Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Recipient Asiye Baran from Türkiye Shares Her Journey of Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering at Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)

Hello! My name is Asiye Baran, and I am from Türkiye. I am 19 years old, and I am currently in my 2nd year in Software(Computer Science and Engineering) at Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) in South Korea as a GKS scholarship student.

Having grown up using and admiring Samsung devices, learning that Samsung is a Korean company strongly attracted me to South Korea. Discovering that SKKU is closely supported by Samsung, has a disciplined education system, and ranks among the top universities worldwide made it one of my main target institutions. From that point on, I started preparing specifically for GKS and SKKU.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), funded by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under the South Korean government, as the only student for the embassy track from Turkiye.

Scholarship coverage includes:

• Full tuition fee
• Monthly living allowance
• Settlement and resettlement allowance
• Medical insurance
• Language training (Korean language program-I was excluded thanks to TOPIK 5)
• Research and thesis support (where applicable)

This scholarship made it possible for me to study abroad without financial burden and focus fully on my academic and personal growth.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

While I got into Sungkyunkwan University, Kyungpook National University, and Gyeongsang National University with GKS, I was also qualified for the Hanyang International Scholarship Program (HISP) 50% for 8 semesters in the Computer Science Department at Hanyang University.

Educational Background

I completed my high school education at a science high school in Türkiye and ranked 2nd in the school with a 98/100 GPA. Alongside maintaining a strong academic record, I actively participated in national and international projects related to software, artificial intelligence, and data analysis, and also in Korean culture. I also attended a summer school at a local university in Turkiye, where I studied Metaverse, Big Data, and Intelligent Data Systems, graduating with outstanding success.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Sungkyunkwan University & Global Korea Scholarship?

I followed a long-term and structured preparation plan starting from my first year of high school, carefully building my profile across academics, languages, technical skills, social impact, and leadership.

Academically, I consistently maintained a high GPA, prioritizing mathematics and science courses. I treated my school exams as a foundation for international applications rather than short-term goals. In parallel, I prepared for and took language and proficiency-related exams, understanding their importance in studying abroad. In terms of languages, I continuously developed both English and Korean. I strengthened my academic English through research writing, presentations, and project reports, while studying Korean systematically from an early stage and achieving TOPIK Level 5. I also took the SAT and got a 1400 score (680/770). Technically, I explored software and artificial intelligence through online courses and independent learning, and later applied this knowledge in concrete projects. These included AI-based projects in education, healthcare, and data analysis, where I worked on chatbot development, machine learning applications, awards from these projects, STEM activities, working as an AI research intern in a tech-law company, and natural language processing research. Alongside technical work, I actively participated in social and community-oriented projects. I co-founded Horangom, Türkiye’s first active Korean learning community, and led the team, where we combined technology with language learning to promote Korean language and culture, reaching over 25,000 people online and more than 300 active members. Through this initiative and other volunteer projects, I developed strong leadership, teamwork, and organizational skills. By aligning my academic performance, language development, technical projects, social initiatives, and leadership roles with my long-term goals, I was able to present a coherent and purpose-driven application profile.

How is (was) Your Experience at Sungkyunkwan University?

Academically, I found that major courses are more demanding than I initially expected. This pushed me to develop strong time-management skills and maintain a disciplined study routine. While non-major courses were closer to my expectations, the rigor of major courses helped me grow significantly in terms of problem-solving and persistence. Beyond academics, SKKU offers a very active and supportive student environment. Both international and local students are generally open and approachable, especially when you take the first step to communicate. I actively participate in seminars, academic events, and student and club activities, which allow me to connect with many people and better understand the university culture.

How Does Sungkyunkwan University Support International Students?

Sungkyunkwan University supports international students through dedicated international offices, orientation programs, Korean language courses, and active student communities, helping them adapt both academically and socially.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

Most of my major courses are conducted both in English and Korean, and Korean language courses are offered to support international students.

What Did You Pursue After the GKS Scholarship?

After receiving the scholarship, I pursued further undergraduate study in Software at Sungkyunkwan University. Alongside my coursework, I actively participate in student organizations within the university. In addition, I am currently conducting research on an AI-based chatbot designed to help reduce anxiety among international students during their adaptation process in South Korea. Beyond these, I continue to Horangom project and take part in various technical and interdisciplinary projects.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing Korean?

Academically, students can manage well if their program is taught in English, but learning the local language greatly helps with daily life, communication, and full integration into campus activities.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because it demonstrated long-term commitment, consistency, and meaningful impact. I began preparing for this goal at a very early age, when I was 13 years old, and gradually built my profile with a clear direction. I maintained a high GPA, achieved TOPIK Level 5, and continuously developed my English and Korean language skills. I combined my technical interests with social responsibility by working on AI-based projects in education and healthcare, and did projects about the Korean language and culture. I conducted research in NLP and sentiment analysis, resulting in an international journal publication.

Beyond these achievements, I believe a key factor was my confidence and my leadership in my own story. I had a deep understanding of my personal journey, motivations, and goals, which allowed me to communicate them clearly and sincerely in my essays and interviews. During the interview process, I was able to project confidence, convey my determination, show my leadership in my community, and demonstrate how strongly I believed in my path, which helped the evaluators trust my vision and see my commitment. I was clear about what I want to do in the future and why studying in Korea is essential for that journey, and I explained this honestly without exaggeration. Together, these elements allowed me to present myself as a strong academic candidate and a self-aware, socially responsible, and future-oriented individual.

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

If I were going through the process again, I would avoid taking a break from my original goal. In the middle of high school, I briefly considered applying for scholarships other than GKS and stepped away from the GKS path for a while. Looking back, I realized that continuity played a major role in my success, and I ultimately achieved this scholarship because I returned to my goal and stayed committed. During the application period, overthinking this break caused unnecessary stress and self-doubt. If I could change anything, I would trust my long-term plan more and manage uncertainty with greater confidence.

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

I would advise future applicants to start preparing as early as possible and to approach the process as a long-term journey rather than a last-minute application. Maintaining a strong academic record is important, but it should be supported by meaningful activities that reflect genuine interests. Instead of trying to do everything, applicants should focus on building depth and consistency in a specific field.

Language preparation is also crucial. Developing both English and, if possible, the host country’s language not only strengthens applications but also makes academic and social adaptation much easier. I would also recommend participating in projects that combine technical skills with social impact, as this shows both competence and responsibility. Additionally, I think expressing all of them in the essay in the right way is so crucial.

Most importantly, applicants should take time to understand their own story and learn how to communicate it clearly and honestly. There is no “perfect profile,” but there is a well-explained and sincere one. Having backup plans while still being brave enough to take calculated risks is equally important. Finally, believe in your journey, trust your preparation, and do not be afraid to present yourself with confidence.