Irma Matoshvili describes herself as ‘a people person.’ Growing up in rural Georgia, she learned that ‘hospitality is valued more than bravery, this is how we were raised.’ That belief in people shaped her ambitions to study in the UK, not only to strengthen her own career in business management, but to help other women to succeed too.
In 2022, with support from a Chevening Scholarship co-funded by the Bank of Georgia, Irma began an MSc in International Hospitality, Events and Tourism Management at Oxford Brookes University. That opportunity, she says, became a turning point.
‘Women . . . in business especially, are usually told that they can’t be at the right places or they might not be enough. Chevening was this realisation for me that there are no limits if you trust yourself.’
As a young woman from a small rural town, Irma had always dreamed of studying abroad. What set Chevening apart from other scholarship programmes was the freedom to choose her own course of study. That freedom led her to Oxford Brookes, and to a year of discovery both in and outside the classroom.
She went to symposiums on hospitality and marketing, took part in course-sponsored trips, and travelled to London to meet with her professional industry mentor. She was invited to speak at Oxford University about the differences between the Georgian and British hospitality industries, a unique opportunity made possible by her connections via Chevening to the British Embassy in Georgia.
‘Every week I was somewhere.’
Her dissertation research led to even more practical experience. She conducted interviews with managers at various luxury hotels in London, and observed first-hand how global leaders in hospitality operated at the prestigious Mandarin Oriental Hyatt Park London.
‘Developed countries are several steps ahead of [Georgia]. It was great to observe how things are done in the UK.’
By the time she returned to Georgia, Irma was determined to use her experience to help others.
‘I had this vision that I would come back to Georgia and work more on women’s development, I wanted to do something for my country.’
Together with other Cheveners, she founded the Women Career Mentorship Hub, which selected 30 young women and matched them with professionals in their fields, most of whom were Chevening alumni.
‘Those are the years when you need support. I knew I had needed someone at this time of my life. I wanted to be that someone that I didn’t have.’
The Women Career Mentorship Hub gained national recognition and helped young women in a wide range of industries. It was also partially funded by the FCDO.
‘Mentors were so motivated to teach and share with the next generation.’
Today, Irma works as a freelance business and marketing consultant, with a focus on hospitality. She continues to mentor women entrepreneurs, and in February 2025, she became a business management mentor for UN Women.
Her Chevening Scholarship not only transformed her own career but also gave her the platform and confidence to open doors for other women in Georgia and beyond.
Chevening scholar Rithiya Sreu is bringing technology to the heart of Cambodia’s media sector, supporting broadcasters, startups, and governments to keep up to date with the latest trends and strategies. We find out more.
Whether you studied for a master’s in Human Rights or spent your degree learning the intricacies of Cyber Security, one thing’s for sure: completing your studies means you’re ready to take the next step in your career. Here’s how to make the most of your Chevening Award when you graduate and return home.
Thinking of applying for a Chevening Scholarship? Find out how Chevening alumna Elizabeth Pam turned her ideas into impact after completing her master’s in the UK.