Chevening is an international talent-hunting scheme offered by the UK government to develop and foster global leaders. The award is funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations. The awardees are selected by the British embassies and high commissions across the world who in search of future change makers offer the award in two categories- Chevening Scholarships and Chevening Fellowships.
The receivers of this award obtain extraordinary opportunities that aid them to develop professionally and academically. It also gives them exposure to extensive networking and an experience of a lifetime as they experience UK culture at its best, leaving them with long lasting friendships in the UK. Since 1983, Chevening has created huge impact on society. Bangladesh has been a constant contributor to this positive footprint too. Starting from being the first person winning Chevening for working in global mental health from Bangladesh to leaving a lucrative job for contributing to the developing sector, Bangladeshi recipients have done wonders after Chevening and given back a lot to this country.
Kamrun Nahar Koly, recipient of Chevening Scholarship 2018 who studied Global Mental Health at King's College, London, said, "I always wanted to get an opportunity at life and develop leadership and life skills. Chevening gave me that exposure. I attended several seminars, including the Global Mental Health Summit organised by the UK government where I even met my idol, Vikram Patel."
Kamrun had an experience of five years in research at International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) before applying to Chevening. Her research areas focused on mental health systems, neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders and so on. She was, in fact, the first one of her field to win the Chevening scholarship from Bangladesh .
"Studying in the UK was a lifechanging experience because it taught me about critical analysis and thinking, backing-up facts using evidence and delivering an element of 'me' in every task I undertook," mentioned Sayan Muhammad Rafi, Chevening Scholar 2018. After joining a renowned multinational corporation upon graduation, Sayan left the remunerative field and began working for a local consulting firm because he wanted to conduct impactful and meaningful work for society.
Upon asking about what kind of attributes Chevening looks for in its applicants, both Kamrun and Sayan stated that it does not prioritise CGPA in its selection procedure. While universities in the UK prefer candidates with exemplary academic merit, Chevening recognises leadership qualities in the professional field, creativity and passion for creating positive changes in the society. At the end of the studies in their preferred field, the awardees have to return to their home country for a minimum of two years and use their Chevening experience to good use.
"You need to submit four essays when applying to Chevening and the entire process is very streamlined, like a narrative of what you have achieved in the academic and professional sphere of yours," remarked Sayan. Additionally, one needs to select three courses from three different UK universities during the application, submit IELTS scores and an offer letter from one of the three universities after being shortlisted for the Chevening award.
When questioned about achievements after the Chevening award, Sayan stated that using the experience of studying in the UK, he now works for an iNGO that focuses on women economic empowerment, climate resilient agriculture, sanitation and hygiene and access to finance and services for the poor.
Similarly, Kamrun is now an assistant scientist in icddr,b and is championing her work toward positive mental health. Apart from her professional commitment, she received funding from EMK Center and established an online platform on mental health, named 'Women For Each Other (by WSIF)', about two and a half years ago. The initiative on Facebook offers different mental health services and provides a safe haven for the women in Bangladesh to share their stories and receive encouragement from others. Kamrun also arranges different mental health webinars, especially in this COVID-19 crisis, including meditating sessions and reinforcing messages to uplift women struggling with mental health in the society.
Both Kamrun and Sayan also opened a Facebook group, called 'Chevening Applications 2019-20: Bangladesh' now, that offers tips and tactics to ace the application. Group members can post queries if they have any confusion as well.
"Chevening endowed me with confidence and life skills. I got the opportunity to network with thousands of talented people across the globe and acquired friendships I will forever cherish. I am definitely not the same person I was in 2017," concluded Kamrun.
The writer is a third year student of BBA programme at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka. She can be reached at shanjida7f@gmail.com