Hello Everyone,

My name is Nathalia Celis, and I want to start by thanking you for taking the time to read my story.

I took the biggest risk of my life to pursue my dream MBA in Paris. Now, I’m at a crossroads, and I need your support to keep going.

I thought long and hard about whether to share this and ask for contributions through this channel. At first, I hesitated, but after talking with friends, they encouraged me to do it reminding me that there is no shame in asking for help when you truly need it.

I have always dreamed of doing an MBA in Europe, but it wasn’t an easy decision due to the financial cost and the fact that it would require me to stop working for a year and a half. For those who know me, you know I am a perseverant, hardworking person, passionate about the things I set my mind to. So, when I finally made the decision to pursue my MBA abroad, I approached the Managing Director of my company to explore the possibility of sponsorship, as I didn’t have all the funds needed to cover tuition and living expenses. Unfortunately, the company was unable to support me since it meant I would have to take a long leave of absence.

Determined to find a way, I started looking for different funding options. I reached out to the School’s Financial Aid department, and they guided me through some alternatives. One of them was applying for a student loan in Paris, where the university has partnerships with a couple of banks. After submitting some paperwork, I was eligible for the loan and could apply once in Paris.

Feeling confident, I proceeded with my MBA application and was thrilled to be accepted with a Merit and Diversity scholarship. The MBA in International Management at ESCP Business School was set to begin in September 2024. A few months before, I quit my job to start the visa process and make all necessary arrangements for my move to Paris.

I arrived in Paris in September and successfully completed my first semester of the program. However, things didn’t go as planned. After settling in and adjusting to the new environment, I began the student loan application process. It was extremely slow I received little communication from my bank representative. On October 2nd, they sent me a list of required documents, which I submitted by October 8th. A week later, on October 15th, I received a loan simulation with the conditions, including this note: “For loans up to €20,000, no guarantor is required. However, for amounts exceeding this, a guarantor residing in France will be necessary. This is one of the advantages offered by ESCP, in addition to the preferential loan rate.”

I accepted the conditions and moved forward with the loan application. But for weeks, I tried reaching my bank representative with no success. In November, he finally responded only to inform me that he had made a mistake. Contrary to what I had been told, I actually needed a French guarantor, regardless of the loan amount. This was shocking news for me. I didn’t know anyone in Paris who could help, and while I reached out to my family to see if they had any connections in France, they didn’t. Even if they had, I understood that this was not an easy favor to ask for.

Now, with mixed emotions and hope, I am reaching out to ask for your support to help me continue this journey. Since I was unable to secure the loan, I have been using my savings to cover tuition and living expenses.

Financial Breakdown:

• Tuition Fees: €15,000

• Monthly Living Expenses: €1,200

My finances are running out and now I am feeling a bit desperate, and although I found a part-time job working four nights a week, it is still not enough to get me through. Your contribution, no matter how small, would make a significant difference in helping me complete my education and achieve my goals.

Despite the challenges I have faced over the past few months, joining this master’s program has been one of the best decisions of my life. It has been an incredible experience I have met wonderful classmates, learned so much, immersed myself in a new culture, and been exposed to a new language. I don’t regret a single part of this journey. I have already invested time, money, and effort to be here, and completing this MBA is crucial for me, my career growth and professional development.

Any amount you’re willing to donate is greatly appreciated. If you can’t donate, please help by sharing my story with your family and friends. Your support would mean the world to me, and I would be beyond grateful.

I truly appreciate your generosity and consideration. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!