Global Korea Scholarship Scholar Cynthia Onyere Mulama from Kenya Shares Her Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master's at the KDI School of Public Policy and Management, South Korea

Hi! My name is Cynthia Onyere Mulama. I’m from Kenya, and I recently completed my Master’s in Development Policy at KDI School of Public Policy and Management in South Korea under the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-G).

Educational Background

If you had told me years ago that I would end up studying development policy in South Korea, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. My journey didn’t start in policy; it started in communications. I studied Public Relations at Daystar University, where I graduated with First Class Honors and was a three-time Dean’s Award recipient. I’ve always loved storytelling, but at some point, I began asking a deeper question: what are the systems behind the stories we tell?

That question became even more pressing during my undergraduate exchange program in South Korea. It was my first time experiencing a country where systems worked with precision and intention. Public transport was efficient, education was accessible, and healthcare systems were advanced. I remember thinking, why can’t my country achieve this level of development? That moment didn’t just inspire me, it redirected me. What began as admiration quickly became curiosity, and eventually, purpose.

Back in Kenya, my experience as a Programs Assistant brought that purpose into sharper focus. I worked on development initiatives and was part of a national obstetric fistula campaign, an experience that deeply changed my perspective. I witnessed what it meant to lack access to essential healthcare and saw how systemic gaps translate into lived realities. It was no longer theoretical. It was personal. I realized then that I didn’t just want to tell stories about development, I wanted to understand and influence the policies behind them.
That realization led me to apply for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS).

GKS is a fully funded scholarship by the Korean government. It covers tuition, accommodation, stipend, airfare, and even a year of language training. But beyond the funding, it gave me access to something even more valuable: a global classroom.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the KDI School of Public Policy and Management?

As I began exploring opportunities to study abroad, I approached the process intentionally. Preparing to apply to institutions was not just about meeting requirements; it was about alignment. I researched universities with strong programs in development policy, public administration, and international cooperation, ensuring that each application reflected my long-term goals.

How Did You Find Information About Global Korea Scholarship? Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? How Did You Prepare for Them?

I found information about scholarships through online platforms, institutional websites, and alumni networks. However, one of the most valuable resources was learning from those who had already walked the path. Their stories gave me both direction and confidence.
For GKS, standardized tests such as the GRE or GMAT were not required. Instead, the application emphasized academic performance, clarity of purpose, and the strength of the personal statement. I therefore focused on strengthening the core elements of my application, ensuring my academic record was solid, my documents were well-structured, and my narrative was clear and intentional.

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

I treated the entire process like a project. I started early, reviewed requirements thoroughly, and refined my documents multiple times. More importantly, I focused on telling a cohesive story, one that connected where I came from, what I had experienced, and what I hoped to achieve. I sought feedback, revised consistently, and ensured that every part of my application reinforced that narrative.
Receiving the scholarship was not just a milestone; it was an opportunity.

How Is (was) Your Experience at KDI School of Public Policy and Management?

My experience at KDI School was both exceptional and transformative. It is an international and multicultural community of policy analysts, scholars, and professionals from across the world, creating an environment that is intellectually stimulating and globally oriented. Beyond the classroom, students are encouraged to take on leadership and professional roles, whether as student reporters, graduate assistants, forum leaders, ambassadors, or teaching assistants. These opportunities allow students to move from theory to practice and to grow in both competence and confidence.

One of the most impactful aspects of my experience was the academic ecosystem beyond lectures. Annual conferences provided platforms to engage with emerging policy debates, present ideas, and interact with scholars and practitioners. Conferences play a critical role in academia; they foster intellectual exchange, expose students to cutting-edge research, and develop the ability to articulate and defend ideas in professional settings. In addition, KDI organizes regular job workshops and career development sessions, equipping students with practical tools for the transition into professional life.

How Does KDI School of Public Policy and Management Support International Students?

The institution also maintains a strong and active alumni network, ensuring that students remain connected to graduates from their respective countries and regions. Alumni are not distant figures; they are actively engaged, often returning to share their experiences and guide current students. This creates a sense of continuity and belonging that extends beyond graduation.

How Do You Rate KDI School of Public Policy and Management Academically and Why?

Academically, I would rate KDI School very highly. It is NASPAA-accredited, a clear testament to the quality and global standard of its programs. The coursework is rigorous and intellectually demanding, but in a way that challenges you to grow. Students are taught by seasoned professors who are not only academics but also consultants to governments and experts in their fields. This ensures that learning is grounded in both theory and real-world application.

KDI further enriches its academic environment through policy workshops, conferences, and regular engagements with global institutions such as the World Bank, including monthly webinars that expose students to current global development conversations. Combined with its strong alumni network and institutional support, KDI creates an environment where transformation is not just possible, it is inevitable.
Following my studies, I have remained intentional about my growth and career direction. I am currently building my professional path at the intersection of development policy, communications, and stakeholder engagement. I have worked across public institutions and international platforms, including roles at the Central Bank of Kenya and the African Development Forum, where I engaged with high-level stakeholders and contributed to strategic communication and policy-related initiatives.

Beyond formal roles, I serve in the Social Welfare Committee of the Kenyan Community in Korea, where I support diaspora welfare initiatives in collaboration with community leaders and the Kenyan Embassy. Most recently, I was selected into the Comms Avenue Communications Mentorship Programme (CMP), which reflects my commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Looking back, I believe what made my application stand out was clarity. I didn’t just present achievements, I presented a story. I connected my experiences, my motivations, and my goals into a coherent narrative that made sense.

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 start earlier. Time allows for reflection, refinement, and confidence.

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

For anyone considering applying for a similar scholarship, my advice is simple: know your “why.” Your motivation must go beyond the desire to study abroad. Tell a story, not just your achievements. Be intentional in your approach, start early, and give yourself the space to refine your application. Most importantly, believe in your journey.

You don’t need a perfect background; you need clarity, purpose, and conviction.

At its core, my journey has taught me that development is about people. It is about dignity, access, and opportunity. And if there’s one thing I hold onto, it is this: meaningful change does not always begin with grand gestures; it often begins with the decision to care, to question, and to act.