BEC.AR scholarship programme case study - Laura NemethBEC.AR scholarship programme case study - Laura Nemeth

LAURA NEMETH

Laura Gabriela Nemeth is one of the 18 students in the inaugural cohort of Argentinian Government scholars coming to study in the UK under the BEC.AR scholarship scheme.

Laura’s backgroundI am a nutritionist. I studied at Buenos Aires University and specialised in food science. Since leaving university, I have been working in the retail and food sector. I have really enjoyed seeing the strengths and weaknesses of working in this industry. My professional experience has shown me that in order to progress, I need a greater understanding of the globalised world. An experience abroad will make me more resourceful and contribute to my growth, which is why I decided to study in the UK.

Laura’s reason for choosing BEC.AR and the UKI found the BEC.AR scholarship programme online when I started considering studying abroad. The opportunity to meet previous BEC.AR scholars was very influential in my decision to apply to the programme. They all talked with passion about how they had grown both personally and professionally after their experience. Their enthusiasm convinced me to apply.

I was initially drawn to Europe as I wanted to immerse myself in a different culture and education experience. I also wanted to study in a country with an established food and drink industry which is why I looked to the United Kingdom. The UK also appealed because of its global reputation for higher education, which I’m sure will be very attractive to future employers.

Laura’s application journey: fromBuenos Aires to LeedsThe application process for BEC.AR is straightforward. You are required to supply documents relating to your qualifications, work experience and language skills. You are also asked to outline your future plans, which is the part I found hardest. In addition, you need to provide your reasons for wanting to study for a masters and why you want to do it in the UK. The information put together by Universities UK International (UUKi) for the call was brilliant and I found the guidance for picking a suitable university really helpful.

After being successfully selected for the scholarship, I applied to my universities of choice. UUKi has been a great support throughout the process. The team managed to deliver a customised and organised service, despite working with many students who all have different demands. It was a comfort to know there was someone to help me and guide me!

In September 2017, I fly to the UK to start a masters course in Food Quality and Innovation at the University of Leeds. I picked this course because I am interested in how innovation can drive development. Innovation in the food industry is particularly exciting because it’s so fast-moving with new products being introduced all the time. I am fascinated by the trend of using natural ingredients and the demand for a more sustainable supply chain. I would love to use the knowledge I gain from studying in Leeds to help an Argentinian business become more more competitive in the global market. I think my course will make me stand out and help me think in a new way.

Laura’s advice for future applicantsThe main thing to consider is that applying for a scholarship takes time. I found that monitoring BEC.AR’s website and social media very helpful to keep up-to-date. When the call opens, it’s worth noting the deadline and start collecting the documents you need straight away because the process can take some time! I suggest keeping a copy of everything you have written for your application as you will need it in later stages. I found talking to people who had studied abroad valuable. For me, it confirmed I wanted to spend a year studying in a new country being exposed to a different culture. Finally, don’t forget to add in your personality in your application! Show your passion!

Laura’s expectations for studying in the UKI’m expecting to have a great time in Leeds. I’m looking forward to trying the food, exploring the surroundings and meeting new people. I want to take advantage of all the opportunities the University of Leeds has to offer because I know this is a once in a lifetime experience. This year will teach me valuable new skills for my career but will also help me grow personally.

‘THE UK ALSO APPEALED BECAUSE OF ITS GLOBAL REPUTATION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION, WHICH I’M SURE WILL BE VERY ATTRACTIVE TO FUTURE EMPLOYERS’

BEC.AR scholarship recipient

Argentina

‘UUKi has been a great support throughout the whole process’

@UUKIntlbit.ly/BECARUK

The Great Hall, University of Leeds