Global Korea Scholarship Recipient, Aikanysh from Kyrgyzstan, Shares Her Journey of Pursuing a Master’s in Filmmaking at Chung Ang University, South Korea

My name is Aikanysh, and I am from Kyrgyzstan. I have been passionate about storytelling for as long as I can remember. However, coming from a family where practical education was prioritized, I first earned a degree in Business Management at Kyrgyz Turkish Alatoo University.

After graduating, I realized that I wanted to pursue a career that truly reflected my interests. Around the same time, Korean films were gaining strong international recognition, which inspired me to explore filmmaking in Korea. The country’s advanced film industry and high-quality education system made it a natural choice.

discovered the Global Korea Scholarship during my research and applied three times. After two rejections and a year spent studying the Korean language in Korea, I was finally selected as a scholarship recipient and admitted to Chung Ang University to study filmmaking.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

The scholarship I received was the Global Korea Scholarship, a program funded by the Korean government. It is a fully funded scholarship that covers the entire two years of a master’s degree. This includes full tuition, round-trip flight tickets, health insurance, and a monthly living stipend. Through this scholarship, I was accepted into Chung Ang University in the Filmmaking Department. Being selected for both the scholarship and the university felt surreal. It was a life-changing moment that allowed me to focus fully on my studies and creative growth without the financial burden that often prevents many students from studying abroad. This support gave me the freedom to dedicate myself completely to filmmaking and to fully experience academic and cultural life in Korea.

Educational Background

earned my previous degree in Business Management with a GPA of 3.24 out of 4.0. Although this major was not directly related to filmmaking, it helped me develop strong skills in organization, communication, and project planning, all of which are essential in film production.

Because my academic background was different, I demonstrated my commitment to filmmaking through a portfolio, which was required for admission. I attended filmmaking masterclasses and worked on my own projects, gaining a solid understanding of directing and visual storytelling.

At the same time, I studied the Korean language and achieved TOPIK Level 3. This strengthened my application and prepared me for academic and daily life in Korea.

Together, my academic foundation, practical film experience, and language preparation allowed me to confidently transition into a new field.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Chung Ang University?

Preparing to apply to universities required a lot of research and self-reflection. In addition to academic documents, I needed two recommendation letters, a motivation plan, and a study plan. Writing these documents was one of the most important parts of my application.

I spent a significant amount of time researching each university in detail. I studied the curriculum, the subjects offered, and the professors teaching in the department. I wanted my study plan to be specific and realistic, showing that I understood what I would be studying and how it connected to my long-term goals as a filmmaker. This research helped me clearly explain why each institution was the right fit for me.

How Did You Find Information About the GKS Scholarship and Chung Ang University?

I found information mainly through the internet while researching different scholarship opportunities in Korea. As I compared various programs, the Global Korea Scholarship stood out as the most comprehensive and well-structured option. I also relied on official government websites, university pages, and experiences shared by former scholarship recipients to make sure the information I found was accurate.

 Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

Since I was applying to study in Korea, I focused on the Korean language proficiency test and achieved TOPIK Level 3. All my application documents, including my motivation and study plans, were written in English, which demonstrated my strong English proficiency alongside my Korean language skills.

After my first rejection, I made a deliberate decision to spend one year in Korea studying the Korean language. This immersive experience significantly improved my language ability and understanding of academic life in Korea. Since the filmmaking program was taught mainly in Korean, language proficiency was a key requirement for my major.

Consistent study and real-life practice played an important role in strengthening my application.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

First of all, my application stood out because it was honest and consistent. I clearly explained why filmmaking was a long-term goal, even though my first degree was in a different field.

Persistence also played a major role. Applying three times showed my commitment and my ability to grow after each rejection. After my first rejection, I even spent one year in Korea studying the Korean language. This experience became a strong advantage, especially during the interview, because it showed that my choice was based on real experience rather than an idealized image of Korea.

Finally, my preparation through a strong portfolio, language study, and clear career goals helped demonstrate that I was serious about studying in Korea and fully ready for the challenge.

 What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were going through the process again, I would start preparing much earlier. I would focus sooner on improving my language skills and strengthening my portfolio. Starting earlier would have reduced stress and allowed more time for refinement. At the same time, I would remind myself to trust the process and not be discouraged by rejection, because persistence was ultimately the key to success.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

First, I would advise applicants to do deep research on the department, the university, the country, and the scholarship itself. Understanding what you are applying for helps you prepare with confidence and clarity.

Second, give yourself enough time to prepare. A strong application requires patience, reflection, and consistent effort, especially for language study and portfolio development.

If you are applying to an art or creative major, it is very important to ask in advance about practical workshops and production requirements. In my case, graduation required shooting one short film in the first semester, another short film in the third semester, and a final graduation film. All production costs had to be paid from my own pocket, as the scholarship did not cover these additional expenses. Knowing this beforehand helps you plan financially and avoid unexpected stress.

Most importantly, do not let rejection define your worth. Rejection does not mean you are not good enough. It simply means you need more preparation or a clearer direction. Persistence and belief in your own story can ultimately lead to success.