Chevening scholarships: bridging the cultural divide

Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations. The programme makes awards to outstanding scholars with leadership potential from around the world to study postgraduate courses at UK universities. Around 280 talented young Sudanese have benefitted from Chevening scholarships. I’ve invited them to describe their experience in their own words.

“The UK is very multicultural and students at my university came from every corner of the world. In fact, I met people who had come from countries that I’d never even heard of! Manchester offered everything – from West African drum circles to cutting edge art galleries, there was something for everyone there. I developed an admiration for the (admittedly often absent) British sunny weather, a passion for football, as well as a tolerance for spicy Indian food.

Although I liked to think that my command of the English language was decent, it took me a while to grasp what Brits really meant. For example, when a professor says ‘you might want to take a look at that academic journal’ what he really means is ‘you have to read it. It’s important!’ Or when someone says, ‘I am not impressed by the food’, she means ‘it’s really horrible’! I guess it’s a reflection of a wider culture, as British people tend to be polite. It’s also a manifestation of their amazingly intelligent humour.

Going out of your comfort zone to a totally new place is an incredible experience. It’s interesting to have someone ask you why Sudan has split into two countries, or why you don’t eat pork. Answers that seem simple from the outset are actually mind storming. Often, your principles, views and thoughts are being challenged; a rare chance for accelerated self-development. Soon enough you activate the first line of defence, a sense of identity, to be able to survive in a world that knows little about you. My Arabic-speaking/African-looking self turned out to be an interesting blend, and I discovered this through my experience of living in a new place.”

Hamid Mohamed Ali Awad (2011-2012)

Manchester Business School, MSc in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship

“The Chevening experience was a unique stage in my life. It inspired me and made me realise how to fulfil my own potential. Indeed I gained unexpected outcomes through all my stay in UK. Chevening broadened my perspectives and deepened my knowledge and experience.”

Nader Khalifa (2012-2013)

University of Dundee, Msc in Oil & Gas Economics

“I had the chance to visit many cities and countryside in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, but London in particular is a great place to live in. It is the city where a unique mixture of cultures, exhibitions and events make every moment you live there a true learning chance. I attended and participated in many events organised by some of the world-class think-tanks such as Chatham House and RUSI in London and elsewhere such as Durham, Reading, Oxford and Cambridge. I also enjoyed sightseeing dozens of landmarks such as Big Ben, Westminster Palace, Buckingham Palace, London Eye and the British Museum.

I believe that the Chevening Scholarship doesn’t only represent an aspect of strengthening the bilateral cultural relations between my country (Sudan) and the United Kingdom, but also a distinguished learning experience for Cheveners to excel in their jobs afterwards. This has been featured particularly through the skills and knowledge I gained throughout the course.”

Omer Hamid Abdalla (2009-2010)

School of Oriental and African Studies, London. MA in International Studies and Diplomacy

“I was working as health coordinator for IDPs in South Sudan and learnt about the Chevening Scholarship very late in 2002, only a few days before the deadline! My application was one of the last ones to be received. It was very challenging timing but I’m glad I persisted and got the gift of Chevening!

I learnt a lot during my study in the UK and added to my experience in the health field. The study opened a new way of thinking to me – a holistic way of thinking – not to look at health in isolation and to deeply analyse the vicious cycle of poverty and ill-health. Most importantly, it equipped me with critical analysis skills that helped me in the issue of policy reforms, that I advocated for and succeeded in more than once, through partnerships and alliances that made great changes for the beneficiaries and the Ministry of Health simultaneously.

During my Chevening experience, socially I was among different colleagues from different countries. I learnt many positive things and made multinational friends! In Leeds I learnt that “diversity” is strength.”

Muawia Gorti (2003-2004)

University of Leeds, MA in Health Management, Policy and Planning

“I enjoyed every moment of the time I spent in the UK. In addition to the academic achievement, studying in Great Britain has certainly been an eye opener to me on so many values that are often overlooked or taken for granted. Those who live and love the experience of studying in the UK, come to realize, in sheer and confident conviction, that “diversity” isn’t necessarily a recipe for “difference”.

The Chevening Scholarship has significantly changed my life and stretched my mind to new dimensions. I am very glad to have been able to benefit from this experience and enjoy it to the utmost extent.

Looking back at my life in the UK, I find myself reflecting on Aldous Huxley’s words: “Experience is not what happens to a man, it is what a man does with what happens to him.”

Mohannad Elsanousi (2004-2005)

University of Wales, Swansea. MSc in Biochemical Engineering

“Being awarded a Chevening scholarship is a true gift that I benefited from greatly. I felt privileged to be among those selected to receive this scholarship, as well as the international recognition that comes with. I have been raised on the principle that you should give back as much as possible, with the most valuable gifts you have: your time and talents. Already having an Engineering degree behind me and several years of experience in the Energy industry, I am ready to contribute more to help in the development of my country.

Not only did this scholarship help me financially, but more importantly I am able to benefit from the wide network of Chevening alumni cross the globe to achieve my goal. Each activity enables me to not only improve myself as a leader, but to help others become the best individuals that they can be.”

Elamin Mustafa (2012-2013)

University of Manchester, MSc in Advanced Process Design for Energy

Applications for 2016/2017 Chevening Awards

Are you a future leader? Do you want to study in the UK? If you would like to enhance your leadership skills and become part of the growing Chevening network, like our Facebook page to receive updates about next year’s application round.

Applications for the 2016/2017 Chevening Awards open in August 2015.