Global Korea Scholarship Master's Student Elijah Ogola Oketch from Kenya Shares His Journey of Studying Animal Science at Chungnam National University, South Korea

My name is Elijah Ogola Oketch, and I am from Nairobi, Kenya. I am a poultry nutritionist by passion and training. I pursued a Master of Science degree in Animal Science at Chungnam National University (CNU), South Korea. I chose to further my studies in Animal Science simply because I enjoy studying animal agriculture, and I believed I could play a role in supporting modern human food production systems.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

I received the Global Korea Scholarship for Graduate Degrees (GKS-G) in 2019 from the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under the Ministry of Education, South Korea, to pursue MSc studies at CNU. It is a fully funded program covering round-trip airfare, language training, tuition, salary, and medical insurance.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

I have gratefully received other scholarship including the 2017 GKS for African and Latin American Undergraduate Students from NIIED, the Samil Scholarship from the Samil Foundation, the WooJung Education & Culture Foundation Scholarship from Booyoung Group, and the Global Elim Foundation Scholarship from the Global Elim Foundation.

Educational Background

I attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture (Animal Science Major) from the University of Nairobi. My undergraduate studies were comprehensive enough and provided a strong foundation in animal production and agricultural sciences. This helped to shape my academic interests as well as trigger the desire to keep on learning about animal agriculture.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Chungnam National University?

I tried to gather as much information as possible regarding my university, the specific degree program, and the courses offered. Since English is the official language in Kenya and the primary language of instruction, I didn’t have to take any additional English proficiency exams.

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

Maintaining strong academic performance is key. Beyond that, I ensured that I began drafting my application documents well in advance. Starting early allowed me ample time to receive feedback from my supervisors and improve my study plan and personal statement accordingly.

How is (was) Your Experience at Chungnam National University?

My experience at Chungnam National University has been both academically and personally enriching. I have enjoyed the supportive environment and the opportunity to engage closely with the faculty and staff.

How Do You Rate Chungnam National University Academically and Why?

I rate CNU’s Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology highly. The faculty is research-oriented, technically proficient, and well-integrated with the industry. Animal agriculture is very applied in nature, and I appreciate the collaboration between the faculty and other stakeholders, including national research institutes, feed and additive manufacturers, policymakers, consumers, and farmer groups. I always get the feeling that what we do here is translating into practical and measurable impact in human food production systems. In addition, graduate studies involve a great deal of being able to teach oneself, but that has to be complemented with proficient mentorship from the faculty. I am grateful to receive both the autonomy to develop as a researcher and the expert guidance necessary to refine my work at CNU.

How Does Chungnam National University Support International Students?

There is a range of support systems that international students can utilize, including graduate mentorship programs, Korean language courses, cultural experience activities, and counselling programs.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

The classes are often conducted in both Korean and English, depending on the individual professor’s preference and the relative number of Korean and international students who take up a particular course.

What Did You Pursue After the Scholarship?

I pursued further studies, and I am currently a PhD candidate in Animal Science at CNU.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing the Native Language of the Country?

At the end of the day, you must talk to and interact with people. Communication defines everything, and I think it is vital to have some Korean Language Proficiency for an enriching student and general life experience in Korea.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think that a strong academic foundation was probably helpful, and the way I tailored my application suited what the department wanted. In addition, I think the prior Korean experience during the 2017 GKS for African and Latin American Undergraduate Students, where I was at Chonbuk National University, might have been helpful.

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

I prepared early, gave it my best and was gratefully awarded the scholarship. I wouldn’t go about it differently.

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

Prepare early and try to know as much as possible regarding the scholarship objectives, degree programs and courses on offer, graduate student experience (we have enough social media stories for that), and general life experience, more so if you are moving abroad. You also have to believe that your story is unique, and if you can narrate it well enough (not heroic enough) in your applications, then you can definitely get the scholarship you are looking for. Keep it simple, direct, and honest.

Final words: We live in a world of numbers and rankings, but I would advise anyone considering graduate studies abroad to look beyond the university rankings. Equally important is the lived experience of being part of a university and its surrounding community. Think about the living costs of the city and general life beyond the university. That general life experience is as important as your studies. Get as much information as possible, professionally reach out to previous students on LinkedIn, ResearchGate or even other social media platforms. It is important to know what you are signing up for. In addition, maybe contact potential supervisors in advance. Doing so demonstrates initiative and genuine interest and can also help you in gauging responsiveness, mentorship style, and the overall academic environment you may be entering.