Hi, I'm Elina Bakunova
This is the story of my
Scholarship Journey.

Hi! My name is Elina, I come from a town in the Ural mountains of Russia – Perm. I am from a middle class family, but scholarship opportunities helped me to get a well-rounded education, travel to many countries and to become a world citizen.

Scholarship Details

I have won a scholarship ‘YEAR Program’ – for one exchange year in the USA during my bachelor's degree. For my Master's degree I got a regional scholarship in Italy named DSU.

Educational Background

I decided to study Public Relations in Statale University of Milan, because I always wanted to live and study in Europe. Italy seemed an appealing place and culture for me, and the university provided many programs in English, and it was an important point for me as I could only study in English. The university also provided free Italian classes for foreign students, so I could learn a new language, but get my degree in an English program at the same time.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for Scholarships and Institutions?

To prepare for scholarships I did a lot of research to see what countries and universities could cover all my expenses, and I was looking for programs in English language, as I mentioned before.

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

For those who also want to apply for a scholarship like this, I would advise to carefully read through all the necessary documents you need to apply for such scholarships, deadlines, and not be scared of applying. Many people don’t believe that it’s possible to win such scholarships and to study for free, or that only ‘privileged’ people can get scholarships. I am a normal girl from Russia, and I studied completely for free in the US and Italy, so everything is possible! 

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

Studying abroad is an amazing way to grow your mindset, learn foreign languages, make international friends, get immersed in new cultures, and become a real world citizen. I remember my university years abroad as one of the best experiences of my life, and I think everyone should do it!