LARGEST COHORT OF SCHOLARS ADJUSTING TO LIFE IN THEIR RESPECTIVE MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMS
NASSAU, Bahamas –Four Bahamian women left The Bahamas for the United Kingdom as Chevening Scholars, then went their separate ways – Nasia Colebrooke to City, University of London in London; Paige Bastian, to Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) in Glasgow, Scotland; Ann-Marie Carroll to the University of Stirling in Scotland; and Tereah Albury-Thomas to Cranfield University in Bedfordshire, England – but approximately two months after settling in, the quartet came together again and were among 1,400 scholars from 140 countries at the 2023/24 Chevening orientation, The Nassau Guardian reported on December 11 in an article written by Shavaughn Moss
“Orientation was overwhelming with scholars. I couldn’t believe how many of us were there – nearly 1,400,” said Colebrooke, a master of arts in magazine journalism student.
The orientation was held at ExCel London Convention Center in Newham, East London.
“It was really cool to be able to link up with the rest of the Caribbean and take photos. I also enjoyed one of the four breakout sessions on inclusion and diversity that was led by a 2022/23 Chevening scholar. We were put into groups and our icebreaker was to talk about meals that represent where we’re from. Of course, I couldn’t wait to show them a photo of conch salad and a traditional Sunday dinner.”
For Albury-Thomas, who is pursuing a master of science degree in forensic ballistics, the orientation proved to be exciting.
“To hear the voices of over 1,300 scholars filled with excitement as we greeted each other and the sheer presence of such excellence was very inspiring to me. The cultural diversity and exchange were a beautiful experience. The Bahamas-Caribbean connection meant even more to me as it gave a fraternal feeling and unity,” she said.
Carroll, a master of science degree in environmental management student said the orientation was a great opportunity to meet the other Chevening Scholars and allowed her to connect with other Caribbean students, some with similar courses and others with very different courses.
Bastian described the orientation as “wonderful”.
“The Chevening experience thus far has been incredible, but orientation was undoubtedly a highlight. I was immensely proud to represent The Bahamas among so many others. I especially appreciated the opportunity to connect with Caribbean scholars and culturally relate to each other,” said the master of science in environmental management with a specialty in waste, student.
The quartet appreciated the opportunity to come back together as Bahamians.
“We stayed in touch [since we arrived in the United Kingdom], but orientation day was the first time we’ve all been together since the farewell event in Nassau,” said Bastian. “We made the most of that weekend in London, and it certainly won’t be the last time we reconnect while we’re here.”
For Carroll, having the four Bahamian scholars together at the same time in the same place for the opportunity to catch up with each other was great. She said it also allowed them to “proudly” represent The Bahamas.
“Although our group was small in comparison to other countries, we made our presence known with our large flag and bright Bahamian colors.”
Albury-Thomas was just happy to spend time with her “sisters”.
“We spent the entire event together and continued to create a forever bond over dinner. Their presence made me feel at home and not alone. We wore our Bahamian colors as a symbol of our love for country and pride.”
Colebrooke, appreciated their coming together. She said it gave her the opportunity to be with people she could speak in dialect with, although she said she has been teaching her classmates the vernacular.
“It felt so good to be there together, to raise our flag, wear the colors, and catch up on what’s been going on with everyone,” said Colebrooke.
The Bahamian quartet are Chevening Scholars in the program’s milestone 40th year. It’s also the first time The Bahamas has had four scholars in the same year. Colebrooke said she was honored to be among the historic group.
“When I posted on X [formerly Twitter] that I was #ChosenForChevening, I also included the hashtags #FierceFour and #FabulousFour, which British High Commissioner Thomas Hartley could not wait to recite during our farewell tea party back in September,” she said.
Albury-Thomas said four scholars this year, makes room for even more scholarships to be meted out to Bahamians for future applicants.
Carroll said it was special for her to be part of the largest group of Bahamian Cheveners during the 40th-year milestone.
“Both are historical feats. We are so blessed to have garnered enough support to increase our numbers and representation throughout the program. My hope is that it continues to grow throughout the years.”
Bastian said the cohort she is a part of is even more remarkable because it is the largest Chevening cohort The Bahamas has ever had. She is hopeful for an even greater presence in the future.
For the quartet who all returned to the classroom setting from the workforce, it has been an adjustment, albeit, a different experience for each of them.
“Oddly enough, my biggest adjustment has been being physically back in the classroom and having to gather news relative to London,” said Colebrooke. “But it’s allowed me to meet new people and explore my neighborhood.
She did catch the “Fresher’s Flu” her first week-and-a-half or so in, but since then, she described her experience as smooth sailing.
“The [London] Tube is easy to follow. I live near to a lot of places and WhatsApp is Heaven-sent with helping me stay in touch with family and friends at home, for free.”
Albury-Thomas’ husband accompanied her to the United Kingdom in mid-September to help her get settled in. When he left to return home, she said his departure made it all real to her.
“It was after he left that I realized that this was real and I was now on my own, something that rarely happens for a mother of three.” But she said technology has made it easy for her to adjust to being away from home.
“My classes are going well. Being exposed to more career professionals in the forensic field is such a great resource,” she said.
Carroll’s biggest adjustment she said had to be made to her wardrobe to accommodate for the colder weather environment.
“Otherwise, my classes have been smooth and very similar to the work that I have been doing throughout my career thus far,” she said.
Bastian’s adjustment period was longer than she anticipated, but she said she would not trade the experience for anything.
For each of the scholars, this year of study, is their first time in the United Kingdom and they plan to make the most of their time there.
As a group, they toured London during welcome week and took in the usual sights – Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, the London Eye and other monuments.
Colebrooke, who resides in London, has taken the time to visit neighboring towns to have a her braided by a Haitian lady and chow down on “authentic” Jamaican food.
She plans to visit Scotland in the spring and hopefully Paris in the summer. She has also just joined a dance class which she engages in on weekends.
In Carroll’s first few weeks she embarked on a week-long field trip at Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands. She described it as a great experience.
“We spent time getting hands-on in the field, experienced one of the first snowfalls for the season and hiked through the mountains. It was very scenic and definitely unforgettable.”
Bastian believes part of making the most of the experience is seeing and experiencing as much as possible. She said it’s easy to jump on a train and choose a destination, and has taken advantage of that by exploring a few cities in Scotland.
“I have plans to venture into the [Scottish] Highlands this winter. European adventures are also on my agenda.”
Her first trip was to Amsterdam in November.
She has even found a new hobby which she said has become one of her favorite activities outside the classroom – rugby. Bastian is a member of her university’s women’s rugby team.
Albury-Thomas resides in Bedfordshire, a historic community where she is able to take in buildings resembling castles and enjoy the beautiful flowers and trees.
“I love nature and enjoy my surroundings. I always see fields of sheep and horses on my bus rides. And as a self-proclaimed dog lover without a dog here, I enjoy seeing the many breeds here,” she said.
Chevening Scholarships are fully-funded – flights, accommodation and course fees, to allow the recipients to focus on achieving their professional goals and maximizing the experience. The recipients can undertake any master’s course at any UK university. The terms and conditions require all scholars to return to their country/territory of award for a period of two years immediately following the completion of their award.
Chevening is the UK government’s global scholarship program that offers future leaders the unique opportunity to study in the UK. The scholarships are awarded to professionals from all over the world to pursue a one-year master’s degree in any subject at any UK university. Since 1983, when the Chevening Scholarship program commenced, over 100 Bahamian students have been selected for the award.
