An Indian Student Gets the Global Korea Scholarship to Pursue her Master's at Daejeon University

My name is Deepika Goyal, and I am originally from India. I have eight years of work experience in India, following my undergraduate degree in Hotel Management. Currently, I am pursuing my Master's degree in Busan, South Korea, a journey that has been both challenging and rewarding.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

I am honored to be a recipient of the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) in 2022. I did my language year at Daejeon University, where I studied Korean language and culture for one year. Now, I am pursuing my Master's in Service Design at Dongseo University in Busan. The GKS Scholarship is fully funded, covering airfare and providing a monthly stipend of 1.3 million won. In short, The scholarship supports one year of language study followed by two years of master's study.

Educational Background

My undergraduate studies were in Hotel Management and Administration. Although my GPA was excellent on a scale of 4, the percentage may not fully reflect my academic potential. However, my extensive job experience, particularly in sales and marketing and as an Assistant Manager in an IT company for a food delivery app, provided me with the practical knowledge and experience that prepared me for my Master's journey in Korea. It was through this experience that I developed an interest in Service Design, and I discovered that Korea offered a specialized program in this field, leading me to apply for the GKS Scholarship.

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

My preparation for the GKS Scholarship was a long and meticulous process. I spent a year diligently working on every aspect of the application. I started by watching videos of past applicants, learning basic Korean to make a good impression during the interview, and sending well-crafted emails to professors whose work aligned with my interests. Given that my percentage wasn’t very high, I decided to apply through the University track, as I had already established contact with a professor. This connection significantly helped me secure the scholarship. I also obtained recommendation letters from my undergraduate professors and ensured that all necessary legal documents were prepared well in advance. This allowed me to focus entirely on writing a compelling personal statement and statement of purpose, which were crucial in securing the scholarship.

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 focus more on planning for life after the GKS Scholarship. My efforts were concentrated solely on securing the scholarship, which I worked towards for years. However, now that I am busy with college projects and my thesis, I find it challenging to prepare for job opportunities or future career prospects. For example, engaging in more volunteer work in Korea could help secure a good or long-term visa. Therefore, I would advise future applicants to also plan for their post-GKS journey.

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

My advice for future applicants is to stay positive and persistent. Try to connect with professors early on, familiarize yourself with the culture and language before applying, and leave no stone unturned in your preparation. Consistency and dedication are key to securing such a prestigious scholarship.