KAIST International Student Scholarship Recipient, Lei Chen (Rachel) from China, Shares Her Journey of Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), South Korea

My name is Lei Chen, also known as Rachel. I am originally from Hangzhou, China, and I am currently working as a Machine Learning Engineer in San Francisco, California, in the United States. I graduated from one of the most prestigious high schools in Hangzhou, where I developed a strong interest in science and technology from an early age. After high school, I aspired to pursue further education in the engineering field, with the goal of becoming a professional engineer and contributing to technological innovation.

In 2012, I was honored to receive the International Student Scholarship from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). This scholarship fully covered my tuition for my bachelor’s degree, as well as my living expenses throughout my entire undergraduate study until graduation. With the support of this scholarship, I was able to focus fully on my academic and personal development, studying abroad in Korea, and successfully completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering at KAIST. The opportunity provided by this scholarship played a crucial role in shaping my educational journey and professional career.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

During my studies at KAIST, I was also fortunate to receive additional scholarship-supported programs beyond my primary International Student Scholarship.

One of these was the KAIST Undergraduate Research Program (URP). Through this program, I had the privilege of working as an undergraduate researcher in a departmental laboratory at KAIST. This opportunity allowed me to gain hands-on experience by participating directly in frontier scientific research projects. Being involved in real-world research significantly broadened my perspective on the research field and deepened my understanding of state-of-the-art developments in electrical and computer engineering. In addition, I participated in the KAIST Entrepreneurship Program, organized by the KAIST Startup Foundation. Through this program, I worked in simulated startup teams with other highly motivated and talented students who shared a strong passion for innovation. Together, we developed startup ideas and carried them through a simulated business environment from concept to execution. This experience strengthened my entrepreneurial mindset and enhanced my teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

These programs enriched my academic journey at KAIST and played an important role in shaping both my technical expertise and professional outlook.

How I Found Information About Scholarships and KAIST

I learned about KAIST and its scholarship opportunities through an information session hosted at my high school in Hangzhou. At that time, KAIST was actively recruiting international students and selected my high school as one of the initial locations to introduce its undergraduate programs and application process. This session provided detailed information about studying in Korea, available scholarships for international students, and alternative admission pathways. It was through this direct outreach that I became aware of the academic strength of KAIST and the financial support opportunities it offered, which ultimately motivated me to apply.

Standardized Tests and Preparation

For my application to KAIST, I did not take standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT. As a Chinese applicant, I was eligible to apply using my Chinese National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao) scores as a substitute, which I had already prepared for extensively during high school. In addition, I took the TOEFL exam to demonstrate my English proficiency. I prepared for the TOEFL through consistent English study during high school, focusing on reading, listening, and academic writing skills. The combination of my Gaokao results, TOEFL score, and strong academic background allowed me to meet the admission requirements successfully.

I guess my rigorous academic background, combined with intensive exam preparation and strong recommendations, interviews, demonstrated my readiness for a challenging engineering curriculum. It laid a solid foundation for my studies in electrical engineering at KAIST and prepared me to succeed in highly technical and research-driven fields.

Experience at KAIST

My experience at KAIST was truly transformative and laid a strong foundation for both my professional career and personal growth. As mentioned previously, KAIST played a critical role in shaping who I am today. The combination of rigorous academics, generous scholarship support, and a highly motivated peer environment allowed me to focus fully on my development during my undergraduate years.

Academic Quality and Reputation

Academically, I rate KAIST very highly. The engineering school is one of the most prestigious in Korea and is highly competitive by international standards. The curriculum is rigorous, up-to-date, and strongly aligned with cutting-edge technological developments. KAIST also provides rich opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in research early on, allowing students to gain first-hand exposure to frontier research and emerging technologies.

Support for International Students

KAIST is very supportive of international students. There is a diverse international student population, along with numerous student clubs, academic communities, and campus activities that foster an inclusive and vibrant college life. Administrative and academic systems are designed to accommodate international students, and peers are generally welcoming and willing to help, both academically and socially.

Language of Instruction

Most classes at KAIST are conducted in English. In some cases where instructors may have limited English proficiency, classmates are typically very supportive and collaborative, ensuring that international students can still follow the course material effectively.

Language Barrier Considerations

During my time at KAIST (approximately fourteen years ago, 2012), international students were not required to pass a Korean language proficiency test for admission. While requirements may have evolved since then, not knowing Korean did not pose significant academic challenges, as coursework was primarily taught in English. That said, learning the local language is always valuable and enriching. Gaining some proficiency in Korean enhanced daily life on campus, and it is an experience I would highly recommend to prospective international students.

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

My advice to students applying for similar scholarships is to be proactive and well prepared. Reach out to the admissions and scholarship offices early, and do not hesitate to ask questions. They are often very helpful and can clarify requirements, timelines, and expectations.

I also strongly recommend connecting with current students, seniors, and alumni whenever possible. Their first-hand experiences can provide valuable insights into both the application process and student life. In addition, prepare thoroughly for all required components, including comprehensive academic exams, English proficiency tests, interviews, and recommendation letters. Careful preparation and proactive communication can make a significant difference in a successful application.