MSc International Relations, London School of Economics, London 2000-01

This year in the UK has truly been the best and most memorable year of my life. I have been exposed to excellent professors who are international experts in their fields, and guest lecturers have added invaluably to the whole learning experience. It only made sense to me to study abroad for a master's degree in International Relations, and the logic has proven its worth.

I have also learned immensely at a more personal level from the new friends I have made from around the world. They impart a knowledge beyond the textbook information or abstractions; so I learn about real feelings, real passions and real people. Being in a centre such as London has also provided the opportunity to travel easily and frequently within Europe and the UK.

As for the education style, it takes a while to get used to the British system, but in the end, the workload has not been as gruelling as I had anticipated and what I have learned will hopefully ingrain itself more permanently. I have seen the world of opportunities that are open to me and I have come to realize that my life direction has only self-imposed limitations.

It is hard to express how fully this year has enriched and changed me for the better. It would never have been possible for me to be here without the Chevening Scholarship, and I am eternally grateful for this amazing opportunity. We will all remember this year forever.