How I Secured a Fully Funded Master’s at the University of Kent, United Kingdom Through the Chevening Scholarship

Hello! I am Christell Chesney, a Guyanese living in Guyana, better known as the fastest-growing economy in the world. From an early age, I found that I could relate well to people and take a lot of data and information, organise it well, and tell stories about people, organisations, and how they relate to the environment. That skill led me down the path of teaching in my early career, first as a high school teacher and then later as a Lecturer at the University of Guyana. Recognising my passion for the environment and human elements that influence conservation efforts and successes, I focus on the border between environmental and social sciences. I knew I wanted to find a better way to understand research around people and conservation, and after completing my BSc. in Biology, I specialised in socio-environmental research. This led me to research postgraduate study programmes in the United Kingdom (UK).

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the University of Kent?

The master’s programme that stood out had a unique blend of social and natural sciences that bridged the two worlds. I was elated to find a programme at the University of Kent, but I needed to figure out how to fund my studies. So, through local research and networking, I learnt of Chevening. Chevening is the United Kingdom government’s global leadership programme that offers fully funded scholarships and fellowships. It provides opportunities to study in the UK, join a powerful international network, and drive positive change.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

Chevening was very competitive! In my country, it was an immense privilege to be awarded the scholarship and to have known an alumnus, because they all proceeded to achieve national status, as Ministers, Heads of Agencies, Judges, leading Academics, etc. As such, I prepared a year in advance of my application, as I would for a major examination. Knowing I possessed the requisite grades from my BSc (GPA 3.4), leadership and work experience, local impact, and network, I was confident that I would be awarded. Nonetheless, I did not work with blind confidence; I read every article and watched every video relating to Chevening. Social media platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram were emerging with videos of alumni on their Chevening journey; nonetheless, the information was valuable. The Chevening website was also filled with great resource materials on applications and interviews. But reading the application materials was not enough; I needed to understand what life would be like in UK culture and how this immersive experience would shape the way I learned, related with my classmates and professors, and reimagined research. As such, I also spoke with as many alums as I could to prepare for the application, interview, and experience. Because English is the native language in my country, Guyana is the only English-speaking country in South America, I did not have to take the TOEFL. I believe my application was strong, as I was able to demonstrate how I managed my academic work, freelance consultations, volunteering efforts, and network to mould me into a strong leader for my country and one who was eager to grow and learn.

I am happy to say that my hard work did pay off! Upon receiving the acceptance letter, I was moved to tears and renewed in my tenacious spirit to press on with my academic aspirations. The Chevening Scholarship covered my tuition, visa and medical costs, return flight to the UK, and subsistence for the year of study. While I cannot remember the full figure, the scholarship was approximately £20,000. With focus and hard work, I achieved an MSc. in Conservation and Rural Development (Honours) from the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology at the University of Kent.

How Is (was) Your Experience at the University of Kent?

It has been seven years since I embarked on that journey, and it was truly a bittersweet yet rewarding experience. In 2019, I was able to experience UK culture at its best at my university, with locals and internationals flocking the halls and campuses to expand our learning and push the boundaries of our ambitions. As an international student, the University provided many resources and support systems to help acclimatise me to the system. Outside of potlucks, cultural programmes, language support, and learning hubs, the provision of wellbeing and mental health services, free of prejudice, was a breath of fresh air, as adjusting rapidly to the culture, education system, and climate was an extreme sport.

How Do You Rate University of Kent Academically and Why?

Despite those systems built to boost students' morale, the year was plagued by persistent staff strikes across the country, including Kent, lobbying for better working conditions, resulting in inconsistent teaching across campus. It was truly disheartening, as many of the strikes meant fewer contact hours with lecturers and, therefore, a notably reduced quality of learning compared to previous years. Then, in 2020, COVID-19 hit the globe, including the UK, changing everything! The campus was closed, dorms were monitored, and campus administration was exhausting all means to provide programmes virtually. The Chevening administration was pragmatic in their response to the global pandemic. Advisories were sent to Cheveners to manage while in the UK, and where possible, students were able to return to their home country and complete their degree virtually. As I could not return home due to the borders being closed, I benefited from assistance programmes through Chevening and my University. That year truly taught me resilience and steadfastness, to keep at my programme no matter the circumstances, and I did, finishing triumphantly.

Returning home to a changed world was difficult post-COVID, but I pressed on. Upon returning home, I resumed my role at the University of Guyana as a Lecturer in the Environmental Sciences Department, supervising socio-environmental undergraduate research. I have since left academia to freelance as a development consultant, helping the Government within the Caribbean foster partnerships with communities for sustainable development, as well as supporting civil society groups, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities to create policies and human rights frameworks to navigate their sustainable development and conservation of traditional and titled lands. This year, I was recognised as one of the twenty-five influential women Leaders of Guyana, an award that attests to the embodiment of a Chevener- a changemaker!

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

Looking back on my experience, I wouldn’t change anything about the process. It has moulded me into the person I am today, eager to learn, grow, and have an impact in my country!

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

To anyone applying for the Chevening scholarship, my advice is simple: don’t wait to apply and receive the reward of being a Chevener; demonstrate in your life that you are already a leader, that you can network, and that you have the resilience to go after what you want and deserve. That ambition will reflect in your work ethic, your network, and the way you confidently talk about your achievements. Hence, your application will stand out; you will approach your interview as a rite of passage, and you will be in the best position to attain the scholarship.

In every pursuit, ensure that it is for the total improvement of your mind, body, and character.