How a Turkish Student Won the Fully Funded Samsung Global Hope Scholarship to Pursue Her BA in Political Science and International Relations at Sogang University, Seoul

My name is Aleyna, and I am originally from Ankara, Turkey. I graduated from Ankara Turk Telekom Social Sciences High School in 2019. During my education there, I was immersed in a social sciences curriculum, which sparked my deep interest in politics, psychology, international law, international relations, languages, and history.

In my first year of high school, I completed a preparatory program where I studied English and German intensively. This early exposure to foreign languages not only strengthened my academic foundation but also shaped my long-term passion for learning new languages and engaging with diverse cultures. Looking back, I believe my choice of high school was instrumental in paving the way toward my future goals.

Throughout my high school years, I was especially fascinated by politics, literature, and foreign languages. I envisioned myself either pursuing a diplomatic career or working in an international business environment where cross-cultural communication and global perspectives are essential. By the time I reached 10th grade, I was determined to study political science, a decision that aligned perfectly with my academic interests and personal aspirations.

Samsung Global Hope Scholarship Details

In March 2020, during my first year at university, I was awarded the Samsung Global Hope Scholarship by the Samsung Dream Scholarship Foundation (삼성꿈장학재단). This prestigious scholarship fully covered my tuition and also provided a stipend of 3,900,000 KRW for living expenses.

In addition, I was honored to receive the TOPIK Excellence Scholarship from Sogang University on two separate occasions. These awards recognized my outstanding performance in Korean proficiency and served as both encouragement and validation of my commitment to mastering the language.

These scholarships not only supported me financially but also motivated me to continue striving for academic excellence and to make the most of the international opportunities available to me.

Educational Background

At Ankara Social Sciences High School (GPA 3.1), I built my foundation in politics, history, and foreign languages, which shaped my early interest in international studies.

I continued this path at Sogang University in Seoul, earning a B.A. in Political Science and International Relations with a 3.6/4.0 GPA. Courses in international relations, law, and security gave me the theoretical tools to analyze global issues, while studying abroad strengthened my adaptability and cross-cultural perspective. My multilingual abilities in Turkish, English, and Korean further reinforced my capacity to engage in diplomacy, international cooperation, and business.

Altogether, my education prepared me not only with academic knowledge but also with the global mindset and language skills necessary to thrive in the field of international relations and international business.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Sogang University?

When preparing to apply to universities, I relied on a combination of academic research, online resources, and advice from mentors. I carefully reviewed official university websites and scholarship opportunities, while also learning from international student forums to better understand the requirements and experiences of students abroad.

For standardized tests, I prepared for and successfully completed the SAT (1350), TOEIC (940), which demonstrated my English proficiency. I also sat for the TOPIK exam in 2019, achieving Level 4, after already reaching a B1 level in Korean during high school through consistent self-study and dedication. While it was challenging to balance these studies alongside my regular coursework, I see this as a reflection of my determination and willingness to go beyond expectations in pursuit of my goals.

Altogether, these efforts not only strengthened my applications but also equipped me with the discipline, adaptability, and confidence to thrive in demanding international academic environments.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Samsung Global Hope Scholarships?

I began preparing for scholarships almost two years before my high school graduation, studying for exams like the SAT, TOEFL, and TOPIK entirely on my own. During this time, I also continued improving my Korean, reaching a solid level through consistent self-study. I regularly checked both scholarship foundations and university websites to understand their requirements, which helped me plan ahead. This long-term preparation and consistency gave me the confidence to submit strong applications that reflected both my academic readiness and personal determination.

How is (was) Your Experience at Sogang University?

I began my studies in Korea during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which made adapting to a new country especially challenging. Social interactions were limited, and it was not easy to meet people either inside or outside the university. Despite these difficulties, I actively joined student clubs in the Samsung Foundation to make new friends and to experience Korean culture and daily life more immersively. Over time, these efforts helped me create lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories, meeting people from all around the world who, like me, carried big dreams for the future.

Living abroad came with its hardships, from the stress of navigating everyday life in a foreign language to managing responsibilities far from home. Yet, I found strength in overcoming these challenges together with friends from the Samsung Foundation, often simply through conversation and mutual support.

The Samsung Foundation itself also played an important role in shaping my experience. The staff were always helpful and attentive, not only supporting me in academic matters but also showing genuine care in personal situations. When I had surgery, they assisted me closely, and when the earthquake struck Turkey while I was visiting home, they were the very first to contact me to ensure that my family and I were safe, even though we lived far from the affected region. These gestures of kindness made me feel truly cared for and strengthened my sense of belonging at the institution.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because I had a clear academic and career path in mind and was able to express that with confidence. My strong language abilities in both Korean and English demonstrated my readiness to study in an international environment, while my educational background in social sciences and political science closely aligned with my intended major.

Another factor was that I became the first student to receive the scholarship in the very first semester of my first year. More importantly, I was able to maintain it consistently for four years across eight semesters, which reflected not only my academic performance but also my commitment and perseverance. Altogether, these elements showed both my preparation and my determination to make the most of the opportunity.

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

If I were to go through the process again, I would start preparing even earlier and manage my time more efficiently. While I was able to achieve good results, I often studied for exams on my own without much guidance, which sometimes made the process more stressful than it needed to be. I would also seek out more mentorship and advice from experienced students or professionals, as their insights could have helped me navigate applications and scholarship essays with greater ease.

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

My advice would be to reach out to past scholarship recipients whenever possible, as their experiences can provide valuable insight into both the application process and life at the institution. It is also important to regularly check the official website of your intended university and scholarship foundation, since requirements and deadlines can change quickly. Finally, stay consistent, prepare your documents, exams, and essays well in advance so that you have enough time to present your strengths clearly and confidently.