Master’s Modern and Contemporary Korean History Student Angelica from Italy Shares Her Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master’s at the Graduate School of Korean Studies, South Korea

Hello! My name is Angelica and I’m a 2020 Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Graduate recipient from Italy. From a very young age, I have been fascinated by East Asian cultures. I have been passionate about Korean music and movies, and I have always been interested in the South Korean modern development from a historical and economic point of view. For this reason, I decided to pursue my graduate studies in South Korea, majoring in modern and contemporary Korean history at the Graduate School of Korean Studies (AKS).

Global Korea Scholarship Details

In 2020, I received the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) from the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) of South Korea. The scholarship is fully funded and covers tuition, health insurance, airfare, and a monthly stipend.

Educational Background

Prior to my master’s, I obtained my bachelor’s degree summa cum laude in Oriental Languages and Civilizations from La Sapienza University of Rome. The program provided me with a solid foundation in the Korean language, literature, and philosophy, as well as a broad understanding of East Asian history and society. During my undergraduate studies, I also had the valuable opportunity to participate in an exchange program at the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul, where I attended an intensive Korean language course for a semester.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS)?

I applied through the university track to the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) - The Graduate School of Korean Studies, one of the major research-oriented graduate schools in the field of social sciences related to Korea. Important factors for me were the student-faculty ratio and the support offered to international students, including Korean language courses and field trips. I checked the school's website for the curriculum of the Korean History program and found that the course syllabi matched my area of research interest.

How Did You Find Information About the Global Korea Scholarship and the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS)?

I started gathering information online about the university program and scholarship on the Study in Korea website a year in advance, carefully checking all the requirements (GPA, scholarship quotas, etc.) listed in the previous years' guidelines. I also reached out to students who had gone through the application process before and to other students looking to apply to the same university.

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

Before applying for the scholarship, my main goal was to obtain a high-level TOPIK certificate. Although a language certificate is not required, having prior knowledge of the language could be a determining factor in the admissions process, especially for students applying to programs taught entirely in Korean. I spent five months studying for the test using online resources and practice texts. My TOPIK Level 5 allowed me to obtain a waiver for the one-year mandatory language course that GKS students without prior Korean knowledge generally have to take.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Global Korea Scholarship?

Once I had all the information, I started preparing the necessary documents before the scholarship call was even published. Since translating and notarizing all official documents and transcripts can be an expensive and time-consuming process, I recommend acting well in advance to avoid missing the deadline.

How is Your Experience at the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS)?

My experience at the Graduate School of the Academy of Korean Studies was positive overall and met my expectations. With a smaller student body and a location in a quiet neighborhood in Seongnam, away from the distractions of Seoul, the school allows students to focus on their studies while keeping living costs low for those who live on campus. The low student-faculty ratio allowed me to develop closer connections with professors, which definitely contributed to better support during my academic journey. It also helped me improve my Korean skills and participate more in smaller classes that included both Korean and international students.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my personal statement was key to the success of my application. While writing it, I focused on expressing my deep interest in Korean studies and highlighting all my previous experiences in academic projects related to Korea. My experience as an exchange student also demonstrated my knowledge of Korean society, ensuring that cultural differences would not prevent me from completing my studies.

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

Once I arrived at my University, I did not expect to be required to start my thesis project in the first semester. If I were applying again, I would contact professors in my department to discuss my research interests during the admissions process. That way, I could make academic decisions with less stress.

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

• Be strategic – Young students interested in the GKS scholarship often focus on the highly ranked, globally known SKY universities in Seoul (Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University). However, the number of available spots is lower than the number of applications they receive every year. Focus on your field of study and evaluate where you have the best chance of being accepted. Keep in mind the cost of living. Even though tuition and health insurance are covered, the monthly allowance may be tight if you live in Seoul. Applying to universities in smaller cities or rural areas could enable you to live more comfortably and focus on your studies instead of worrying about your finances.
• Start early – Carefully check the guidelines and required documents several months in advance. The process of requesting and legalizing official documents can differ from country to country, and you may find that some documents are missing from your application envelope (it happened to me!). Sending your documents well before the deadline can be a lifesaver.
• Study Korean, even a little – Korean universities are now offering more programs in English, which has led to an increase in applications from international students. However, keep in mind that Korea is not the most English-friendly country. If you are not able to understand the basics, your daily life at the start of your academic journey in Korea could be extremely confusing and discouraging. Furthermore, demonstrating an interest in Korean culture, as well as indicating prior knowledge of the language and experiences related to Korea, are essential components of your personal statement.
• Show real motivation – In order to convince NIIED to invest in you, clearly state in your personal statement why pursuing your studies in Korea would benefit your future and your field of work. Why do you want to receive your education in Korea instead of elsewhere? How will you contribute to the relationship between your home country and South Korea? Explaining your long-term vision will increase your chances of standing out.

  And remember that believing in yourself is the first step!