the programme required strong proficiency in French.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

My application stood out because it demonstrated:

• A strong academic foundation backed by formal distinctions (Mención de Honor).
• A history of competitive international scholarships (Santander, Pacific Alliance, Korean Government).
• Early field experience in gender equality, microfinance, and community development.
• A clear, long-term professional vision aligned with EPOLPRO’s objectives.
• Highly polished application materials thanks to Semillero de Talentos.
• Proactive engagement with Paris 1, showing initiative and maturity.
• Strong multilingual preparation (Spanish, English, French).

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

I would have reached out earlier to former Eiffel Scholars for insights on strengthening the competitiveness of my dossier. I also would have begun gathering supporting documents earlier, as the process is administratively demanding.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

• Start early, ideally one year in advance.
• Ensure your academic, professional, and personal narrative is coherent.
• Seek expert guidance (e.g., Semillero de Talentos, mentors, professors).
• Contact the university directly; institutions value informed and motivated applicants.
• Invest time in your motivation letter; it is the heart of your application.
• Demonstrate leadership, resilience, and commitment to contributing to your field and community.