How Jose Torres, a Venezuelan Scholar, Secured a Fully Funded Bachelor’s in Architecture at the University of British Columbia, Canada Through the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award

Hi everyone! My name is Jose Torres, and I am a Venezuelan student in the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urbanism at the University of British Columbia. My interest in architecture began at a young age through activities that many aspiring designers can relate to, such as building with LEGO and experimenting with city-building simulation games. However, this interest became more tangible when, as a teenager, I led the revitalization of a community playground in my neighborhood. The project introduced me to the built environment and allowed me to engage with community stakeholders on a small scale, while also providing me with a meaningful volunteer experience.

Growing up in Venezuela, I witnessed firsthand how access to education can shape opportunities and change lives. Both of my parents came from humble beginnings and achieved upward social mobility through higher education and hard work. Unfortunately, the socioeconomic crisis in my home country significantly impacted my family's financial stability. After completing my national baccalaureate, I continued my education abroad through a full-ride scholarship to study the IB Diploma Programme at UWC Atlantic College, where I further explored my interests in Visual Arts, Design Technology, and Economics.

After completing my studies in Europe, I crossed the Atlantic once again to pursue higher education at UBC as a recipient of the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award. My time at UBC has been transformational. From the moment I arrived on campus four years ago, I have benefited from an exceptional network of advisors, mentors, and peers. In particular, the International Scholars team has played a pivotal role in supporting my transition to life in Canada and helping me grow both as a student and as a young professional.

Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award Details

Scholarship 1: UWC Atlantic College Scholarship
Institution: UWC Atlantic College, Wales, United Kingdom
Scholarship Name: Avemundo Venezuela + Shelby Davis Fund
Amount: Covered 100% of expenses and tuition for two years of IB

Summary: The scholarship is awarded for academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement.

Scholarship 2: The Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
Institution: University of British Columbia
Scholarship Name: Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award
Amount: Covered 100% of expenses and tuition for undergraduate degree
Summary: The award recognizes international students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and financial need.

Educational Background

I initially completed my secondary education at Colegio Santiago de León de Caracas, a renowned private school in Caracas, Venezuela, where I earned the Venezuelan National Baccalaureate. This educational foundation exposed me to a broad range of subjects, including history, geography, mathematics, chemistry, and physics. My academic performance and extracurricular involvement during this period enabled me to successfully apply for a scholarship through the United World Colleges Programme. Score: 18/20

I took two additional years at UWC Atlantic College in Wales, United Kingdom, where I completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. During my studies, I focused on subjects such as Visual Arts, Design Technology, and Economics, which allowed me to explore the intersection of design, innovation, and societal development. The IB's emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, international understanding, and community engagement helped me develop a holistic perspective on the built environment and further strengthened my interest in architecture. Score: 40/45

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of British Columbia?

How Did You Find Information About Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award and University of British Columbia?

My primary source of information was the university counseling team at UWC Atlantic College. They introduced me to a wide range of universities and scholarship opportunities across different countries and helped me understand which opportunities best matched my academic background, career goals, and financial circumstances.

For the Karen McKellin Scholarship, you must be nominated by your school to be able to participate in the application.

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

I did not take standardized tests as part of my application process. The only language certification required for my university applications was proof of English proficiency, which I completed through the Duolingo English Test.

To prepare, I familiarized myself with the test format and completed several practice exercises to become comfortable with the question types and time constraints. Since I had already been completing the International Baccalaureate program in English, I felt confident in my language abilities and focused primarily on understanding the structure of the exam rather than extensive language preparation.

It is important to note that this was approximately six years ago, and admission requirements may have changed since then. Students should always verify the most current testing and language proficiency requirements directly with the institutions to which they are applying.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award?

The only aspects of a scholarship application that I believe you can truly prepare for are maintaining the strongest academic record possible and pursuing meaningful experiences throughout your educational journey.

Rather than preparing specifically for a scholarship, I believe it is more effective to pursue extracurricular activities, leadership opportunities, and causes that genuinely interest you. Scholarship reviewers can often tell when activities are undertaken solely to strengthen an application, and it is much easier to speak authentically about experiences that are meaningful and impactful to you.

In my case, I focused on leadership and community engagement initiatives that I cared about, such as leading the revitalization of a community playground in my neighborhood and supporting others through peer listening roles during my time at UWC. These experiences later became the foundation of my university applications. While themes such as leadership, community involvement, and sustainability are valued by many scholarship programs, the key is to demonstrate genuine commitment and clearly articulate how your experiences align with the scholarship's objectives and values.

How is Your Experience at the University of British Columbia?

My experience at UBC has been outstanding. While the journey has come with its challenges, and architecture is known for testing its students, looking back, I can say the experience has been truly transformational. It has helped shape me into the kind of young professional and adult I am proud to be today.

How Do You Rate the University of British Columbia Academically?

I believe evaluating a university academically must be faculty-specific, as institutional rankings do not always reflect the quality, resources, or strengths of individual programs. Speaking specifically about UBC's School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, I would rate my experience highly. The program is particularly well suited for self-motivated students who are eager to explore, experiment, and learn independently, with a strong emphasis on design thinking, creativity, and critical exploration.

That said, I would have appreciated greater exposure to the technical and practical aspects of construction, project delivery, and how design concepts are translated into feasible built projects. This gap was one of the main reasons I became increasingly interested in the construction industry throughout my degree and ultimately pursued a role as a Construction Project Coordinator.

How Does the University of British Columbia Support International Students?

As mentioned previously, UBC has provided me with an exceptional support network throughout my academic journey. From the moment I arrived on campus, I benefited from advisors, mentors, and support staff who helped me navigate both the academic and personal challenges of studying abroad. In particular, the International Scholars team played a pivotal role in supporting my transition to life in Canada and helping me grow as both a student and young professional.

Beyond scholarship-specific support, UBC offers a wide range of services for international students. The International Student Advising team provides guidance on immigration-related matters, including study permits, co-op work permits, and post-graduation work permits (PGWP). Students also have access to resources such as academic advising, accessibility services, career support, and wellness programs, creating a comprehensive support system for both domestic and international students.

What Did You Pursue After the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award?

At the moment, I am completing my co-op terms as a Construction Project Coordinator. Upon graduation, I plan to continue pursuing a career in construction project management, building on the skills and industry knowledge I have developed through both my academic studies and professional experience.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Both of my applications were the result of weeks of rewriting, editing, and improving. If what I was reading about myself did not excite me, then I knew the application was not ready.

Good writing is always appreciated, including by application reviewers. Remember that an application is not very different from telling a story. Ask yourself: What am I trying to say, and why does it matter? Then seek feedback from people you trust and continue refining your essays until they become a compelling piece of writing that also clearly demonstrates how your profile aligns with the scholarship you are applying for.

Most importantly, always show, don't tell. Instead of saying, "I am responsible," describe a situation where you had to demonstrate responsibility and let the reviewer reach that conclusion themselves. I believe this approach makes an application much more authentic, memorable, and persuasive.

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

Honestly, I would not change a thing. Every step of the process, whether successful or not, taught me something valuable and contributed to who I am today.

If you would like to talk more about scholarships, or simply have someone to bounce ideas off of, feel free to contact me at:
www.linkedin.com/in/jose-miguel-torres-torres