How I Secured a Fully Funded Master’s at the University of Missouri-Columbia, United States Through the Fulbright Scholarship

My name is Marina Porto, and I am from Colombia. I am currently pursuing my PhD in Public Policy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I completed my Master’s in Public Affairs, a Bachelor’s in Social Work, and I am a Fulbright Scholar. I have both national and international experience in Public Policy analysis and implementation.

I was born and raised in a community affected by extreme poverty.  From a very young age, I was driven by one question: How can I escape poverty and help others thrive? This question shaped my academic and professional life. Growing up, I became involved in social initiatives, activist leadership programs, and advocacy groups that promote the rights of children and women. This motivation led me to earn my bachelor’s degree in social work from the Universidad de Cartagena in my hometown.

After graduation, I worked for 3 years implementing public policies, where I gained experience designing and managing programs. Additionally, I founded a nonprofit organization in my community that provides social assistance to more than 100 children living in extreme poverty.

But I felt I was missing something, and I wanted to better understand structural causes of poverty and inequality from an academic and professional perspective and learn how public policy can boost upward mobility. For that reason, I decided to pursue my graduate studies in Public Policy.

Fulbright Scholarship Details

I was awarded a Fulbright scholarship for Afro descendant leaders in Colombia to pursue my master’s degree in public Affairs with a concentration in Public Policy at the University of Missouri- Columbia, starting in fall 2024.

The scholarship was designed for leaders who had demonstrated a strong commitment to serving communities through leadership, advocacy, and social initiatives. I believed my academic background, professional experience, and community work aligned with the requirements.

The Fulbright scholarship included:

• Funding to apply to 5 universities in the United States
• VISA and SEVIS application fees
• An eight-month Long-Term English Course (LTEC) at the University of Iowa before beginning my master’s degree, including Full tuition and 1,250 US monthly stipend for living expenses.
• TOEFL and GRE exams fees
• Round-trip airfare
• $8,000 US for university expenses
• An additional $12,000 US for university expenses
• $1,550 US for personal expenses
• $2,000 US monthly stipend for living expenses during the first year
• $3,075 US monthly stipend for living expenses during the second year

Educational Background

I earned a bachelor’s degree in social work in Colombia. Due to my financial challenges while completing my undergraduate studies, I graduated with a GPA of 3.2.  Although my GPA was not perfect, my background made my application very competitive to be awarded the Fulbright Scholarship.

My educational background helped me to prepare to apply to the specific field, because with social work, I learned to understand complex social problems working directly with communities, which were useful for my professional experience and academic interests in Public Policy. For my Master’s degree, I got a GPA of 3.85.

How Did You Find Information About the Fulbright Scholarship and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?

Studying abroad was always my dream, so preparing for it became a long-term goal. One of the most important investments I made was working on my English skills. I studied English while working, and in addition, I was always searching for scholarship opportunities through websites and social media. Also, I asked my friends who had experience studying abroad for opportunities.

Before the scholarship, I applied to some universities for assistantships, but I failed because my English skills were not strong. So, instead of giving up, I focused on improving my English skills by taking TOEFL practice tests and Duolingo English Test practice material, in order to strength my communication skills.

Once I received the Fulbright Scholarship, the advisors helped me identify universities that matched my academic interests and goals.

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

Yes, I took the TOEFL, Duolingo, and GRE standardized Tests. For TOEFL, I completed multiple practice exams, I watched preparation videos on YouTube, and I used IA tools such as ChatGPT to help me with templates to improve my writing and speaking skills. For the Duolingo English Test, I relied on the practice exams the website offers. I earned a score of 98 on the TOEFL and 135 on Duolingo. My GRE was not required for my university admission, so I just did it once.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Fulbright Scholarship?

Preparing for the scholarship did not take months. It was the result of years of intentional work. Building a dream takes time, so even though I did not know which scholarship I would earn, I was ensuring to be a competitive candidate. I was continuously involved in public initiatives and youth leadership institutions, and community service.  Funding my Nonprofit organization was one of the most meaningful experiences in my journey.

Looking back, I realized that every decision I made helped me prepare, build my CV, being qualified and competitive for the moment when the opportunity arrived.

How is Your Experience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?

My experience with Fulbright has been exceptional. This opportunity literally changed my life. They are always supportive, helping in any difficulty I have faced, and their commitment has been great.

How Do You Rate the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Academically?

I rate them 10/10.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Japanese?

They were conducted in English

What Did You Pursue After the Fulbright Scholarship?

I recently graduated from my master’s program, and I was admitted to my PhD in Public Policy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I am starting my doctoral studies this fall.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Japanese?

Yes. Studying a graduate degree in English might be challenging for international students whose English is not their first language. This challenge increases in courses that involve math and statistics. However, the right preparation, consistency, and practice lead to success.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think what made my application strong was the combination of my life story, my leadership experience, and my commitment, passion, and determination for public service.

During my personal statement and interview, I explained my genuine motivation, from studying social work to founding a nonprofit, and working with the government, and how these experiences shaped my career. Also, it was remarkable to point out that behind my purpose to pursue my master’s, I had the desire to create opportunities for people living in extreme poverty. I believe Fulbright acknowledged my authenticity, my purpose of living, and my long-term mission to improve public policies in my country.

Looking Back, Would You Have Done Anything Differently During Your Time in the Program?

Looking back, I consider that my journey taught me, including the lows and highs. I consider that I would have looked for more advice about university applications. Although Fulbright advisors were exceptional, I was afraid whether I was competitive and good enough to be admitted to the universities I applied to. I think I would have been a little braver in choosing competitive universities instead of doubting my capacity to be admitted.

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

My biggest advice is to prepare for opportunities long before they arrive and work hard for your dreams in the long term. Scholarships rarely come from short preparation, but they are the result of years of hard work and intentional work, especially for those who were born in difficult socioeconomic conditions.

Build your life with every single step and decision you make academically and professionally. Don’t waste your time; make decisions that lead you to your goals, because every little volunteering, leadership opportunity, and academic achievement builds the path to your future.

The world is competitive, but discipline, passion, and consistency will take you further than talent alone. There will be closed doors and rejections, but never give up and do not let them define you.  Just keep learning from the mistakes, growing, being focused, and investing in yourself.

When the right opportunity comes, be sure you are ready to win it.