How an Indonesian Student Received the Fully Funded Global Korea Scholarship for a Semester Exchange in Industrial Engineering at Keimyung University

My name is Kenneth Louis Thenna, commonly known as Ken, and I am from Indonesia. I am currently an Industrial Engineering student. Becoming an industrial engineering student is not an easy task, as it requires a strong determination to learn. In this field, students are expected to analyze and solve complex problems. For this reason, I am motivated to deepen my knowledge of industrial engineering abroad, while also gaining more experience, especially in the field of management. Additionally, industrial engineering graduates often have better job prospects, making it an attractive field to pursue.

Scholarship Details

Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)/ Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for Fall 2022 Student Exchange Program at Keimyung University. Eligibility:

1. Applicants must complete at least 2 semesters in their home university before the end of the application process
2. Applicants should take at least one class related to the Korean Language or Culture at Keimyung University
3. Applicants who have had a scholarship from the Korean Government in the past cannot apply for the program
4. Applicants should study for only one semester at Keimyung University

Application Requirements for Internal Selection

• Application form with the signature and photo of the student (provided)
• Study Plan with the signature of the student (provided)
• Personal Statement with the signature of the student (provided)
• Latest Academic Transcript
• Recommendation Letter from the Head of the Department or Dean of Faculty
• English Proficiency Certificate

Scholarship Coverage

• Roundtrip Ticket
• Travel Insurance
• Living Expenses for 1 Semester (4 months) - around 550,000- 600,000 KRW/month

Educational Background

I am an Industrial Engineering student at Universitas Kristen Maranatha (class of 2019, graduated in 2023) with a GPA of 3.89. My academic background has equipped me with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, essential for the field of industrial engineering. This has motivated me to further my studies abroad, particularly to gain more experience in management. Additionally, I am interested in Korean culture and hope to understand its development, applying these insights to my future career.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Keimyung University?

To prepare for applying to institutions, I worked on several essential documents: a study plan, a personal statement, and the application form. Additionally, I prepared my CV, letter(s) of recommendation, transcript, and proof of English proficiency. I also submitted any relevant certificates related to the program I was applying for.

Once all the documents were ready and submitted, there was an internal selection process at my home university. Based on this internal selection, the International Office (IO) of my university nominated candidates to Keimyung University. By the grace of God, I passed the internal selection and was chosen by Keimyung University as a GKS Awardee.

After passing the internal selection, I had to apply for a visa. Fortunately, the GKS visa is free of charge.

The required documents to apply for a GKS visa (D-2-8) are as follows:

1. Certificate of Admission (LOA) – sent by the Korean university.
2. Certificate of the identity number or SIUP (issued by the inviting school in Korea).
3. Proof of the applicant’s last education (original document and a copy of the student status certificate issued within the last three months).
4. Proof of financial ability (covering school fees, living expenses, etc.) from the sponsor (either personal or from parents), including a copy of their ID (passport, etc.), work certificate (or business registration), and bank statements for the last three months (for GKS, this financial proof is waived).
5. Passport and passport-sized photo.
6. Visa application form (available on the embassy’s website).
7. Family relationship certificate from Indonesia.
8. Proof of identity documents.
9. TB diagnosis certificate.

Once all the required documents were submitted, I completed the visa application process and moved forward with my preparations for the program.

Since it was a bit of a last-minute decision, I didn't take any preparatory language courses beforehand. Instead, I went directly for the English Test Professional Certificate from the British Council, which could be converted to an IELTS score. I chose this option because it was more efficient, given my timeline.

As for finding information about the exam requirements, I did thorough research online through official websites and forums. I made sure to check the specific requirements of the institutions I was applying to, as well as the visa requirements, to ensure I had the right test scores and documentation in place.

For my preparation, since I didn’t have formal language courses, I focused on self-study by practicing through online resources, mock exams, and using study materials provided by the British Council. This helped me familiarize myself with the test format and improve my skills in all areas, such as listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

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

Since it’s a competitive scholarship, I carefully reviewed the application process, gathered all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a study plan. I also made sure I met all the specific requirements, such as language proficiency tests or other supporting documents.

In addition to this, I prepared by gathering information about the participating universities in South Korea, their programs, and their specific application deadlines. This helped me stay organized and ensure I was fully prepared for all the stages of the scholarship application process.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

What I believe made my application stand out was how I emphasized my unique strengths and experiences. Although I come from an Industrial Engineering background, not an English literature or language-focused major, which meant my English might not have been as fluent as some other applicants, I focused on the skills and achievements that set me apart.

I highlighted my involvement in various organizations, my role as a laboratory assistant, and my participation in multiple competitions, which showcased my leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, my strong GPA demonstrated my academic dedication and capability to excel in challenging environments. These experiences helped me build confidence and provided me with a well-rounded profile that combined academic excellence with hands-on involvement.

By showcasing these strengths, I was able to convey my passion, adaptability, and readiness to succeed in the program, which ultimately helped me stand out during the interview and the application process.

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

If I were going through the process again, I would focus more on preparing for the language test earlier on. I realize that I should have started improving my English skills at a younger age, even though it wasn’t my major. The earlier I had invested in mastering the language, the more confident I would have been during the application process.

Additionally, I would have made more effort to build and maintain connections with people from other countries. I have many friends from different parts of the world, but I didn’t keep in touch with them as much as I should have. Strengthening and expanding my network could have opened up more opportunities and valuable insights during the application process, as well as in the long run. I would definitely focus more on nurturing those connections moving forward.

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

My advice for those looking to apply for a similar scholarship would be to focus on being disciplined, diligent, and responsible throughout the entire process. Managing your time well is crucial, as the application process can be demanding and requires attention to multiple tasks simultaneously.

It’s also important to balance academics with extracurricular activities. I was able to maintain my GPA while staying involved in organizational activities, and I believe that these experiences helped me stand out in my application. Scholarships often look for candidates who are well-rounded, so don’t shy away from taking on leadership roles or participating in activities that develop your skills outside the classroom.

Additionally, networking and socializing with people from different backgrounds can be valuable. It’s not only about making connections for the application process but also about expanding your perspective and learning from others. I would recommend maintaining those connections and keeping in touch with people who can offer support or share insights, as building a solid network can be helpful in many ways.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of language skills. Even if your major isn’t directly related to English, improving your language proficiency early on can give you the confidence you need, especially when preparing for tests like IELTS or TOEFL. It’s a skill that will benefit you throughout the scholarship process and beyond.

So, in summary, stay disciplined, manage your time effectively, engage in activities that develop both your academic and personal skills, build a strong network, and prioritize language proficiency. By combining all of these, you’ll be better prepared and more competitive when applying for scholarships.