How a Colombian Educator Secured the Fully Funded Chevening Scholarship for an MA in Applied Linguistics at the University of York

Hi, I’m Valentina Sanchez Orozco, an English language educator from Colombia, currently pursuing an MA in Applied Linguistics for English Language Teaching at the University of York in the UK. My journey into education started with a passion for creating inclusive, engaging learning environments and a drive to make a tangible impact in the lives of my students.

Growing up in a culturally rich but resource-limited environment, I quickly realized the transformative power of education. It became my mission to not only teach but also empower learners and educators alike. That passion led me to specialize in applied linguistics, where I could combine my teaching experience with research to improve language education practices, particularly in underrepresented communities.

Chevening Scholarship Details

Throughout my academic and professional journey, I’ve been fortunate to receive several prestigious scholarships that have supported my education and development:

1. Chevening Scholarship (2024-2026) – Fully funded my MA at the University of York.
2. Colfuturo Colombian Government Scholarship Programme (2023) – Recognized my leadership and academic potential.
3. Community Engagement Exchange Programme Fellowship (2023-2024) – Honored my commitment to social impact and community-building initiatives.
4. Community College Initiative Programme Fellowship (2019-2020) – Supported my studies at Bunker Hill Community College, where I earned a perfect GPA.
5. Teaching Internships Programme (2023) – Provided opportunities for professional development in teaching with a focus on applied technologies.

These scholarships not only provided financial support but also opened doors to invaluable networks, mentorship opportunities, and platforms to grow personally and professionally.

Educational Background

My academic foundation was built on a B.Ed. in Foreign Languages with Emphasis on English Education from Universidad de Córdoba, where I graduated with a GPA of 4.2/5.0. During this time, I developed strong skills in curriculum design, teaching methodologies, and research, which shaped my approach as an educator.

I also earned an Early Childhood Development Certificate from Bunker Hill Community College in Boston, where I graduated with a perfect GPA of 4.0/4.0. This experience expanded my understanding of developmental psychology and the importance of early language acquisition, which later informed my teaching methods.

These diverse educational experiences prepared me to confidently pursue advanced studies in applied linguistics and adapt my teaching to learners of all ages and cultural backgrounds.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the University of York?

When I decided to pursue a master’s degree, I knew I wanted a program that emphasized research, innovation, and practical application in language education. I spent months researching universities, focusing on their faculty expertise, curriculum design, and connections to global education networks.

I also prepared for the TOEFL exam to meet language proficiency requirements, achieving a C1 level, which reflected my strong foundation in English. I took this preparation seriously, scheduling regular study sessions, practicing mock tests, and seeking feedback on my weak areas.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

Applying for scholarships was an intensive but rewarding process. I began by reflecting deeply on my personal and professional journey, identifying the key milestones that demonstrated my leadership, resilience, and commitment to education. I crafted essays that connected my story to the mission of each scholarship, emphasizing the social impact I hoped to achieve through my work.

For example, in my Chevening application, I highlighted my role as founder of the EmpowerThem Foundation, where I developed initiatives to support underserved communities and have impacted over 100 kids in Under resourced neighbourhoods in Monteria, Colombia. I also wrote about my research on the lived experiences of English educators during the pandemic, showing how I applied academic insights to real-world challenges.

I sought feedback from mentors, past scholarship recipients, and colleagues, which helped refine my applications. Additionally, I practised nonstop for interviews with mock interviews, articulating my goals and values in a way that aligned with the scholarship’s objectives.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

My application stood out because it told a compelling and authentic story. Instead of merely listing achievements, I focused on the why behind my work, why I care about education, why I want to improve teaching practices, and why my experience positions me uniquely to make a difference. Especially being a first-generation college student and coming from a low-income background.

My leadership experience, particularly as a founder of community initiatives and a mentor to aspiring educators, demonstrated my ability to take action and create impact. My academic record and research contributions added credibility, while my commitment to returning to Colombia to drive educational change aligned with the values of scholarships like Chevening.

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

Looking back, I wish I had started preparing earlier, especially in terms of building connections with alumni from my target scholarships. Their insights could have helped me craft even more tailored applications and prepare for the nuances of interviews.

Additionally, I would have kept a more detailed journal of my achievements and projects, as it was challenging to recall specific examples when writing my essays. Keeping organized records would have saved me time and added depth to my applications.

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

1. Start Early: Begin your research and preparation well in advance. Understand the mission of each scholarship and align your application with their goals.
2. Be Authentic: Share your unique story and let your passion shine through. Scholarship committees want to see your values and vision for the future.
3. Seek Feedback: Don’t hesitate to ask mentors, colleagues, or even former recipients to review your essays and provide constructive criticism.
4. Network: Connect with alumni from your target scholarships. Their advice can be invaluable and may even help you avoid common pitfalls.
5. Be Resilient: The process can be daunting, but persistence pays off. Rejections are part of the journey, and each one brings valuable lessons.