Q&A with Nomena Irintsoa Rakotonindrina

Nomena Irintsoa Rakotonindrina is an Education and International Development MA student (class of 2025) from Madagascar. She received the Master's Centenary Scholarship to study at IOE.

Irintsoa in front of a pale beige background. They have long curling hair and are wearing a white blouse with flowers. They are smiling. Permission: Irintsoa Rakotonindrina.

Why did you choose to study your programme and what made you choose IOE?

Prior to my Master's, I was working with NGOs in Madagascar focusing on educating the youth. Throughout my work, I realised working in the development sector was complex and required an understanding of intersectionality, which I did not have yet.

I chose the MA in Education and International Development to understand my work better, to question the practices in the field, and to build a bigger network.

IOE offered the perfect programme as it fit my learning objectives and provided a diverse student body that enriched my learning and networks.

What did you enjoy most about your programme?

I mostly appreciated meeting classmates from different parts of the world because I got to learn from people with unique backgrounds and contexts. I also appreciated the lecturers’ openness and approachability. They actively engaged with us (students) and always valued our inputs. Those are a few examples of what I enjoyed the most about the programme, but there were so many other details that made it interesting and thought-provoking.

How has receiving the scholarship helped you to achieve your aspirations?

The scholarship made studying at UCL possible. As an international student and a young professional, the fees were too high for me to attend.

Receiving the scholarship allowed me to study amongst the greatest minds and learn from the biggest names in the field. After the programme ended, the scholarship enabled me to be part of a strong network that I look forward to interacting with as I build my career in International Development.

What do you hope to do now that you have finished your course?

It is now time to turn the knowledge I acquired into real impact.

Throughout the degree programme, I have developed a strong interest in programme design while further building my research skills. My vision is to work on educational programmes in Africa while promoting local agency and sustainability. Therefore, I am currently looking for opportunities both in Madagascar and in Sub-Saharan Africa, to contribute to widening access to education in the region.

Do you have any tips and recommendations for our future scholarship applicants?

My most valuable advice is to go for it and apply. Far too often, we stop ourselves from applying because of self-doubt or fear of rejection. Yet, the only way to know if we are good enough is to apply anyway.

Other than that, do some research before applying. Reach out to previous scholars on LinkedIn, learn everything you can about the programme and the scholarship.

What is it like studying in London?

London is one of the best cities to study in. It is a unique experience, with a lot of space for learning and challenging yourself. There are a lot of students and universities in the city which makes the student experience more common and fun. My favourite aspect of London was its multiple and easily accessible study spaces (libraries, cafes, etc.) which made focusing on my studies easier.

Additionally, the city is a melting-pot and exposed me to cultures like never before. For this reason, it is not only a great city to study in, but also to live in.

How do you think the system of learning and researching at UCL differs from that in your own country?

For my programme, the learning at UCL was heavily research-centred, which was quite new to me. My previous academic experience tended to be more hands-on, and learning was activity-based. It took me a few months to fully adjust to UCL’s way of teaching.

Once I did, I really appreciated how the learning challenged me to think more critically and to embrace self-directed learning. Another considerable advantage is also being taught by lecturers who have heavily researched and written about my field of interest.

Is there anything else you would like to say about your time at IOE?

IOE as a building itself is one of my favourites at UCL because it is rare to be surrounded by so many education enthusiasts in one place. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with people from all over the world, with different experiences, but all with a shared passion for education.

About the IOE Centenary Master's Scholarships

The scholarship covers tuition fees and accommodation for one academic year, in partnership with International Students House (ISH): IOE - International Students House Centenary Scholarship, and the Mary Trevelyan Centenary Scholarship (in honour of the founder of ISH).

Find out more about the Centenary Master's Scholarship and view more funding available to UCL students.