British embassy in Amman bids farewell to 15 Chevening scholars

AMMAN — The British embassy in Amman on Tuesday hosted a farewell reception for this year’s Chevening scholars before they depart for the UK to take up their studies in some of Britain’s leading universities for 2019/20.

The selected scholars had progressed through a testing application process and were presented with certificates by British Ambassador Edward Oakden at his residence, according to an embassy statement.

The scholars will study a variety of fields such as economics, engineering, public health, sustainable energy and urban development, equipping them with the skills to make a difference in Jordan when they return, the statement said.

During the reception, the British Ambassador was quoted as saying: “It is a competitive process that you have come through to get your scholarship, this year in Jordan we received over 750 applications, 66 of them were interviewed and 15 Chevening Scholarships have been awarded.”

“We want you to go to the UK because we want you to advance your studies and to come back to your country qualified. We want you to live in the UK where there is tolerance, democracy, accountability and diversity. It is a great chance to network not only in Jordan or in the region but in the worldwide,” he was quoted adding.

Describing how Chevening has made a difference for her, Maram Abudamous, now projects manager at the Jordan River Foundation was quoted as saying: “The Chevening scholarship was a real life-changing experience! It allowed me to get my master’s degree from the most reputable universal education system and it allowed me to learn and explore the British culture, traditions, arts, and people. Also, it gave me the chance to be an ambassador; to introduce my own country to the cosmopolitan community in the UK.”

Chevening Scholarships are part of the UK Government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and partner organisations, according to the embassy.

The scholarship offers full financial support for future leaders to study for any eligible master’s degree at any of the UK’s world-leading universities. Applicants must have leadership skills and at least two years of work experience. 

The statement said that there are currently more than 1,500 scholarships on offer globally for the next academic year, representing a significant investment from the UK Government towards developing the leaders of tomorrow. Each candidate is selected on ability, however, this year, 86 per cent of the successful applicants were female, the statement noted.

The statement concluded saying that Chevening applications for the 2020/2021 academic year are currently open until November 5 with applications to be submitted via www.chevening.org/apply.