In August 2025, Fabiola moved to London to start her master’s in Public Policy and Management at Birkbeck as a Chevening Scholar. Here she shares her journey of coming to London and setting in.
My name is Fabiola but my friends call me Poly. Coming to Birkbeck to study Public Policy and Management as a Chevening Scholar took months of dreaming, preparing, and hoping to get here, but stepping into London felt like finally turning a page I’d waited years to write.
My Chevening Journey
My Chevening journey began in June 2025, when I got an email saying I had been selected as one of four scholars from El Salvador – and the only woman that year. I read it twice, then sat in silence taking it all in. Accepting Birkbeck’s offer that same day felt like stepping into a dream.
Arriving and Settling In
Arriving in London was exciting but overwhelming. What helped the most was the support from Birkbeck and Chevening. Each scholar gets a staff member who checks in and helps with everything from accommodation to admin. Knowing I had people guiding me from the start made the transition much easier and helped me feel grounded in a new country.
Finding My Home in London
House hunting was its own adventure. I had lived abroad during my bachelor’s degree in Beijing, but finding a place in London felt different but exciting, challenging, and very real. After several viewings and a lot of exploring, I found a flat in North London that instantly felt right for me.
My daily commute through Camden, Euston, and Bloomsbury has become one of my favourite parts of the day. And on the way home, grabbing a kebab has slowly turned into a small London ritual that makes the city feel familiar.
Chevening Orientation: Joining a Global Family
One of the highlights of my year was the Chevening Orientation. Being in a room with around 1,500 scholars from all over the world was inspiring. I met people working in government, international organisations, and the private sector, all passionate about making a difference.
Hearing speeches from Emma Hennessey and Hamish Falconer MP reminded us why we were selected: to grow, to lead, and to bring something valuable back home. Walking out of that event, I felt incredibly proud to represent El Salvador.
Part- time jobs: Becoming a Student Ambassador
I applied to be a Student Ambassador because I wanted to get involved and help other students feel welcome. It has honestly been one of my favourite parts of the experience. I’ve worked at welcome events, spoken on panels, and helped with social media. These opportunities have helped me grow, connect, and feel like I truly belong at Birkbeck.
Challenges and Growth
Going back to studying after working for years has been a challenge. Building a new routine, getting back into an academic mindset, and adjusting to London’s cost of living can be tough. But these challenges remind me why I came here: to grow, learn, and step outside my comfort zone.
Looking Ahead
Even though I’ve only been here a short time, London already feels full of possibilities. I’ve visited Cambridge, made friends from all over the world, and I’m planning a trip to Scotland soon. I also joined the new Birkbeck Political Society, and I’m excited to help create events, conversations, and new spaces for students interested in politics.
This year already feels unforgettable. I’m proud to represent El Salvador, to study in a city as vibrant as London, and to show that dreams even the big, scary ones can become real.
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