MSc Global Mental Health Student María Gabriela Morales Balmaceda from Nicaragua Shares Her Journey of Studying at King’s College London, UK

My name is María Gabriela Morales Balmaceda. I am a Nicaraguan psychologist and psychotherapist with a passion for developmental and clinical work across the life span. I specialize in child, adolescent, and young adult mental health, with years of clinical experience supporting children and adolescents with anxiety, attachment-related concerns, trauma, grief, and emotional regulation difficulties.

After completing my psychology degree in Nicaragua, I pursued a specialization in psychotherapy, deepening my clinical skills and evidence-based practice. This specialization allowed me to work directly with diverse clinical populations and understand psychological processes not just theoretically but in lived human experience.

Academic Background & Preparation

My academic path includes:

• A Bachelor’s in Psychology from Nicaragua.
• A specialization in psychotherapy in Nicaragua.
• A Master’s in Needs, Rights, and International Cooperation in Childhood, where I integrated developmental and rights-based approaches to mental health.
• Currently pursuing an MSc in Global Mental Health at King’s College London, funded by the prestigious Chevening Scholarship.

I prepared for graduate study by deeply clarifying my purpose: not just to practice therapy but to influence mental health systems, policy, and global frameworks that support children, families, and communities in low-resource settings. This clarity shaped every step of my application, from narrative essays to interviews.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Chevening Scholarship, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Chevening is a fully funded scholarship covering:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance
• Travel costs to and from the UK
• Visa fees and additional allowances

Educational Background

I hold:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology
• A Specialization in Psychotherapy (completed in Nicaragua)
• A Master’s degree in Needs, Rights & Cooperation in Development in Childhood

My academic performance throughout my studies was strong and consistent. However, beyond GPA, what truly prepared me was the integration of clinical experience, research exposure, and leadership involvement.

My psychotherapy specialization provided me with hands-on clinical tools and case formulation skills. My Master’s degree in childhood development and rights allowed me to understand mental health from a human rights and systemic development lens. This interdisciplinary background made me a strong candidate for Global Mental Health, which bridges clinical practice with policy and global systems.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to King’s College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine?

10 key things I did to prepare my application:

• Clarified my long-term vision for impact in Nicaragua.
• Framed my clinical experience as leadership in mental health care.
• Researched programs and scholarships aligned with my mission.
• Wrote with clarity and coherence: past → present → future.
• Practiced for English proficiency and interview readiness.
• Networked with professionals and alumni working internationally.
• Reflected deeply on leadership moments in my career.
• Drafted essays that connected clinical practice with systemic change.
• Demonstrated how my work addresses inequity and access gaps.
• Maintained consistency between my goals and written narrative.

I focused on presenting a strong narrative, not just achievements, but direction.

How Did You Find Information About the Chevening Scholarship and Institutions?

I actively searched through:

• Official scholarship websites (especially Chevening’s website)
• University program pages
• LinkedIn profiles of previous scholars
• Networking conversations and alumni testimonials

Reading past scholars’ experiences helped me understand what competitive applications looked like.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests?

Yes, I took the TOEFL exam as part of my application process.

To prepare, I used official TOEFL preparation books and practiced consistently with full-length practice exams at home under timed conditions. I focused especially on:

• Academic writing structure
• Listening comprehension strategies
• Time management during reading sections
• Speaking fluency and clarity

Practicing complete mock exams helped me build confidence and become familiar with the test format. My preparation was structured and self-disciplined, which allowed me to perform well without needing formal test-prep courses.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Chevening Scholarship?

Preparing for Chevening required deep reflection.

I worked intentionally on:

• Leadership examples with measurable impact
• Networking experiences
• Policy engagement
• Clear post-scholarship plans for returning to Nicaragua

I made sure my essays demonstrated:

• Leadership potential
• Commitment to my country
• Long-term vision
• Authentic motivation

I revised my essays several times and sought feedback before submission.

How Is Your Experience at King’s College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine?

My experience at King’s College London and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (because I am taking a joint master’s program), has been academically rigorous and transformative. The MSc in Global Mental Health integrates psychiatry, psychology, public health, anthropology, and policy perspectives.

The diversity of classmates from around the world enriches discussions and broadens perspectives. The program challenges students to think critically about implementation science, scalable interventions, and culturally appropriate mental health models.

How Do You Rate King’s College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Academically and Why?

I rate it very highly academically. The program is evidence-based, interdisciplinary, and globally oriented. Professors are experts in the field, and coursework emphasizes both research literacy and practical application.

It pushes students beyond clinical thinking into systemic and policy-level analysis.

How Does King’s College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Support International Students?

The university provides:

• Orientation programs
• Academic writing support
• Career services
• International student advisory services
• Mental health and wellbeing resources

There are also networking events and student societies that help with integration. However, adaptation still requires personal resilience and initiative.

What Did You Pursue After the Scholarship?

My long-term goal is to contribute to strengthening mental health systems in Nicaragua and Latin America, particularly focusing on child and adolescent mental health, trauma-informed care, and policy development.

I aim to combine clinical expertise, research, and leadership to expand access to evidence-based mental health services and advocate for systemic change.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Three key elements:

1. Clear and coherent narrative connecting clinical experience to global systems change.
2. Demonstrated leadership beyond the classroom.
3. Authenticity and specificity in long-term goals.

I think my application was not generic; it was rooted in lived professional experience and a concrete vision for impact.

What Would You Have Done Differently?

I would have trusted my profile earlier. Initially, I underestimated myself, thinking that applicants from larger countries or more visible institutions might have stronger backgrounds.

I learned that clarity of purpose and sustained impact matter more than prestige alone.

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

• Start early and plan strategically.
• Be specific about your long-term goals.
• Demonstrate leadership with evidence.
• Connect your past experiences clearly to your future plans.
• Seek feedback and revise your essays multiple times.
• Most importantly, be authentic.

Scholarships like Chevening are not just funding opportunities; they are investments in future leaders. Make sure your application reflects not only your achievements but also your vision.