Master's in Computer Engineering Scholar Maame Serwah Dumfeh from Ghana Shares Her Journey of Studying at Dongseo University, South Korea

My name is Maame Serwah Dumfeh, and I am from Ghana. I currently live in South Korea, where I pursued my Master’s degree in Computer Engineering. My academic background is in Information Technology, and I graduated in 2021 from Bluecrest College in Accra, Ghana.

I chose to pursue further education in technology because I have always been passionate about solving real-world problems using systems, security, and innovation. Over time, my interest became more focused on cybersecurity and blockchain technology, particularly in securing healthcare data. I wanted to gain deeper technical expertise and international exposure, which is what motivated me to apply for graduate studies abroad.

Studying in Korea challenged me academically, culturally, and personally, but it also helped me grow tremendously.

Dongseo University Graduate Scholarship Details

I received a graduate scholarship to pursue my Master’s degree in Computer Engineering at Dongseo University in South Korea. The scholarship covered my tuition and provided a monthly stipend to support my living expenses throughout the duration of my program.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology in Ghana, where I graduated as the valedictorian of my year group. My GPA was 3.75/4.0, and my academic record showed consistent performance.

My background prepared me well because I had a strong foundation in networking and security, I had practical experience building systems, and I had leadership experience (IEEE student chapter involvement), and I developed discipline and academic consistency early.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Dongseo University?

How Did You Find Information About the Dongseo University Graduate Scholarship and Dongseo University?

Initially, I was planning to apply for a Master’s degree program in China or the United States. However, I came across a scholarship opportunity for South Korea through an Instagram post, and the deadline was about two weeks away. I decided to research the country further, particularly its advancements in technology and the reputation of its universities in engineering and computer science. As I learned more about South Korea’s strong tech industry and academic environment, I became interested in applying. After that, I explored university websites, government scholarship portals, GKS information platforms, and online communities to gather more information. The experience taught me that scholarship opportunities can sometimes appear unexpectedly, so it is important to stay informed and actively search for information.

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

No. Since I found out about the scholarship just 2 weeks before the deadline, there was no time to prepare for any standardized tests. Plus, the GKS scholarship offers a 1-year mandatory Korean language class to help students adjust to life in Korea (after receiving the scholarship). That was really helpful.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Dongseo University Graduate Scholarship?

When preparing my scholarship application, I focused on writing a strong, well-structured, and authentic Statement of Purpose that clearly explained my academic background, research interests, and future goals. I made sure to present a clear long-term vision rather than simply expressing a desire to study abroad. I highlighted my leadership experiences, resilience, and academic achievements, and I ensured that my research interests were specific and aligned with the program. I also secured strong academic recommendation letters to support my application. Most importantly, I made sure my entire application told a coherent story from my beginnings in Ghana, to my leadership roles, to my IT background, and to my interest in cybersecurity.

How is (was) Your Experience at Dongseo University?

Studying in Korea was academically intense and personally transformative. The experience was not always easy. I had to navigate language barriers, adjust to a different culture, handle academic pressure, and live far from home. Despite these challenges, the experience helped me grow significantly. It strengthened my independence, resilience, and adaptability, both academically and personally.

How Do You Rate Dongseo University Academically and Why? 

I would rate the institution highly in terms of its research infrastructure, access to laboratories, and exposure to practical research tools. The academic environment encourages independent thinking and critical analysis. Students are expected to take initiative, manage their research responsibly, and develop strong problem-solving skills.

How Does Dongseo University Support International Students? 

The institution provided support for international students through orientation programs, immigration guidance, and services from the international student office. Language classes were also available for those who needed them. However, while support systems exist, international students must also be proactive, independent, and willing to seek help when necessary.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean? 

My program was conducted primarily in English, which made it academically accessible. However, living in Korea requires at least basic Korean language skills for daily life and integration. To improve my language ability and better understand Korean society, I took part in the social integration program (KIIP) classes and took the TOPIK exams.

What Did You Pursue After the Scholarship? (Work, Further Study, Research, or Something Else?) 

After completing my degree, I focused on strengthening my technical skills and gaining deeper practical experience. I completed a research internship at GIST, where I was exposed to advanced research environments and interdisciplinary collaboration. In addition, I took on freelance projects to gain hands-on experience and apply my technical knowledge in real-world settings.

I continued working on blockchain and cybersecurity-related projects to expand my professional portfolio. At the same time, I began preparing to pursue a PhD in blockchain research, with a particular interest in secure and privacy-preserving systems. My goal is to contribute to research that bridges blockchain technology and real-world applications, especially in areas like healthcare and data security.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing Korean?

If the program is conducted in English, students should not face major academic difficulties solely because of language. However, if the course is taught in Korean, having at least an intermediate level of Korean proficiency is very important and will significantly support academic success. Apart from academics, knowing Korean is highly beneficial for daily life, social integration, networking, internships, and employment opportunities within Korea. While it is possible to manage with basic Korean at first, improving language skills makes the overall experience much smoother.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because of my strong academic performance, as well as my clear interest in advancing my knowledge in technology and contributing meaningfully to the field. My application told an authentic and coherent story about my academic journey, personal growth, and long-term ambition. I think the combination of strong academics, leadership experience, practical exposure, and genuine motivation made my application competitive.

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 start preparing earlier and apply to even more scholarship opportunities. I would also network more actively with professors and strengthen my research proposal further. I would probably manage stress better and trust the process more.

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

Start early and research thoroughly. Avoid applying blindly and tailor each application to the specific program. Build real projects and experiences in addition to maintaining good grades. Tell your story authentically and confidently. Do not underestimate yourself because of your background. Rejection is part of the journey, and persistence is important. Your story and your experiences matter more than you think.