There are dreams that live quietly inside us for years. Dreams that feel too big, too far away, too expensive, too unrealistic.

For me, studying in the United Kingdom was one of them.

Growing up in Bolivia, I always believed in education as a powerful tool both to build a career and to transform lives. Still, for many international students, the idea of pursuing postgraduate studies abroad often comes with one overwhelming question: how can I afford it? Today, I am living the answer to that question.

I am a Chevening Scholar and a postgraduate student at Bournemouth University, studying the MSc Nutrition and Behaviour, a programme that is unique in England and deeply aligned with my passion for holistic health. Looking back, I realise this journey was never about luck. It was about vision, perseverance, and learning to believe that opportunities can exist no matter where you come from.

Like many international students, I once saw studying in the UK as something reserved for people with the “right background”, the “right connections”, or the financial means to afford tuition fees and living costs.

Despite the motivation, the dream still felt distant, until I discovered the Chevening Scholarship.

That was the moment everything changed. Not because the journey became easy, but because it became possible.

New students pose with BU staff during arrivals day at the university.

Chevening is one of the most prestigious international scholarships funded by the UK government. It provides full financial support to future leaders and changemakers pursuing a master’s degree in the UK. It sends a powerful message: if you have a clear vision, a plan, and a commitment to creating impact, your background does not define your limits.

I approached my application with a structured plan. The strategies that supported my preparation included:

· Defining a clear professional mission and long-term vision

· Highlighting experiences in education, public speaking and community initiatives

· Building evidence of leadership through real projects

· Understanding the values behind Chevening, such as collaboration, networking and positive change.

With this clarity and purpose, choosing Bournemouth University (BU) felt like a natural extension.

The MSc Nutrition and Behaviour is unique in England and stood out immediately when I was researching postgraduate options.

Unlike traditional nutrition degrees, this programme focuses on the psychological, behavioural and emotional aspects of eating and how nutrition influences mental health and wellbeing. This holistic perspective resonated deeply with both my academic interests and my future goals.

Moving to a new country is never simple. There is excitement, but also uncertainty. You leave behind what is familiar: your language, routines, food and people. Yet, from the moment I arrived in Bournemouth, I felt something I did not expect so quickly: warmth.

Bournemouth is a coastal town that feels peaceful and welcoming. The atmosphere is calm, the environment is beautiful, and the university community is genuinely supportive. As an international student, that sense of belonging matters more than people realise.

Students showcase their decorated balls during a craft session on campus.

BU itself has been incredibly inclusive, and I have met students from all over the world, each with their own story, their own culture, and their own dream. It reminds you that education is not only about lectures and assignments it is also about connecting, sharing perspectives, and building friendships that expand your worldview.

If you are reading this as someone who dreams of studying abroad, I want you to know this: your dream is valid. You do not need to come from a privileged background to access global opportunities. What you need is preparation, purpose and the courage to apply even when you feel unready.

As I continue my MSc Nutrition and Behaviour journey at BU, I feel deeply grateful not only for the education I am receiving, but for the opportunity to represent Bolivia and carry my purpose into a new chapter of growth. From Bolivia to Bournemouth, this journey has shown me that where you begin does not determine how far you can go, only how willing you are to pursue it.

Find out more

Discover more about our MSc Nutrition Behaviour course here