Global Korea Scholarship Recipient, Deepak Kumar from India, Shares His Journey of Becoming the Second Indian to Complete an Undergraduate Degree in South Korea

My name is Deepak Kumar, and I am currently a Partner Manager at SAP Labs India, part of SAP SE, headquartered in Germany. I'm originally from East Champaran district in Bihar, India, where I completed my education up to high school. I earned my degree in Electrical Engineering from Korea University in Seoul, South Korea, and completed a one-year Korean language program at Kyunghee University in Seoul. Before moving to Korea, I briefly studied Korean at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi.

Since childhood, I dreamed of pursuing engineering, ideally in India, but financial constraints at home made it challenging. This led me to explore alternative options to fund my studies, both domestically and internationally. During this search, the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS, formerly KGSP) emerged as an opportunity. I applied for GKS in 2014(GKS 2015) and was fortunate enough to receive it, being the sole recipient from India that year. I am proud to be the second person from India to complete an undergraduate degree in South Korea through the GKS program.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

I received the GKS 2015 scholarship to pursue Electrical Engineering from Korea University, Seoul, South Korea, and a 1-year Korean Language training at Kyunghee University, Seoul, South Korea.

Educational Background

When I applied for the GKS undergraduate program, my high school certificate was the only credential I had. Studying Korean in India proved beneficial, as I had already achieved TOPIK level 2 by the time I applied for the scholarship, demonstrating my interest in South Korea. Moreover, I had received two additional scholarships in India, which highlighted my hard work and dedication.

Scholarship details are below:

• National Merit cum Means Scholar (NMMS NTSE) – Bihar, India (2009–2013)
• POSCO Asia Fellowship Awardee (2014)

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Korea University?

I didn't have extensive information about the institutes at the time. I simply googled the top five engineering institutes in South Korea, and the names of SKY universities, KAIST, and POSTECH came up. I applied to Seoul National University, KAIST, and Korea University, and was ultimately admitted to Korea University. KAIST and Seoul National University were the obvious 1^st and 2^nd choices for me because these are the top 2 in Korea. However, I chose to apply to Korea University as my 3^rd option because most of the classes were being taught in English and a high number of international students.

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

I only had TOPIK level 2.

How Is (was) Your Experience at Korea University?

Reflecting on my experience as an engineering student at Korea University, several key thoughts come to mind:

• Academic Rigor: The curriculum was challenging and demanding, pushing me to expand my knowledge and problem-solving skills. This not only prepared me for the complexities of engineering but also instilled a strong sense of discipline and determination.
• Cultural Immersion: Being surrounded by a diverse cohort allowed me to experience a rich cultural exchange. The presence of international students created a vibrant atmosphere, broadening my horizons and enhancing my understanding of global perspectives.
• Language Advantage: The availability of courses in English was a significant advantage, making the transition smoother and facilitating deeper comprehension of subjects. Even though I had level 5 in TOPIK, taking engineering classes in Korean was challenging sometimes. This accessibility ensured that language barriers didn't detract from my academic experience.
• Innovative Environment: The university's focus on innovation and technology offered ample opportunities for hands-on learning, collaborative projects, and research initiatives. This fostered a creative and forward-thinking mindset essential for success in the engineering field.
• Community and Support: The support from faculty and peers played an indispensable role in my educational journey. It was encouraging to be part of a community that valued mutual assistance and academic growth.
• Personal Growth: Living and studying in South Korea helped me develop resilience and adaptability, managing the challenges of a new environment while striving towards my objectives.

Overall, my time at Korea University was transformative, enriching my academic expertise and personal growth while preparing me for a future in engineering

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

• Demonstrated Commitment to Korean Language and Culture: Having studied Korean in India and achieving TOPIK level 2 showcased my genuine interest in Korea and its culture, highlighting my readiness and enthusiasm to immerse myself in the local environment.
• Academic Excellence: My high school credentials and additional scholarships received in India were a testament to my hard work and dedication, underscoring my capability to excel in a rigorous academic setting.
• Clear Goals and Aspirations: My application likely conveyed a clear vision for pursuing engineering, emphasizing my long-held dream and determination despite financial constraints. This narrative could have demonstrated my perseverance and commitment.

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

• Thorough Research: I would invest more time in researching the universities and programs beyond just rankings. Understanding each institution's strengths, facilities, faculty, and specific research opportunities would help me make a more informed decision.
• Language Proficiency: While I had achieved TOPIK level 2, I could have aimed for a higher proficiency level, which might have further strengthened my application and eased the transition into a Korean-speaking environment. Additionally, I would prepare for IELTS/SAT/TOEFL.
• Enhancing Extracurricular Profile: I'd focus on highlighting any leadership roles or unique projects I was involved in, as these experiences demonstrate qualities like initiative and collaboration, which can be appealing to scholarship committees.
• Personal Statement Refinement: I would spend more time refining my personal statement to ensure it vividly communicates my passion, goals, and the impact I aim to make through my studies in Korea. Personal anecdotes and specific achievements could make a compelling narrative.

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

Be Authentic: Be true to yourself in your application. Authenticity resonates well and can help convey your genuine motivations and aspirations.