How I Secured a Partially Funded Bachelor’s at Universidad de San Andrés, Argentina Through the Beca San Andrés

My name is Tobías Iglesias, I'm 20 years old, and I am a Political Science and Government student at Universidad de San Andrés in Argentina. My academic journey has been shaped by a strong interest in understanding how institutions, communities, and young leaders can work together to create meaningful social change.

Alongside my studies, I have developed my experience in youth leadership, education, project management, and international engagement. I currently serve as a Board Member of Junior Achievement Americas and Regional President of JA Americas Alumni, where I lead initiatives focused on youth empowerment, entrepreneurship education, and leadership development across the region. Through these roles, I have gained experience coordinating multicultural teams, managing projects, building partnerships, and creating opportunities for young people.

My work as a Business Studies and History teacher has further strengthened my ability to communicate complex ideas, encourage critical thinking, and create learning environments where students connect knowledge with real-world challenges.

I decided to pursue Political Science because I believe that understanding society, public institutions, and collective action is essential to building solutions for the challenges we face today. My academic and professional path has been deeply connected to expanding access to education and international opportunities, experiences that continue to shape my commitment to global cooperation and social impact.

Beca San Andrés Details

I received the Beca San Andrés from Universidad de San Andrés (UdeSA), Argentina, to pursue my undergraduate degree in Political Science and Government (2024-2027).

The scholarship covers 60% of tuition costs, complemented by a 30% educational loan, representing approximately USD 15,000 per year in financial support throughout the four-year degree program. The total estimated value of the support is approximately USD 60,000, of which around USD 18,000 corresponds to the educational loan that will be repaid after completing my studies.

This opportunity was awarded based on my academic performance during secondary school and recognized my commitment, dedication, and potential for further academic development.

Receiving this support allowed me to access a high-quality university education and continue developing my interests in public policy, international cooperation, youth leadership, and social impact.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

I was selected to participate in the Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Student Leaders on Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, a five-week academic and cultural exchange program funded by the U.S. Department of State and organized by the Institute for Training and Development (ITD) in Amherst, Massachusetts.

The program brought together a selected group of 20 young leaders from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, and other countries in Latin America to explore entrepreneurship, economic development, leadership, and international cooperation.

Throughout the program, I participated in academic sessions and cultural activities hosted at institutions including Amherst College, Mount Holyoke College, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the University of Arizona. The experience combined classroom learning, leadership development, community engagement, and cross-cultural exchange.

The program was fully funded by the U.S. Department of State, covering approximately USD 16,000 in educational costs, international travel, accommodation, meals, and program activities.

Being selected for SUSI represented an important recognition of my academic performance, leadership experience, and commitment to creating social impact through education, entrepreneurship, and youth development.

Educational Background

My academic background has been shaped by an interdisciplinary interest in economics, business, public policy, and social development.

I completed my secondary education with a specialization in Economics and Administration at a bilingual school in Argentina. This experience provided me with a strong foundation in economic concepts, organizational management, and analytical thinking. As part of my bilingual education, I completed the Cambridge International Examinations (IGCSE), achieving an A in English Literature and B grades in English as a First Language and Business Studies. My overall secondary school GPA was 9.29/10.

Currently, I am pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Government at Universidad de San Andrés (UdeSA), where I have maintained a GPA equivalent to 3.7/4.0. My studies have strengthened my understanding of political institutions, public policy, international relations, and the role of governments and organizations in addressing complex social challenges.

This combination of academic preparation and practical experience in youth leadership, education, and international programs has allowed me to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world impact. It has prepared me to explore fields related to public affairs, international cooperation, sustainable development, and the creation of policies that generate opportunities for communities.

How Did You Find Information About Beca San Andrés and Universidad de San Andrés?

I discovered scholarship opportunities through a combination of personal research, university exploration, and recommendations from my network.

For my undergraduate studies, I actively searched for prestigious universities in Argentina that aligned with my academic interests in political science, public affairs, and social development. After identifying Universidad de San Andrés as an institution that matched my goals, I contacted the Admissions Office, prepared for the entrance process, completed the required examinations, and was later awarded the Beca San Andrés based on my academic performance during secondary school.

For international opportunities, I learned about the Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) program through a family member who shared the opportunity with me. I researched the program, understood its objectives, prepared my application, completed the selection process, and was eventually chosen to participate.

These experiences taught me the importance of actively looking for opportunities, being curious about available programs, and understanding that many transformative experiences begin by simply taking the initiative to search and apply.

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

I did not take standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, or GMAT.

For my undergraduate admission at Universidad de San Andrés, standardized international tests were not a required component of the application process. Instead, I completed the university’s admission process, including the required entrance examinations, and was later awarded the Beca San Andrés based on my academic performance during secondary school.

Regarding English proficiency, the Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) program required participants to demonstrate an advanced level of English. My bilingual education and Cambridge International Examinations (IGCSE) certifications provided evidence of my language proficiency, including an A grade in English Literature and a B grade in English as a First Language. This academic background allowed me to participate fully in an intensive five-week academic program conducted entirely in English.

My preparation has been mainly focused on continuous academic training, bilingual education, and developing strong communication skills through international and leadership experiences.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Beca San Andrés?

I prepared for my scholarship applications through a combination of academic preparation, personal development, and reflecting on my long-term goals.

For my undergraduate scholarship at Universidad de San Andrés, I prepared by completing the university admission process, including the required entrance courses and examinations. I focused on strengthening my academic performance and demonstrating my commitment to pursuing a degree in Political Science and Government.

For the Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) scholarship, the preparation process involved researching the program, writing application essays, and participating in an interview. Beyond the formal requirements, I believe my previous experiences played an important role in preparing me for the selection process. My leadership journey at Junior Achievement, where I have developed and coordinated youth programs, as well as my experience as a teacher, helped me communicate my motivations, values, and vision clearly during the interviews.

These experiences taught me that successful scholarship applications require more than academic achievements: they require understanding your purpose, the impact you want to create, and how the opportunity connects with your personal and professional journey.

How is Your Experience at Universidad de San Andrés?

My experience at both institutions has been extremely positive, although each one impacted me in a different way.

At Universidad de San Andrés, I have greatly valued the academic environment, the level of excellence, and the opportunity to learn from professors and classmates who constantly challenge me to think critically. The university has helped me develop analytical skills and a deeper understanding of political science, public affairs, and the role of institutions in society.

My experience with the Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI), organized by the Institute for Training and Development (ITD), was also remarkable. The staff created an environment based on inclusion, support, and genuine connection. Beyond the academic content, the program allowed me to build meaningful relationships with young leaders from different countries, creating friendships and networks that will remain important throughout my life.

The program was carefully designed, combining academic sessions, cultural experiences, and visits to different places across the United States. Every aspect of the experience, from accommodation to logistics and daily support, was managed with great professionalism and care.

Both experiences reinforced my belief in the power of education and international exchange to transform individuals and create communities of future leaders.

What Did You Pursue After the Beca San Andrés?

Both scholarship experiences had a significant impact on my personal and professional development, especially by strengthening my commitment to education, leadership, and youth development.

After receiving the Beca San Andrés, I continued my studies in Political Science and Government while expanding my involvement in Junior Achievement. The academic tools and critical thinking skills developed at university helped me contribute more effectively to projects focused on youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and social impact.

Following my participation in the Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI), I continued applying the knowledge and leadership skills gained through the program within my work at Junior Achievement. This experience strengthened my commitment to international cooperation and the role of young people in creating solutions for global challenges.

As a result of my continued engagement, I currently serve as a Board Member of Junior Achievement Americas, where I contribute to strategic discussions alongside more than 15 business and nonprofit leaders with extensive professional experience. In this role, I participate in conversations about the present and future direction of the organization across the region.

These opportunities have shown me that scholarships are not only financial support but also platforms that create long-term networks, leadership opportunities, and the ability to generate impact beyond the individual.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my applications stood out because they showed a combination of academic commitment, leadership experience, and a clear purpose behind my goals.

A common element in both experiences was my dedication and responsibility in everything I do. Throughout my academic journey, I have consistently worked to maintain strong performance while also being actively involved in initiatives beyond the classroom. I believe this balance demonstrated my ability to manage challenges, take responsibility, and transform opportunities into meaningful actions.

For my scholarship at Universidad de San Andrés, I think my profile stood out because, at a young age, I was already deeply involved in leadership and community initiatives. Alongside my academic achievements, I was actively participating in youth organizations, education projects, and entrepreneurship programs, showing my commitment to creating a positive impact.

For the SUSI program, I believe my application was strengthened by the connection between my academic background in Political Science, my experience in Junior Achievement, and my involvement in entrepreneurship education and social organizations. This combination allowed me to bring a perspective that connected economic development, youth leadership, and community transformation.

Ultimately, I believe what made my applications different was not only what I had achieved, but the consistency between my experiences, my values, and the impact I want to continue creating.

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

Looking back, the one thing I would do differently is alter my mindset to be more positive and trusting of my own potential. When applying for competitive scholarships, it is easy to default to a pessimistic outlook as a defense mechanism against potential disappointment. However, I now realize that embracing optimism not only makes the process much less stressful, but it also allows you to present your achievements with greater confidence. If I were to go through it again, I would choose to be more relaxed, celebrate my journey along the way, and truly believe in the value of my profile from day one.

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

My biggest piece of advice is to stay entirely true to yourself and embrace authenticity. Scholarship committees are looking for genuine stories, not perfect templates. Secondly, enjoy the process as a learning experience rather than just a final destination. And finally, cast a wide net, apply to every opportunity that aligns with your vision, even if it feels a bit unconventional or out of reach at first. Every application you submit is a step forward, and by putting yourself out there, you are actively compounding your chances of success.