Oriana Lu Caceres

Learn more about Oriana's background and experience as an AKO scholarship recipient in the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science.

Hi Oriana! Thanks for speaking to us. What’s your story? Where are you from, and what path led you to pursue your studies at LSE?

I was born in Lima and raised in Arequipa, two Peruvian cities with distinct cultural rhythms that shaped my sense of identity. Later I returned to Lima to study Psychology, where I crafted and implemented well-being programmes in schools and community centres for several years. It became clear to me that to truly understand and improve collective life, I needed stronger methodological foundations and a broader worldview. That vision led me to the MSc in Social and Cultural Psychology at the London School of Economics, known for its global rigour and focus on societal impact.

How did your decision to study Social and Cultural Psychology at LSE align with your personal or professional aspirations?

I chose this programme because it felt like the perfect bridge between my work as a psychologist and my desire to address the systemic issues shaping Peruvian society. In a country as multicultural and fragmented as Peru, understanding how culture, mind, and society interact is essential—not only to satisfy my curiosity but to design interventions that respect local realities. LSE’s focus on social representations and cultural frameworks offered exactly that: rigorous research combined with practical tools to respond to complex social challenges. Learning from faculty such as Professor Sandra Jovchelovitch, renowned for her work on social integration, and Professor Alex Gillespie, whose research on dialogue and communication illuminated how constructive exchanges can transform conflict, felt especially relevant to Peru. In a country where political crises often unfold without genuine dialogue, I knew I needed frameworks that could help bridge divides and foster trust.

Reflecting on your time at LSE, what were the defining elements that influenced your growth the most?

One of the most defining elements of my time at LSE was the daily interaction with classmates from all over the world. Sharing experiences and perspectives with people from such different cultural, social, and professional backgrounds opened my mind to realities I had never considered. Those conversations—whether over coffee, in seminars, or late at night in the library—were often as educational as any lecture. Academically, I was struck by how thoughtful and intentional the programme was in acknowledging and addressing inequalities, both within societies and in academia itself. Every member of the faculty encouraged us to question, debate, and reflect critically, creating an environment where no topic was off-limits and all voices mattered. The diversity of perspectives shaped not only my intellectual growth but also my personal development, reminding me that empathy and curiosity are essential to understanding complex social problems. Finally, the content of the programme—exploring how societies and individuals co-construct meaning—gave me frameworks to understand the dynamics of power, identity, and culture in ways that will stay with me far beyond the classroom.

What obstacles did you face while studying at LSE, and what strategies or support systems helped you overcome them?

Being far from home has been, without question, one of the greatest challenges I have faced while studying at LSE. I come from Peru, a country with a rich and distinct culture, and nearly everything in London felt different at first: the climate, the food, the language, the academic expectations, even the pace of daily life. Arriving a week late due to administrative delays only intensified that sense of disorientation. Navigating all this novelty while keeping up with the demanding rhythm of the programme was sometimes overwhelming. I was fortunate to meet classmates who were equally eager to create a sense of belonging, and together we formed friendships that gave those first months both warmth and stability. My experience as a Latin American in the UK inspired me to think more critically about how migration, culture, and identity intersect, which influenced many of my reflections and assignments. I also started writing regularly to friends and family in Peru—a practice that became both a creative outlet and a way to stay rooted in my community back home. Over time, these strategies not only helped me adapt but also reminded me why I chose this journey: to grow personally and professionally and to carry these insights back to the communities I care about.

In what ways do you hope to apply the skills and knowledge you gained at LSE, with the support of the AKO scholarship, to create positive change in your home region?

Returning to Peru, I am committed to applying the skills and perspectives I gained at LSE to create social projects that promote dialogue, mental health, and inclusion. With the support of the AKO scholarship, I feel equipped to design evidence-based interventions that address political polarisation and strengthen community ties. My goal is to collaborate with grassroots organisations to develop workshops and programmes that integrate participatory methods and cultural sensitivity, so that diverse voices are heard and respected. Ultimately, I hope to contribute to building a society where constructive conversation becomes a foundation for positive change.

If you could pass on one piece of advice to a new AKO Scholar starting at LSE, what would it be, and why?

If I could share two pieces of advice with a new AKO Scholar beginning their journey at LSE, they would be: first, embrace openness in every sense. Be open to new ideas, unfamiliar perspectives, and even moments of discomfort. Some of the most valuable lessons I learned came from conversations outside the classroom—debates over coffee, informal gatherings with classmates from around the world, and spontaneous discussions that challenged my assumptions. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, share your story, or admit when something feels overwhelming; these honest exchanges will make your experience richer and more rewarding.

Second, remember that building a support network is as important as keeping up academically. The programme moves quickly, and there will be moments when you feel out of your depth or far from home. Make time to connect with peers who understand what you are going through, and don’t be afraid to lean on them for encouragement or perspective. Whether it’s studying together, exploring London, or simply sharing a meal, those relationships will become a source of strength and inspiration. Above all, trust that you deserve to be here. 

What three words best capture the essence of your year in the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science?

Global, empowering, inspiring.

Learn more about the AKO Master's Scholarships.