Chevening Orientation 2023

Network, get to know your fellow Cheveners, and listen to talks from some incredible speakers. We can't wait to welcome you to your Chevening Orientation!

11 November 2023

We’re excited to invite the 2023/24 cohort of Chevening Scholars to Orientation 2023, Chevening’s flagship in-person event of the year.

At the event, you will have the opportunity to get to know one another and your Programme Officer, network with experts in their field, and build connections that will last throughout your Chevening journey.

The password to register can be found in your October Scholargram.

Claim your ticket

The details:

Date: Saturday 11 November 2023

Location: Prince Regent (east) entrance, The ExCel Centre, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London, E16 1XL

Please arrive at the Prince Regent (east) entrance, not Custom House. 

Time: 10.30am – 5pm

Please note that we are unable to accommodate family members, children, or friends outside of the 2023/24 Chevening cohort to this event.

How to get there

The event will be held at the Prince Regent (east) entrance of the ExCel centre. Please do check before you travel using the National Rail journey planner in case of disruptions.

Q: What are the nearest stations to the ExCel Prince Regent (east) entrance?

A: Prince Regent station on the DLR (approx. 5 minute walk to Prince Regent entrance). Custom House station on the Elizabeth Line (approx. 15 minute walk to Prince Regent entrance).

Q: What is the post code?

A: For the Prince Regent (east) entrance (closest to Prince Regent DLR station) use E16 1FR.

The programme

Time Session Room Level
10:30-11:15 Scholar registration ICC Capital Hall 0
11:30-12:00 Welcome including:

  • Opening remarks – Andrew Chadwick, Director, Chevening Scholarships
  • Messages from selected High Commissions and Embassies
  • ‘A day in the life’ – Programme Officer – UK
  • Expectations of the day ahead
  • Your Chevening Journey video
 ICC Auditorium 0
12:15- 13:30 Morning breakout sessions ICC Suites 1
13:30-14:30 Lunch ICC Capital Hall 0
14:45-16:00 Afternoon session including:

  • Chevening 40th anniversary video
  • Social Media Ambassadors 2023 video
  • Alumni address – Felix Fomengia, 2022 Cameroon Alumnus
  • Keynote address – Sir Mark Walport, Chief Executive Designate of UK Research and Innovation
  • Special Address – Melinda Bohannon, Director General, Humanitarian and Development, FCDO
  • Closing remarks – Emma Hennessey, Head of the Scholarships Unit, FCDO
 ICC Auditorium 0
16:00-17:00 Drinks reception ICC Capital Hall 0

Morning breakout sessions

Find out who will be leading the morning breakout sessions on the day here.

Frequently asked questions

See answers to frequently asked questions about Orientation here.