How a Peruvian Researcher Won the Global Korea Scholarship to Study Biotechnology & International Studies at Korea University

My name is Alisson Yheraldin Onzueta Caballero, Indigenous Quechua from Peru. My academic and professional journey has been deeply shaped by a commitment to environmental and social justice, especially in the context of climate change and Indigenous rights.

I completed my bachelor’s degree, a double major in Biotechnology and International Studies at Korea University, funded by the Global Korea Scholarship Program (GKS). This academic path allowed me to develop both a scientific grounding and a global understanding of sociopolitical systems, preparing me to work at the intersection of science, sustainability, and Indigenous issues.

Currently, I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Water and Environmental Engineering at Aalto University in Finland, supported by a full tuition scholarship awarded by the university. I chose this program to strengthen my technical and analytical skills to tackle pressing challenges such as water access, land degradation, and climate vulnerability, issues that disproportionately affect Indigenous communities. Coming from a region where environmental risks and social inequalities go hand in hand, I felt it was essential to gain the tools needed to integrate scientific approaches with Indigenous knowledge systems.

Alongside my studies, I have worked at the World Bank, contributing to initiatives on social sustainability and inclusion, with a particular focus on amplifying Indigenous voices in climate governance and development planning.

For me, education is not only a personal journey; it is a collective responsibility. I see it as a tool to uplift my community and to advance more just, inclusive, and climate-resilient futures for all.

Scholarship Details

1. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) — Korea University (Undergraduate)

Institution: Korea University

Program: Double major in Biotechnology & International Studies

Scholarship: Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), a fully funded government scholarship by South Korea’s NIIED

Benefits:

Full tuition coverage: ₩7,392,000 per semester (~USD 5,426) (it is one major, but for a double major, the cost increases slightly).

Entrance fee waiver: ₩1,142,000 (~USD 838)

Living stipend: ₩1,000,000/month (~USD 734)

Round-trip airfare: up to ₩3,000,000 (~USD 2,055)

Korean-language training costs: ₩1,700,00 (~USD 1,600)

Coverage of medical insurance

1. Aalto University Excellence Scholarship (Master’s Program)

Institution: Aalto University (Finland)

Program: Master’s in Water and Environmental Engineering

Scholarship: Aalto University Excellence Scholarship — a merit-based full tuition waiver

Benefits:

Full tuition coverage: 100 % of tuition fees (~€17,000 / year) for the standard 2-year duration

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

The Hansen Leadership Institute (HLI) Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity supported by the Fred J. Hansen Foundation. It covers all major program-related costs for the three-week summer program held at the University of San Diego.

International airfare (round-trip tickets included)
Room and board for the entire duration of the program
All programmatic costs, including workshops, training sessions, materials, and local excursions in San Diego (e.g., visits to SeaWorld, Balboa Park, etc.)
Visa and SEVIS fees are reimbursed or covered as part of participation

There is no monetary award given directly to fellows; rather, all essential services and travel costs are prepaid. The only expenses participants are responsible for are personal items (such as extra spending money or passport fees) .

Educational Background

I completed a double bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology and International Studies at Korea University, supported by the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), one of the most competitive full scholarships offered by the South Korean government. To be selected for this opportunity, I had to demonstrate not only strong academic performance but also a clear sense of purpose. Throughout my high school education in Peru, I maintained a GPA of 18/20, which is considered excellent under the Peruvian grading system. I also dedicated time to mastering foreign languages and actively participated in extracurricular initiatives aligned with my aspiration to study biotechnology, such as science clubs and youth-led environmental campaigns.

Looking back, I believe what made the difference in securing the GKS was not just academic merit, but showing how I intended to use education as a tool for transformation, not only to improve my own life, but to extend its benefits to my community. That sense of purpose is something I believe most major scholarships actively seek in their candidates.

Once in university, I remained focused on academic excellence, graduating with a GPA of 4.1/4.5. I was always conscious that a strong academic record would be key to continuing my education, especially for graduate school. And indeed, it paid off.

Currently, I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Water and Environmental Engineering at Aalto University in Finland, supported by a full tuition scholarship granted for academic excellence. While this master’s program differs from my undergraduate major, I intentionally made this shift to focus on climate change, water governance, and environmental resilience, issues that directly affect Indigenous territories in my home region of the Amazon. Although I don’t speak as much about extracurricular activities during this phase, I’ve found that clearly communicating my motivations, showing alignment between the program and my goals, and doing thorough research into the course content have all played a decisive role in being admitted.

Overall, my educational path has been driven by the idea that academic knowledge must be relevant and applied, used to uplift not only oneself but also to give back to the community through meaningful, long-term work.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Korea University? 

For the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), which I received to pursue my undergraduate studies at Korea University, no standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT were required. Instead, applicants were expected to demonstrate a strong academic background and English proficiency through their school records or other forms of documentation. I believe this approach reflects an effort to democratize education access, especially for students from the Global South, where such exams can be financially and logistically inaccessible. By removing these barriers, GKS opens the door to talented students who may not have the means but do have the potential.

In my case, I prepared thoroughly by maintaining a high GPA in high school (18/20 under the Peruvian system) and by strengthening my English through self-study, immersion, and practice. I also made sure to build a solid application by showing a clear sense of purpose, how my education would contribute not just to my personal growth, but to my community as well.

If you’re applying for a bachelor’s or master’s program under the GKS, my advice is: focus on proving your English proficiency. If you happen to know Korean or have studied it before, that’s definitely a bonus, but not a requirement.

Ultimately, the key is to know what each institution values and tailor your application to reflect your strengths, goals, and values clearly. Whether or not you take standardized tests, what truly matters is your ability to communicate your motivation and readiness for the program you are applying to.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the GKS Scholarship?

When I began preparing to apply to international institutions, I started by doing extensive research online, exploring university websites, scholarship portals, student forums, and YouTube channels of past scholarship recipients. I focused especially on programs that aligned with my interests in environmental sustainability, biotechnology, and development. This helped me not only understand the academic requirements but also get a sense of the kind of values and profiles these institutions and scholarships were looking for.

For the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), which I received to pursue my undergraduate studies at Korea University, no standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, or TOEFL were required. Instead, applicants were expected to demonstrate a strong academic background and English proficiency through their school records or other forms of documentation. I believe this approach reflects an effort to democratize education access, especially for students from the Global South, where such exams can be financially and logistically inaccessible. By removing these barriers, GKS opens the door to talented students who may not have the means but do have the potential.

In my case, I prepared thoroughly by maintaining a high GPA in high school (18/20 under the Peruvian system) and by strengthening my English through self-study, immersion, and practice. I also made sure to build a solid application by showing a clear sense of purpose, how my education would contribute not just to my personal growth, but to my community as well.

If you’re applying for a bachelor’s or master’s program under the GKS, my advice is: focus on proving your English proficiency, either through certificates, transcripts, or reference letters. If you happen to know Korean or have studied it before, that’s definitely a bonus, but not a requirement.

The key is to know what each institution values and tailor your application to reflect your strengths, goals, and values clearly. Whether or not you take standardized tests, what truly matters is your ability to communicate your motivation and readiness for the program you’re applying to.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean? 

It really depends on the program and university you choose. Some degree programs in Korea are offered entirely in English, especially those with designed international focus, such as International Studies, while others are conducted in Korean or use a combination of both languages.

In my case, during my undergraduate studies at Korea University, my classes were conducted in both English and Korean. As a double major in Biotechnology and International Studies, I had several science courses taught in Korean. This bilingual structure not only enriched my academic experience but also helped me integrate better into the local context, both socially and culturally.

For students considering studying in Korea, I would recommend checking the language of instruction for each specific program. If you have some level of Korean or are open to learning it, you will have access to a wider range of courses and academic opportunities.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically, Not Knowing Korean?

In general, not knowing the native language of the country won’t necessarily be a problem academically, as long as your degree program is offered in English. Both South Korea and Finland offer a growing number of high-quality programs entirely in English, especially at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

That said, outside the classroom, not speaking the local language can sometimes be a challenge, whether it's understanding administrative procedures, accessing public services, or participating in local activities. During my undergraduate studies in South Korea, my program included courses in both English and Korean, so having some Korean language skills definitely helped me keep up with classes, communicate with professors, and engage more fully with the academic environment. While it’s possible to get by with just English, learning the basics of Korean significantly improved my experience.

In Finland, where I’m currently pursuing my master’s degree, all of my courses are conducted in English, and the university environment is very international. Most Finns also speak excellent English, so not knowing Finnish has not been a barrier academically. However, as with any country, learning the local language even at a conversational level can open doors socially and professionally.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was a clear sense of purpose, a strong academic record, and a demonstrated commitment to using education as a tool for collective impact, not just personal advancement.

From an early stage, I aligned my academic choices with the social and environmental issues I care about. I maintained a high GPA in high school (18/20) and engaged in extracurricular activities that reflected my interest in science and sustainability, particularly in relation to Indigenous knowledge and rights. When I applied for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), I was intentional in showing how my desire to study biotechnology wasn’t just about scientific curiosity; it was about applying those skills to improve the realities of Indigenous communities in Peru.

Similarly, during my undergraduate studies at Korea University, I worked hard to maintain a strong GPA (4.1/4.5) and built a narrative that connected my technical background with broader development issues. When I applied for my master’s at Aalto University, even though the field shifted toward environmental engineering, I clearly articulated why that transition made sense for me: it was a natural next step in addressing climate change, water justice, and Indigenous resilience from a systems and engineering perspective.

In both cases, I think what set my application apart wasn’t just the numbers; it was the way I linked my academic journey to real-world impact, showing that I was not only prepared for the program but also driven by a larger vision of inclusion, equity, and sustainability. I had done my research, I knew why I wanted each program specifically, and I made sure my motivations were clearly and genuinely communicated.

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

If I were to go through the application process again, one thing I would definitely do differently is start preparing earlier and more strategically, especially when it comes to researching programs, understanding the specific selection criteria, and tailoring each part of the application accordingly. When I applied for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), I put a lot of effort into my essays and documents, but I now realize how valuable it would have been to connect with former scholarship recipients or mentors in advance to get more insights into the process.

I also would have taken more time to document my extracurricular experiences and keep a portfolio of achievements, reflections, and projects. Often, we’re involved in meaningful community work or initiatives, but we don’t always pause to record them in a way that’s easy to share during an application process.

Another thing I might have done differently is to trust my voice more. Especially in my early applications, I sometimes over-edited my personal statements out of fear they wouldn’t sound "academic enough." But over time I’ve realized that what truly resonates is authenticity, being clear about who you are, what motivates you, and how your goals connect to the program.

Finally, I would have reminded myself not to be intimidated by prestige or international competition. You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to be intentional, well-prepared, and grounded in your purpose. That’s what makes your application truly powerful.

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

My biggest advice is this: start early, be intentional, and tell your story with clarity and authenticity.

Scholarships like the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) or university-based merit scholarships aren’t just looking for perfect grades; they’re looking for individuals with a clear sense of purpose who are committed to using education as a tool for something greater than themselves. So reflect deeply: Why do you want to study this field? How will it impact your community? What unique perspective do you bring?

Here are a few practical tips:

1. Do your research. Understand what the scholarship or program values. Go beyond the basic requirements, read student blogs, watch videos from past recipients, and look into course content. Tailor your application to show that you’ve done your homework.
2. Show the link between your past, your present, and your future. Whether your field stays the same or shifts (as mine did, from biotechnology to environmental engineering), explain your choices and how they align with your broader goals.
3. Don’t be discouraged by financial or geographic barriers. Many scholarships like GKS are designed to democratize access to education, especially for students from the Global South. For example, GKS doesn’t require SAT, ACT, or GRE exams, only proof of English proficiency. This makes it more accessible for students who may not have the resources for costly standardized tests.
4. Document your journey. Keep a record of your academic achievements, volunteer work, community initiatives, and even your reflections. These can strengthen your essays and interviews.
5. Ask for feedback. Have someone you trust review your application materials; sometimes a fresh perspective helps you see what’s missing or what could be said more powerfully.

Lastly, believe in the value of your story. You don’t have to fit a specific mold. What matters most is showing that you are driven, committed, and ready to make the most of the opportunity, not just for yourself, but for those whose lives you hope to impact.