Applying entirely of his own volition, Rhodes alumnus Luke Mann has been chosen to receive the prestigious Chevening scholarship to study in the UK. He has been accepted to study towards an MSc in Development Studies at the London School of Economics (LSE) in September this year.
“One of the greatest benefits, beside the environment of academic excellence at LSE, will be the exposure to academics and fellow students from around the world that one does not get on such a scale at South African institutions. I am also thoroughly looking forward to a year in London. This will hopefully broaden my global outlook as well as develop networks of like-minded individuals from across the globe,” he says.
Mann completed his Honours in Economics at Rhodes last year, applying for the scholarship at the end of the year. He had heard about Chevening while applying for other UK universities, most of which listed the various scholarship/funding options available.
“I had an interview at the beginning of April and found out the same day that I had been successful!” he said. “I felt the interview went really well and got a positive 'vibe' throughout the interview,” he said. Questions ranged from describing his ideal job to what he thinks are the main challenges South Africa is facing at present.
“I learnt a lot from the experience of two previous scholarship interviews (which I didn't get) and that helped me in the preparations and the interview. When I found out later that day I was obviously ecstatic! I phoned up family and friends straight away.,” he said.
Mann said that he will structure his course around developmental economics with a special emphasis on China/Africa relations. “I am sure it is going to be a very, very demanding course but I am sure the academic foundation laid at Rhodes with specific credit to the History and Economics departmentswill have more than prepared me for the challenge.”
“ I also think one of the factors that helped me get the scholarship was as a result of all the opportunities Rhodes offered one to get involved in, such as being actively involved in College House during my time in res to the Rugby Club and to the Owners Own Financial Club on the social side,” he added.
On 16 April, in preparation for visiting the Queen’s own country, he was honoured to attend a garden party at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Pretoria. Along with some of the other Chevening scholars from the SADC countries, he had the once-in-lifetime opportunity of meeting Princess Anne.
Mann is particularly looking forward to seeing his friends and family in London. “Unfortunately I will miss the Olympics but I’m looking forward to watching Wimbledon and hopefully a cricket test match at Lords during my stay,” he said.
When he returns to South Africa in 2013, he will be eager to pursue a career in the field of Developmental Economics, with a specific focus on China/Africa interactions. “I can definitely see myself spending a few years in China to gain experience as well as develop my Mandarin,” he added.
Established in 1983 and mainly funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Chevening scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarships programme. The scholarships support study at UK universities – mostly one-year Masters’ degrees – for students with demonstrable potential to become future leaders, decision-makers and opinion formers.
By Anna-Karien Otto