KAIST Scholarship Recipient, Ana T. Paredes, Shares the Story of How She Applied for the Fully Funded Award to Pursue Her MBA in Entrepreneurship and Corporate Venture at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

My name is Ana T. Paredes, and I am from Peru. I recently founded Vetabiz, a group with the vision of supporting SMEs in Latin America to organize, improve, and grow. Through accelerator-style programs and innovation pilots, we want to help small businesses thrive even in challenging environments, applying digital transformation and AI solutions throughout the process. We also explore social innovation initiatives, including pro bono work for individuals and micro-entrepreneurs, reflecting my goal of combining technology, entrepreneurship, and social impact.

I pursued my education to build the skills necessary for this vision and give back to my community. I first studied Materials Science and Engineering at Nanjing University of Science and Technology (NJUST) in China and later completed an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Corporate Venture (Techno-MBA, now KAIST MBA) at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in South Korea.

KAIST Scholarship Details

KAIST MBA (2020–2022)

Institution: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), College of Business, Seoul, South Korea

Scholarship: KAIST Scholarship

Coverage: Full tuition waiver + 500,000 KRW/month stipend

Program: Entrepreneurship & Corporate Venture Track

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

NMG-NJUST Joint Scholarship (2014–2018)

Institution: Nanjing University of Science and Technology (NJUST), China

Scholarship: Nanjing Municipal Government & NJUST Joint Scholarship

Coverage: Full tuition waiver + free on-campus accommodation (no living allowance)

Program: Undergraduate in Materials Science and Engineering

Educational Background

With my engineering background, I joined AGP Group, a leader in high-tech automotive glazing solutions, in R&D engineering, where I deepened my interest in leveraging technology to enhance product quality and operational efficiency. I realized the need to combine technical expertise with managerial and strategic decision-making to create greater impact, which motivated me to pursue an MBA at KAIST. The Techno-MBA program, designed for students with engineering backgrounds, allowed me to gain skills in entrepreneurship and business strategy in technology-driven industries.

I finally graduated with a GPA of 3.64/4.3, but more importantly, I gained practical knowledge and valuable experience. During my MBA, I completed internships in marketing and later in global procurement research, which led to a job in procurement consulting. After working with SMEs, I returned to Peru to gain further consulting experience and work more directly with small businesses in Latin America, where I realized there were similarities and structural issues that needed to be addressed. This led me to pursue a professional internship at the ILO, focusing on formalization and developing economies, and ultimately inspired me to launch Vetabiz.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)?

I graduated from high school early at 15, and there wasn't much online information available at the time, so I started with university rankings. You could check reputation, but also know each university’s strengths and areas of expertise. Then, I did a deep dive into admissions pages, programs, and deadlines, focusing on what aligned with me and the scholarships they offered. It took me a while, but I discovered Nanjing University of Science and Technology (NJUST). I really liked the campus and was very impressed with their facilities, library, and laboratories.

For KAIST, I was already familiar with the university and the Techno-MBA program, specifically designed for students with engineering backgrounds, which matched exactly what I was looking for at that moment.

I took the TOEFL for NJUST and the IELTS for KAIST. I had learned English mostly on my own from a young age, so I didn’t need to prepare much, and thankfully, I did well.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the KAIST Scholarship?

The personal statement was one of the most important parts of my application. I focused on explaining how I had overcome challenges, why the university should consider me, and what motivated me to apply. Administrative tasks, like translations and notarizations, were sometimes tricky, so I paid close attention to submitting everything correctly. Communicating directly with the university before applying was very helpful in understanding what they were looking for.

How is (was) Your Experience at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)?

NJUST: It was my first time studying and living abroad, which was culturally enriching. The program included a mandatory Chinese language course and classes on drones, 3D design and printing, and innovative material technologies. Overall, the experience helped me discover more about myself.

KAIST: I learned a lot from my professors and peers, who brought diverse experiences to each lesson. I also attended a couple of sessions organized by the Kventures student club, where CEOs and entrepreneurs shared their business journeys. I was in the Entrepreneurship and Corporate Venture track, and I really appreciated the focus on entrepreneurship, case studies, and hands-on learning. The program helped me understand key aspects of business, making it a perfect fit for my goals.

How Do You Rate the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Academically and Why? 

NJUST: Strong in research and very interesting academic projects.

KAIST: Excellent, globally recognized institution for technology and engineering. The MBA program is highly competitive, innovative, and impactful.

How Does the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Support International Students? 

NJUST: They provided accommodation, orientation, and Chinese language training. Overall, support for integrating into the university and campus life was good.
KAIST: Excellent support and mentorship programs. Students have access to awards, clubs, and career development opportunities.

My advisors for both universities were great; they helped me out a lot and provided me with good recommendations.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

Both programs were fully in English. At NJUST, there was one mandatory Chinese language course as part of the program, and at KAIST, I took some electives in Korean.

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

Knowing the local language can open additional opportunities, but it’s not strictly required academically. In China, I didn’t know Chinese at first, but learning it during the first year helped with daily life and integration. In Korea, knowing Korean made electives, internships, and immigration processes much easier. I received my residence visa within two years without any issues, and my Korean skills gave me extra points and confidence in handling administrative tasks. That said, it depends on your long-term goals and what you want to get from the experience.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my personal statement was key. It highlighted my background, adaptability, and a clear vision of how I planned to use my education to contribute back to the university, community, and future ventures.

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

I would have applied a bit earlier, mostly because I was already a year into university when I submitted my application. Having more information, like what’s available now through the global scholarship platform, would have made it easier to access opportunities sooner. That said, I don’t regret how it turned out.

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

Focus on your personal statement. You don’t need to have everything figured out for the future. Much of what I did was trial and error, but these experiences helped me discover what I enjoy. The key is to stay curious and not be afraid to try new things. Your statement should reflect your journey, curiosity, and how you’ve overcome challenges. If you are unsure, reaching out to students, alumni, or the university can be very helpful.