Meet Programme Officer – International, Natalie. Before joining Chevening, Natalie lived in Hue, Vietnam, where she taught English as a foreign language after falling in love with South-East Asia during a five-month long trip.
Name: Natalie Keen
Countries: ASEAN (ODA) and East Africa
From: Surrey, England
Joined the team: June 2016
Previous Chevening experience:
I joined the Chevening Secretariat in March 2015 as an International Liaison Assistant, providing support to the International team, and posts in China and Hong Kong. I then moved over to the Programme team for a secondment and worked closely with universities in the UK and current scholars. My portfolio included universities in the south east of England and the University of Oxford.
What other international experience do you have?
Before going to university, I embarked on a five-month trip around Australia, New Zealand, and South-East Asia. I fell in love with South-East Asia and, after completing my degree, decided to move to Hue in Vietnam to teach English as a foreign language. I loved working with more mature students who were hoping to study at universities in the UK or USA one day, and this interest led me to Chevening.
What is your favourite food that you have consumed on a visit to a foreign country?
This is a very hard question as eating out is probably my favourite hobby, but I would have to say a Massaman curry in Thailand. Although there are some pretty nice Thai restaurants in London, they don’t come close to a locally cooked Thai curry. I also have to give a special mention to the vast amount of duck that I just consumed in Beijing, which was amazing.
What are your interests?
I really enjoy cooking at home and trying out new recipes from around the world for my housemates. I caught the travel bug early and when I am not taking advantage of my great portfolio by travelling for work, I try to get the most out of living on Europe’s doorstop. This year I have been to Copenhagen, Bucharest, and Bruges. I also like to make the most of living in London and try to go out to different restaurants, bars, or theatres as often as possible.
What is your favourite place in the UK and why?
I would have to say Swansea because that’s where I went to university and tucked behind Swansea bay are some of the best beaches in the world! I have a lot of Welsh friends and we often meet up there to watch the England versus Wales Six Nations rugby match.
Are you looking forward to visiting your posts?
I’ve been fortunate enough to meet half of my Chevening officers at the regional conference in Beijing. I recently visited post in Tanzania and I’m really looking forward to seeing more of East Africa.
Which countries would you like to visit that aren’t in your portfolio?
I am really interested in Latin America and would love to learn Spanish!
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