Finance your studies: COLFUTURO and EDHEC Scholarship, a key element to study abroad
Gabriella Valentina Gonzalez Leyton joined EDHEC's MSc in Marketing Management. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and has worked in digital marketing for Publicis Group. She received the Colfuturo scholarship, a joint graduate loan-scholarship program for talented Colombian students.
Which programme did you choose? Why EDHEC, a French Business school?
I chose EDHEC’s MSc Marketing Management. I was looking for a Business School with a strong reputation worldwide, also I wanted a university with a complete and interesting program that would allow me to continue building the basis for my professional career, but also my interpersonal skills by having the opportunity to meet and learn from people with different backgrounds and cultures.
How did the COLFUTURO and EDHEC Scholarship help you achieve your wish to study abroad?
The COLFUTURO and EDHEC scholarship was a key determinant in making the decision to study abroad, especially during these hard times. The scholarship made me feel supported and motivated to accomplish my dream and also, I was relieved due to the economic uncertainty during this time.
How was the process?
I found the process really friendly and fair, it was a merit-based selection process, also I appreciate that the selection criteria were clear from the beginning.
How would you describe your EDHEC experience so far?
It has been an amazing experience in all the aspects: learning from really qualified teachers and classmates, meeting new people, making new friends from all parts of the world and also, pushing my own limits forward since I've had to get out of my comfort zone and know me better. Being far from home is challenging but EDHEC and all the people here have made me feel welcome.
What are your professional aspirations?
My main purpose is to be a professional with a strong basis in marketing, I want to become a brand manager in an FMCG/Retail company, but also, I want to make an impact on the world. I think young professionals need to be aware of the responsibility at hand, so, it's important to contribute to making the world a better place. That's why I will use my marketing knowledge as a tool to contribute to a better world.
About the joint graduate loan-scholarship programme:
Six years ago, EDHEC Business School and La Fundación para el Futuro de Colombia (COLFUTURO) partnered up to offer financial support to Colombian students admitted to one of the school’s graduate degree programs. To be eligible for the joint loan-scholarship program, the students must compete, be selected and financed by COLFUTURO, and obtain an offer letter from EDHEC Business School. The awardees have the opportunity to remain abroad to work for a period of three years before coming back to Colombia.
