Hanyang International Scholarship Recipient, Juju from Myanmar, Pursues a Bachelor’s in Business Administration at Hanyang University, South Korea

Hi! My name is Juju San, and I’m from Myanmar. Right now, I’m studying Business Administration at Hanyang University in South Korea. I chose business as my major because I like numbers and solving problems. Besides studying, I love getting involved in different activities and taking on responsibilities that challenge me. I guess you could say I like learning by doing and having fun along the way!

Hanyang International Scholarship Program Details

Before entering Hanyang University as a transfer student, I was a GKS (Global Korea Scholarship) candidate in 2020, which is a highly competitive national scholarship from the Korean government.

Currently, I am studying at Hanyang with the Hanyang International Scholarship Program (HISP), which covers 50% of my tuition every semester. This scholarship not only supports my studies but also inspires me to keep learning and taking on new challenges.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

In 2023, I was also offered the Global Emerging Scholarship II from Sogang University for a 3-year transfer program. Even though the scholarship benefits were similar, I chose HISP at Hanyang for my BA. Hanyang’s strong global ranking gave me more flexibility for the future, especially since I wasn’t completely sure back then whether I would still be in Korea after graduation. From what I know, Sogang scholarships are extremely competitive, with very few spots available, so I genuinely felt honored to have been selected.

Educational Background

I started my studies in Software Engineering at one of the top universities in Myanmar before COVID happened. During the pandemic, I decided to try something completely different and began looking for full-ride scholarships in Asia. At the age of nineteen, I moved to Korea with the GKS program. I first joined Busan University of Foreign Studies to study Korean for a year and then moved to Jeju to earn an associate degree from Cheju Halla College and graduated with a CGPA of 4.04 in 2024. Now I’m at Hanyang’s Business School, keeping my CGPA at 4.16 and ranking in the top 19% of my class. This journey has been a mix of exploring new fields, gaining practical experience, and building a solid foundation for my future in business.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Hanyang University?

How Did You Find Information About the Hanyang International Scholarship Program and Hanyang University?

I first heard about the GKS Scholarship from my sister back in 2020 and immediately thought, Why not give it a try? Later, when I planned to continue my bachelor’s degree, I spent a lot of time researching about top business schools in Korea and their programs to find the best fit for me.

However, I missed the deadlines of SKY because those universities usually open their applications much earlier, and at that time, I was still preparing for my IELTS exam. Since the timing didn’t match up, I decided to focus on universities where I could confidently showcase all my achievements and potential.

I thoroughly organized all my certificates and awards and applied to Hanyang and Sogang through regular admissions. Thankfully, I was offered scholarships from both universities. It was a truly rewarding moment and felt like a reflection of all the effort I had put in, honestly.

I decided to go with the GKS-U associate program because it fit my situation the best. COVID-19 suddenly happened, and I hadn’t prepared for IELTS when I applied for it because I found out about the program quite late(in June). I only have TOPIK level 2. I actually wanted to get my bachelor's from top universities in Seoul for a secure future because my Korean teacher told me graduating from Seoul universities is better since employers really care about which university you went to. But it is only possible if you apply for KGSP via the embassy track. Only three applicants are selected each year, and most of the candidates I know have both IELTS and TOPIK and are from either medical school or engineering schools. I didn’t want to wait another year to prepare for IELTS because I was already eighteen. Honestly, the path I decided to go with was also more cost-effective for me, compared to other options.

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

I had TOPIK Level 5 and an IELTS band 7. For IELTS, I prepared intensively for three weeks with a tutor who helped me hit my target band 7. I guess I work best under a little pressure!

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

Before applying for any scholarships, I always made sure to have all my important certificates ready to submit, and that really helped me snag all the scholarships I applied for. I also consulted with my school coordinator and professors, who provided me with helpful guidance during the process. Honestly, I do have a little regret. I think I might have been eligible for even better scholarships if I had included the “모범상” award from my department. I couldn’t submit it because I applied while still in my last semester. My advice for anyone planning to transfer to a better university is to wait until you have your degree. This way, you will not miss out on anything important or have any regrets.

How is (was) Your Experience at Hanyang University?

My experience at Hanyang University has been meaningful and challenging in the best way! Working on group projects and presentations in an international environment really helped me improve my collaboration skills and learn how to work effectively with people from different backgrounds. And honestly, the friends I’ve made here are amazing and make everything even more fun.

How Do You Rate Hanyang University Academically and Why?

I really love being a Hanyang student! The university is especially well-known for its innovation and finance courses, and I’m so glad I chose HYU for my bachelor’s degree. My professors encourage critical thinking, and the curriculum is great for anyone who wants to build a career in a global company. The only small challenge is that we do have more marketing and HR classes than other business courses, so I have to do some extra studying for those. But I am learning a lot, so I think it is okay.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

I did my diploma entirely in Korean, and currently, I am mostly taking classes in English at Hanyang.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think what made my application stand out was my strong commitment to my education and consistent academic performance. On top of that, I was very active in school competitions in Jeju and participated in other extracurricular activities. I even worked as an administrative assistant at my dad’s business during semester breaks to gain some business insights as well. Being recognized by the Representative of Burma in 2018 was also a really proud moment for me. All of this might have proved that I don’t shy away from challenges and always give my best.

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

If I were doing it again, I’d probably take a gap semester to spend more time with my family before starting another degree. University life in Seoul is different, and I realized I wouldn’t have much time for fun or meaningful experiences once I started working, so taking that time first would let me recharge and gain new experiences. Most importantly, I’d make sure to submit all my achievements, like graduation certificates and awards such as the President’s Award and Role Model Award, so my application fully reflects everything I’ve worked for.

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

From my experience, I would strongly advise anyone applying for scholarships to plan ahead and keep all their documents and achievements organized. It’s really important to show both your academic performance and your involvement in activities. Being genuine in your essays and interviews and sharing your real experiences and passions can ultimately make your application stand out. And honestly, just being yourself can sometimes be the most impressive part of all. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to focus on yourself and your growth. Everything else will follow.