KOICA Fellowship Scholar, Charmaine Distor from the Philippines, Pursued a Master’s in e-Government and Public Management at Yonsei University

My name is Charmaine Distor, and I am from the Philippines. I am currently a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland, where I focus on the role of artificial intelligence in the public sector. Alongside my doctoral studies, I serve as a Research Consultant for the United Nations University – Operating Unit on Policy-Driven Electronic Governance (UNU-EGOV) in Portugal.

Before shifting to the world of research, I was a civil servant back in the Philippines. I worked as a Project Development Officer and Section Chief at the Department of Information and Communications Technology in the Philippines, where I oversaw national ICT programs. I also served as Officer-in-Charge for Information, Tourism, Culture, and Arts at the City Government of Carmona, Cavite.

For this interview, however, I will share my journey during my master’s studies. I obtained my Global Master of e-Government and Public Management from Yonsei University in South Korea through the KOICA Fellowship Program. I also hold a Bachelor of Science in Development Communication from the University of the Philippines.

Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Fellowship Scholarship Details

I received the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Fellowship Scholarship, specifically under its Capacity Improvement and Advancement for Tomorrow (CIAT) program. Unlike most scholarships, KOICA targets public servants, policymakers, and government experts from its partner countries.

The scholarship package was very comprehensive. It covered:

• Round-trip airfare (for my case, it’s Philippines–South Korea–Philippines)
• Settlement allowance
• A monthly living allowance (around KRW 1 million at the time, likely higher now)
• Full tuition fees
• Accommodation in the university dormitory
• Health insurance
• Support for extracurricular activities such as field trips and academic conferences

Educational Background

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Development Communication from the University of the Philippines. While academic preparation was important, KOICA primarily emphasizes professional background and public sector service since it’s a program targeted to further build the capacity of government officials and public servants. Applicants must be nominated by their government agency, which ensures that the program supports national priorities. My prior work in the government made me a strong fit for the e-Government and Public Management program.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Yonsei University?

How Did You Find Information About the KOICA Scholarship and Yonsei University? 

I first learned about the KOICA program through colleagues and friends in government service. From then on, I regularly monitored KOICA’s official website to track announcements on programs, requirements, and deadlines. Since KOICA programs vary annually depending on demand, it was crucial to check whether fields relevant to my expertise and interests were available. I was fortunate that the e-Government and Public Management program was introduced the year I applied.

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

Yes, I took the IELTS before applying because most international scholarships require proof of English proficiency. One tip: be strategic about timing. IELTS and similar test results are only valid for two years, so it’s best to schedule the test close to your application timeline to maximize its usefulness.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the KOICA Scholarship?

My preparation involved two main parts:

1. Monitoring requirements closely: I reviewed KOICA’s calls for applications and ensured I was ready with the documents and qualifications needed. I also asked friends who got accepted before in KOICA scholarships to know about their experience and if they could share some tips with me.
2. Coordinating with my workplace: Since the program is for government employees, it was essential to align with my agency’s goals. I sought approval and secured the required nomination letter.

The application also involved two rounds of interviews: first with KOICA representatives and then with professors from the host university of the degree program I chose, which is Yonsei University. These interviews tested my interest in the program and my vision for applying my learning upon returning to government service.

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

My time at Yonsei University was incredibly rewarding. All of our core classes were conducted in English, making the academic experience very accessible. Professors were highly distinguished in their fields, and the learning environment was rigorous yet supportive.

KOICA also arranged Korean language classes, which helped us engage better with the local culture, though our master’s program itself was fully delivered in English. Compared to other scholarships in Korea, where students must study Korean for a year, KOICA’s model allows you to focus directly on your field of study.

Beyond academics, I built lifelong friendships with classmates from various countries and also local friends, and enjoyed immersing myself in Korean culture, food, and language. The experience broadened both my professional network and personal horizons.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Since KOICA specifically recruits government officials and public servants, the applicant pool is smaller compared to more open scholarship programs. However, this also means the competition is among peers with similar experiences, which in itself is also a challenge. I believe what made my application stand out was my ability to:

• Connect my work experience to my target degree program’s goals
• Clearly articulate how the master’s program aligned with my career path
• Present a concrete plan for applying what I would learn upon returning to my agency
• What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

Looking back, I believe I prepared well for the application process. If I had to do it again, I would follow the same steps.

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

-Align your story: Show how your work experience connects to the program and why the degree is necessary for your career and your organization’s goals.

-Be proactive: Continuously monitor announcements, deadlines, and eligibility criteria. For KOICA, you can check announcements here: https://www.koica.go.kr/ciat/7815/subview.do. If you can also find someone who got accepted for the scholarship, that’s great, so you can ask them for some personal tips. Feel free to connect with me on Instagram (@charmainedistor) if you want to learn more about the KOICA scholarship, or if you want some tips on getting a funded PhD experience in Europe, which I’m currently also having now in Switzerland.

-Coordinate with your institution: Since KOICA requires a nomination, early communication with your HR or supervisor is crucial.

-Prepare for interviews: Be ready to explain not just why you want the degree, but how you’ll use the knowledge to contribute to public service when you return.