How an Indonesian Interpreter Secured the Fully Funded Global Korea Scholarship to Study Korean Language Education at Keimyung University

Hello, everyone. My name is Arni Anggraeni, and I am from Indonesia. I used to work as a Korean interpreter at a major Korean company (대기업) and now work as a freelance interpreter. I also teach Korean online through my platform, Haneul Ssaem, and create content on TikTok to share Korean language lessons and information about the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS).

Currently, I am attending a Korean Language Institute (어학당) at Keimyung University. I hold a TOPIK level 6 certificate and am passionate about promoting the Korean language and culture through education and communication.

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Scholarship Details

I am currently a recipient of the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), which is offered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under the Korean government. This scholarship fully funds my Master's degree program, covering tuition fees, monthly living allowance, airfare, settlement allowance, and health insurance.

The GKS is highly competitive and supports international students who wish to pursue graduate studies in Korea. I am very grateful to have been selected, as it has given me the opportunity to study Korean Language Education at Keimyung University.

At the time of my application, GKS was the main scholarship I focused on, and I fully committed to it after receiving the award

Educational Background

I graduated from the University of Riau with a major in International Relations and a GPA of 3.71/4.00. During my studies, I learned about cultural diplomacy and realized how language, especially Korean, can serve as a bridge between countries.

During my college year, I established a Korean community on campus and taught Korean there, gaining practical teaching experience. These activities strengthened my passion and skills, preparing me well for my master’s degree in Korean Language Education.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the GKS Scholarship?

To prepare for my application to the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), I started by creating a clear schedule and timeline, organizing everything into documents to ensure I stayed on track. I prioritized working on the major documents, such as getting my apostilled documents and writing my essay, to make sure I had all the required paperwork in order.

At the same time, I focused on improving my Korean language skills to meet the scholarship's language requirements. I dedicated myself to studying for the TOPIK and achieved a level 4 certification, which I felt was an important milestone in my application process.

Additionally, I collected and organized all my relevant experiences, particularly those related to my field, such as my teaching experience in Korean. This helped me demonstrate my commitment and qualifications for the scholarship.

To prepare for the TOPIK exam, I created a structured study schedule with clear goals. I primarily focused on expanding my vocabulary and improving my writing skills, as these areas were essential for achieving a good score.

I dedicated a lot of time to learning and memorizing new vocabulary, especially words that commonly appear in the exam. For the writing section, I practiced constructing sentences and writing short essays, paying close attention to grammar and sentence structure to ensure clarity and accuracy. I also used practice questions and past exam papers to familiarize myself with the format and improve my skills.

By consistently focusing on vocabulary and writing, I was able to achieve a TOPIK level 4, which played a crucial role in my application.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out due to my commitment to contributing to society, demonstrated through my professional experience and activities. My work as a Korean interpreter at a major company and as a freelance interpreter showcases my language proficiency and ability to support cross-cultural communication. Additionally, my teaching experience through Haneul Ssaem reflects my dedication to sharing knowledge. I also actively teach Korean in my hometown, offering free lessons to young people and helping to spread the language.

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 have started preparing earlier, especially in terms of gathering documents and getting them apostilled. During the application process, I almost failed to submit my documents on time because of the holiday season, which caused delays in sending my documents to Korea. I would make sure to plan ahead to avoid such issues and ensure all documents are submitted well before the deadline.

Additionally, I would have focused even more on networking with people who had already been through the GKS process to gather insights and advice that could have helped refine my application. I would also dedicate more time to practicing my interview skills. Although I was confident in my written materials, being better prepared for the interview would have made my presentation even stronger.

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

For those looking to apply for a similar scholarship, my advice is to start early and stay organized. The application process involves a lot of paperwork, so create a detailed timeline and ensure that you allow enough time to gather all the required documents, get them apostilled, and complete your essays. Be mindful of submission deadlines and plan ahead to avoid last-minute issues.

Make sure to highlight your strengths, particularly experiences related to leadership or community involvement. These can help set you apart. If applying for a scholarship like GKS, invest time in preparing for language proficiency exams.

A crucial piece of advice is to get feedback on your essays. Have someone with experience review them to ensure they’re well-written, clear, and impactful. This can make a huge difference in the quality of your application.

Finally, network with others who have gone through the process. They can offer valuable insights and tips that could make a significant difference.