Master’s Migration, Mobility and Development Chevening Scholar Mona Perlingeiro from Brazil Shares Her Journey of Studying in the United Kingdom

My name is Mona Perlingeiro, and I am from São Paulo, Brazil. São Paulo is the Brazilian city with the largest number of migrants, and Brazil itself is a country built by people from many different nationalities. This history of migration is one of the reasons why Brazilian culture and traditions are so diverse. For more than 10 years, I have been researching and working on migration-related issues. I recently completed my MSc in Migration, Mobility and Development at SOAS University of London as a Chevening Scholar (2024–2025 cohort). My academic and professional interests focus on migration, development, and public policy, particularly in the Brazilian context.

Chevening Scholarship Details

Share the details about the scholarship you received, including the institution name, scholarship name, and the amount. I chose to study at SOAS University of London early in my research on where I would like to study if I received the Chevening Scholarship. SOAS is internationally recognized for its focus on Africa, Asia, and the Global South, and it offers a strong academic perspective on development issues affecting countries such as Brazil. I received the Chevening Scholarship after four years of trying. During my time living in London, the scholarship provided a monthly stipend of approximately £1,693, which is adjusted annually to reflect the cost of living.

Educational Background

Talk about your previous degrees, including GPAs, which will be helpful. How did your educational background prepare you to apply for the specific fields? Before my master’s in the UK, I studied Social Sciences in Brazil at the Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). During my professional career, I worked with public policies related to migration, particularly at a reference center for migrants in São Paulo. Because of this experience, I wanted to connect my academic training, professional experience in public policy, and development studies.

My goal was to gain knowledge abroad and then return to Brazil better prepared to contribute to more effective and humane public policies, especially at the federal level. My bachelor’s degree took place between 2009 and 2017. During this period, I had to work continuously, sometimes in two or three jobs at the same time, which made my academic journey longer and affected my grades. I was also the first person in my family to attend a public university, so I did not initially have much guidance on academic strategies, such as the importance of maintaining high grades or not dropping courses. Because of this, after finishing my undergraduate studies, I decided to strengthen my academic profile. I completed a postgraduate specialization in Globalization, Power and Society at Fundação Escola de Sociologia e Política de São Paulo (FESPSP), which helped improve my academic record and strengthened my applications to British universities.

After graduating, I also joined research groups that collaborated with international organizations such as UNHCR, where I learned in practice how to conduct quantitative and qualitative research. At the same time, I worked in the education sector, which helped me develop strong communication skills and opened opportunities for me to work as a lecturer and trainer on migration, human rights, and interculturality. These professional and academic experiences were fundamental in helping me obtain the Chevening Scholarship and receive offers from universities in the UK.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Chevening Scholarship?

I carefully read the entire Chevening website, watched YouTube videos about studying abroad, followed content from former Chevening scholars, and spoke directly with people who had already received the scholarship. Most importantly, I spent time reflecting on my personal, academic, and professional journey in order to build a coherent narrative that connected my experiences with my future goals.

How Is (was) Your Experience at SOAS University of London?

My experience was fantastic. The most valuable aspect was the opportunity to meet people from many different nationalities, backgrounds, and professional experiences. This diversity made the academic and social experience extremely enriching.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

One important factor was persistence. I applied for Chevening four times. Two times I was not selected. One time I reached the interview stage but was not selected. On the fourth attempt, I was successful. Throughout this process, I became more confident, more professionally prepared, and more aware of the importance of my work in the field of migration and public policy. I believe it is essential to believe in yourself and truly understand the impact of your work and research.

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

I would not change anything. Every challenge and frustration I faced during the process was important for my personal and professional growth. These experiences helped me appreciate the opportunity even more when I finally achieved my goal.

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

Believe in your potential and be honest about your goals and motivations. Scholarship committees want to see people who genuinely want to create positive change in their communities. If your project is meaningful and aligned with your values, your application will be much stronger.