How a Colombian Lawyer Won the AAUW International Fellowship & P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship to Pursue a Master of Education at Teachers College, Columbia University

My name is Ángela Sánchez, I am from Bogotá, Colombia. I am a lawyer, educator, and mother of a beautiful and intelligent 6-year-old daughter, Paulina. Throughout my life, I have been deeply committed to advancing social justice, promoting human rights, and building sustainable peace in my country.

I studied Law at Universidad de los Andes, Colombia, driven by a dream to work at the Constitutional Court as part of a justice system focused on human rights and constitutional principles. Moreover, I studied a Master of Public International Law at Leiden Universiteit, Netherlands, to deepen my knowledge of international law principles and procedures.

For over 13 years, I have served as a public official and human rights lawyer, both nationally and regionally, in institutions as the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, the Constitutional Court of Colombia, the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), and the Defensoría del Pueblo de Colombia, where I was the National Director of the office I in charge of Human Rights Education matters. My leadership role on educational matters combined with my passion for teaching inspired me to pursue a Master’s of Education at the most prominent education department of peace and human rights education, Teachers College, Columbia University.

I wanted to explore transformative pedagogies, didactics, and involved in research on transitional justice education, one of the core areas of research within the International and Comparative Education Department in 2022.

AAUW International Fellowship Scholarship Details

I was honored to receive two of the most prestigious international scholarships for women in the US to pursue my second year as a Master of Education Student.  On one hand, I received the International Fellowship for Women by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), which awarded me $20,000 USD. On the other hand, I received the PEO International Peace Scholarship by the P.E.O Sisterhood, where women motivate women awarded me $12,000 USD.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

I was honored to receive multiple scholarships that made my graduate studies in the United States possible. In addition to the above, I obtained these scholarships:

• Comparative and International Education Program Scholarship – Teachers College, Columbia University – (12,000 USD)
• International Students Scholarship – Teachers College, Columbia University ($11,270 USD)
• Patricia Green Scholarship – Teachers College, Columbia University ($5,911 USD)
• Susan Fuhrman Scholarship – Teachers College, Columbia University ($3,940 USD)
• Colfuturo Scholarship-Loan– Fundación Colfuturo ($50,000 USD)

Educational Background

I hold a Bachelor of Laws from Universidad de los Andes (2012). I later completed an LL.M. in Public International Law at Leiden University, Netherlands (2016) with a strong academic performance and specialization in international human rights law and transitional justice. This academic background was the foundation to start working on national and international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

My experience in law and human rights prepared me to approach global justice issues and human rights issues with both legal and interdisciplinary lenses. This background positioned me well to pursue a second master’s degree in education at Teachers College (2022-2024), where I could bring together legal knowledge, policy experience, and a passion for exploring innovative ways to teach peace and human rights education.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Columbia University?

I began the process by buying a notebook specifically for the application process. I conducted extensive research on universities and specific programs I wanted to study through online platforms, academic networks, and LinkedIn. I did this research in the evenings after work and in weekends four months in advance.

To strengthen my application, I took several coaching sessions with Patricia Urdaneta, an expert in international and Ivy League admissions. Her guidance helped me prepare for a strong academic personal statement that highlighted the intersection of my legal and educational interests, focusing on peace education and decolonial approaches to human rights.

For English language requirements, I took the IELTS exam twice (in a two-month period) and scored 7.0. I prepared for the exams using free YouTube videos “IELTS LIZ”. Due to my busy schedule, I was only able to study about two months in advance — not ideal, but it was my reality at the time.

I recommend starting the whole preparation to apply for graduate studies at least 8 months before. Moreover, I consider it essential to reach out to alumni or mentors, when possible, for 15-minute online meetings. I found that both students and professors in the U.S. were incredibly generous with their time and support.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the AAUW International Fellowship?

I started almost a year in advance, even before deciding which specific programs I wanted to apply to. My first step was not choosing a university, but to search if it was possible to fund my graduate studies. So, I first mapped the scholarships and then checked the specific degrees and tuition fees.

I created an Excel spreadsheet where I organized every possible funding opportunity: eligibility criteria, deadlines, required documents, and links to past recipients or webinars. This helped me track everything visually and make decisions based on both feasibility and alignment with my values.

Additionally, I used one specific part of the “scholarship notebook” to list the most frequently used words and themes that appeared on the scholarship websites, video, mission statement, and focus. Also, I focused on finding whether the scholarships were rather academic merit or financial need. Your application should be focused on what the committees are seeking to find and help with studies.

I read about the story of the founders, their interests, and past work. At the end, you must convince them that you are envisioning the scholarship values.

How Is (Was) Your Experience at Columbia University?

My experience at Teachers College, Columbia University was deeply meaningful, both academically and personally. From the very beginning, I felt that I could speak my voice and receive support if I asked for it.  At the International and Comparative Education Program, the learning experiences were highly personalized: My professors know my research and professional interests and the social impact I wanted to create through education.

The methodologies and pedagogical approaches used in class were incredibly inspiring. Classes were designed not just to deliver content, but to provoke reflection, empower dialogue, and open space for diverse worldviews and experiences.

How Do You Rate Columbia University Academically and Why?

I consider Teachers College, Columbia University, excellent from an academic perspective. In my experience, it offered some of the most updated, innovative, and globally relevant content, literature, and learning methodologies in the field of peace, human rights, and citizenship education.  My teachers put a lot of effort into designing meaningful and engaging learning experiences. Their dedication and creativity in the classroom were truly inspiring to me.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because I demonstrated how my professional experience was directly aligned with my future goals on education. I articulated how each course, research opportunity, and academic connection would help me build the foundation to create my own educational organization focused on peace, human rights, and transformative learning.

I also specifically focused on evidencing my leadership and potential to transform, having worked at some of the most respected institutions nationally and internationally — including the Constitutional Court of Colombia, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, and the Defensoría del Pueblo.

On a personal level, I think what also made an impact was the fact that I applied as a mother. I was transparent in sharing that I was making this journey with my daughter, and that my decision to move my entire family was rooted in a deep, purpose-driven desire to contribute to building a better world through education. I believe the selection committees recognized the strength, commitment, and intention behind that choice.

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

If I could go through the process again, I would definitely start even earlier, for example, 13 to 12 months before deadlines. That extra time would have allowed me to polish every piece of the process with more calm, especially while balancing work, parenting, and applications.

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

This may sound like a cliché, but one of the things that truly helped me earn the scholarships was seeing myself clearly — recognizing my worth, believing in my potential as a woman, and having a strong vision for the future. I consistently demonstrated that I had a well-thought-out academic plan that would lead me to a tangible goal: founding an educational organization that would have an impact nationally and globally.