It all began in 2020, at a scholarship information session organized by Universidad ORT Uruguay. Federico was in his final year of the Systems Engineering program and, out of curiosity, decided to attend. At the time, the Chevening Scholarship—aimed at future leaders from developing countries—seemed out of reach to him, but something stuck with him.
Years later, with professional experience under his belt and a desire to continue growing, he decided it was time to pursue an international degree. “I’ve always been interested in business management, in addition to the technical side. I felt that an MBA could enhance that profile,” he says.
Running for office: a decision that changed everything
In mid-2023, she began preparing her application.“I knew it was a demanding process, but I also knew it would be worth it. An MBA abroad is a huge investment, and Chevening is a unique opportunity to make it happen.”
The process involved writing four personal essays, submitting references, and participating in an interview. In the essays, I had to demonstrate leadership, a commitment to Uruguay, and a clear plan for social impact. “It’s not enough to just want to study. You have to show how you’re going to give back what you’ve learned.”
Personalized Education with AI: Their Project for Uruguay
As part of his presentation on his professional journey, Federico presented an educational project that combines technology and inclusion: an AI-based tool designed to personalize learning for children, particularly in public and rural schools.
“The idea is to tailor the content to each student’s interests (for example, by using references to soccer or superheroes), assess their progress, and provide teachers with key information to better support the learning process. It’s not meant to replace the teacher, but rather to serve as a supportive tool, ”he explains.
His motivation is deeply personal: he experienced firsthand the challenges of learning due to his dyslexia, and he was also inspired by his mother’s doctoral degree in inclusive education from Universidad ORT Uruguay. “I want other children to have a more inclusive and tailored experience than the one I had.”
Cranfield, an educational model that won him over
During the process, Federico applied to three universities. He was accepted by more than one, but chose Cranfield University after visiting it and seeing the strong connection between the MBA program, educational innovation, and personalized student support. “They invited me to sit in on classes, showed me around the campus, and gave me an incredible welcome. I felt like it was the right place for me.”
In addition to Chevening, she received the Diverse Future scholarship, which the university awards to students with social impact projects. Together, the two scholarships cover nearly the entire cost of the program.
Technology for applying and practicing
Although he had the support of a former fellow, Federico highlights another ally: artificial intelligence. “I used ChatGPT to review my essays, improve my writing, and practice interview questions. It helped me a lot, but I always made sure to maintain a personal and authentic approach.”
“Essays aren’t just a requirement— they’re an opportunity to truly reflect on what you want to do in the future, why, and how you’re going to achieve it. If you just rely on a tool to do it for you, you miss out on that process of self-reflection, which is key. ChatGPT helped me a lot in refining ideas and improving my writing, but it never replaced my own voice. It’s essential to use these tools as support, not as a shortcut.”
He even practiced his responses by talking to the tool. “It was like having a virtual assistant,” he says.
“The important thing is not to let it do everything: you have to use it as a tool, not as a replacement.”
A message for those thinking about applying
For those considering applying for an international scholarship, Federico has a clear message:
“Stay positive. With a solid plan and determination, you can do it. It’s a long process—it takes months of preparation and waiting—but every step is worth it.”
What's Next
Federico is leaving for the United Kingdom in the coming days. He will complete his MBA in September 2026, and as part of his commitment to Chevening, he will return to Uruguay to implement his project and share what he has learned.
“A lot of things seemed to fall into place for this to happen. But there was also a lot of hard work behind the scenes. The important thing is to be clear about why you’re doing it and to have the courage to take that first step.”