In their own words...

To view an Oxford University film of the 2008-9 Weidenfeld Scholars please click here.

“I am honoured and proud to have been part of the Weidenfeld Institute’s Scholarship Programme; it has completely changed my life. My time in Oxford has given me the opportunity to grow academically, professionally and personally.  The world will no longer be the same as it was before Oxford, particularly, because of all these changes. I feel that I now really can have an impact on policy regarding children and undertake the things that I could only dream of doing before. And I know that these are not only words anymore.”

Kyrgyzstan, 2007

“Speaking with the other scholars about their life experiences in Eastern Europe exposed me to a number of social, political, and economic issues that I was unaware of. This experience helped me understand the importance of solid governance, economic policy, leadership, and communication.”

United States, 2008

“Firstly, the programme has exposed me to a new, diverse range of intellectually stimulating ideas about policy-making. Second, the interaction with fellow scholars has provided me the rare opportunity to learn about life circumstances so similar yet so different from my own.”

Israel, 2007

"Through the Weidenfeld Scholarship Programme, I have learned that focused ambition and effort pay off; that intellectual excellence is both valued and valuable; and the boundaries of what is possible in life were widened beyond my bravest dreams. It was a year of self-challenge and self-discovery. The programme has also provided me with a network that I am sure will only grow more and more useful in time."

Bulgaria, 2007

"Beginning a new phase of my life, I realized how unavailable all this seemed a few years ago when I was growing up.  I was reminded that 9 years ago, it was unimaginable for an Afghan, specially an Afghan woman of my economic background, to think about studying in an institution as Oxford University. I hope my education in Oxford and being part of this prestigious scheme will enable me to  sustain and expand that hope and belief in a better future for  more young Afghan women and men. It is that belief accompanied with realization of  ducation and a better life that can ultimately put an end to war and destruction."

Afghanistan, 2009