Amsterdam Merit Scholarship Recipient, Belén Estrella Fiallo from Ecuador, Earned a Dual Master’s in Journalism, Media, and Globalization at Aarhus University and the University of Amsterdam

My name is Belén Estrella Fiallo, and I am a proud single mother. I currently serve as the Global Communications Manager at Danone, where I oversee communications for the Cycles and Procurement department.

Originally from Quito, Ecuador, I hold a bachelor's degree in Communication Science from Tecnológico de Monterrey (ITESM). I also earned a dual master’s degree in Journalism, Media, and Globalization with a specialization in Media and Politics, through a joint program between Aarhus University and the University of Amsterdam (UvA).

Amsterdam Merit Scholarship Details

Bachelor’s degree: I received a talent scholarship from ITESM, aimed at supporting academically outstanding students, which covered 90% of my tuition fee for my entire bachelor’s degree. I do not know the exact amount, but it was around €50k+.

Master’s degree: I won the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) offered by UvA to non-EU/EEA students, which covered the tuition fee of €8k for the year I studied in Amsterdam.

Educational Background

I attended an international high school where I completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, graduating among the top ten students of my cohort with an average of 18.9/20. The IB provided me with a strong academic foundation and advanced proficiency in English. I consistently achieved outstanding grades across all subjects, including the highest marks in several areas. In addition to academics, I actively participated in student associations and extracurricular activities.

During my bachelor’s degree, I maintained strong academic performance, graduating with an average of 92/100. Beyond academics, I remained engaged in university life through involvement in student groups such as performance dance, and I won multiple photography contests, reflecting the dynamic nature of my profile.

In my final year, I began writing for Newsweek, which helped me build a professional portfolio and meet the work experience requirement for my master’s program.

Altogether, these experiences demonstrate not only a solid academic track record but also a well-rounded and active profile, combining intellectual achievement with cultural and creative engagement.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Institutions?

For the talent scholarship at Tecnológico de Monterrey, I was offered the opportunity based on my strong academic record and outstanding results in the admission test. I prepared thoroughly for the interviews, taking time to understand the university’s values and identity, and tailored my responses accordingly.

In contrast, the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship (AMS) was the result of a proactive search for funding opportunities. I carefully reviewed the requirements and submitted a complete application. In addition to my academic achievements, I believe the recommendation letters from respected professors played a key role.

Both scholarships reflect not only my academic performance but also my ability to combine intellectual achievement with cultural and creative engagement.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Scholarship?

I took the time to check the application requirements in detail, and not just try to provide all documents, but ensure that each document, letter, essay, was displaying my value and potential, and resonating with the institution’s identity.

How Is (was) Your Experience at the Institution?

While education is a fundamental human right, access to it, especially high-quality education, remains a privilege in many parts of the world. I am deeply grateful for the scholarships that enabled me to study at outstanding institutions. These opportunities not only allowed me to earn academic degrees but also to immerse myself in enriching human and intellectual experiences, both inside and outside the classroom. Through these scholarships, I was able to engage with diverse cultures, perspectives, belief systems, and ways of understanding the world.

How Does the Institution Support International Students?

ITESM: The University has a vibrant international community, with many students and teachers from diverse Latin countries, and also regular exchange students coming from all around the world. There are special departments and support groups always ready to help international students. ITESM also has a rich calendar of events all year long that immerse international students in Mexican culture, and they make you feel part of a community.

UVA: I experienced limited support for international students, except for housing, for which, as part of the dual degree, we had good support.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or the Country’s Native Language? (optional)*

ITESM: English and Spanish

UvA: English

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically, Not Knowing the Native Language of the Country?

ITESM: Within the university, international students would be able to be fully integrated, but in Mexico, I would suggest speaking Spanish to enjoy the country to its fullest.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I had strong academic results, combined with a diversity of other activities such as student groups, sports, which helped me present a dynamic profile.

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

In hindsight, I would have waited longer between completing my bachelor's and starting my master's degree to explore more scholarship opportunities that could have covered a larger portion of the tuition. As it turned out, I had to finance a significant part of my studies through a student loan.

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

Take your time to assess all options and apply to your top 3 universities, or more, applying to scholarships in all of them, and be patient, apply many times if needed, until you get the highest scholarship you can get.