Global Korea Scholarship Recipient, Mohamed Atwair from Libya, Completed His Master’s at Chung-Ang University and Now Pursues a PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of South Carolina

My name is Mohamed Atwair, and I am originally from Libya. I studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Zawia, where I completed my bachelor’s degree, and later went on to earn a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering at Chung-Ang University in South Korea through the GKS scholarship. Currently, I am working toward my Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at the University of South Carolina, where I also serve as a Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant. My research mainly looks at lithium-based batteries, with a focus on building models that help us better understand and improve how these systems work. I decided to pursue further education in this field because I have always been interested in energy storage and the role it plays in shaping a cleaner and more sustainable future. Studying batteries at a deeper level allows me to connect my engineering background with real-world problems in renewable energy and technology.

Korean Government Scholarship (GKS) Details

In July 2018, I was awarded the Korean Government Scholarship (GKS) for Graduate Degrees, managed by the Korean National Institute for International Education under the Ministry of Education. Through this program, I received full financial support for my studies in South Korea, including a round-trip flight, tuition coverage, a monthly living allowance, and health insurance for the duration of the three-year program. The GKS is a highly competitive scholarship. For my home country of Libya, the annual quota is limited to only two scholars, which made being selected for this award a significant achievement and an important milestone in my academic journey

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

In January 2022, following the completion of my master’s degree, I was awarded the Chung-Ang University Young Scientist Scholarship (CAYSS). This scholarship, offered by Chung-Ang University, provided full coverage of tuition and admission fees for a period of four semesters. Receiving this award further supported my academic journey and recognized my research potential during my graduate studies.

Educational Background

I completed my bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, and I achieved a cumulative GPA of 89.66% (Excellent grade), ranking first in my department and being recognized as one of the top students in the program. This strong academic foundation not only equipped me with the core principles of chemical engineering but also fostered my interest in advanced energy systems and electrochemical technologies. My performance and ranking gave me the confidence and preparation to pursue graduate-level studies abroad, where I was able to build on this background and specialize in battery modeling and energy storage research.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Chung-Ang University?

I first learned about the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) through the official Facebook page of the South Korean Embassy in Libya. The program immediately caught my interest because of its strong academic reputation and the opportunity it offered to pursue graduate studies abroad. As part of my preparation, I took the IELTS test. While it was not a mandatory requirement for the scholarship, I considered it essential to demonstrate my English proficiency and to strengthen my application. I did not have prior experience with the Korean language at that time, but the scholarship included a one-year intensive language training program, which helped me begin learning and adapting to life in Korea.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)?

To apply for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), I carefully prepared all the required documents, including academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements. I then completed the application forms and submitted them directly to the South Korean Embassy in Libya, as outlined in the official guidelines. In addition to gathering the necessary paperwork, I spent time reviewing the scholarship requirements in detail to ensure that my application was complete and accurate. I also sought advice from previous applicants and mentors to strengthen my submission. This preparation process not only improved the quality of my application but also gave me greater confidence throughout the selection stages.

How is (was) Your Experience at Chung-Ang University?

My experience at Chung-Ang University was very positive. I found both the academic environment and the campus community to be supportive and welcoming. The faculty encouraged independent research and critical thinking, while my peers created a collaborative and motivating atmosphere.

How Do You Rate Chung-Ang University Academically and Why?

I would rate the institution very highly from an academic perspective. The university provided strong research facilities, well-structured graduate courses, and opportunities to work closely with experienced professors. These factors helped me expand my knowledge and develop the skills I needed to advance in my field.

How Does Chung-Ang University Support International Students?

My Korean lab mates and other international students at my university were very supportive and always willing to help me adapt to the new environment. This made the transition much smoother and helped me focus more on my studies and research.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

Most of my graduate-level courses were conducted in English, and my meetings with my supervisor were also in English. This made it easier for me to engage fully in academic discussions and research activities. At the same time, I benefited from the one-year Korean language training provided by the scholarship, which helped me communicate better outside the classroom and build closer relationships with my Korean lab mates, who were always supportive.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically, Not Knowing Korean?

In my experience, the challenges depend largely on the student’s major, laboratory environment, and supervisor. Personally, I did not face academic difficulties since my courses and meetings with my supervisor were conducted in English, and I had strong support from my lab mates. However, I know of other students in different labs or departments who encountered challenges when classes or research discussions were conducted primarily in Korean.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe it was not just my written application that stood out, but more importantly, my interview performance. During the interview, I made sure to be authentic and honest when answering the questions. I shared my genuine motivations and goals, which I think left a strong impression on the selection committee and ultimately helped me get selected for the scholarship.

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

Honestly, I would not have done anything differently. I am satisfied with the way I prepared and presented myself during the application and interview process.

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

My advice is to carefully prepare all the required documents and make sure everything is complete and accurate before submission. Equally important, be authentic and true to yourself throughout the process, especially during the interview. Scholarship committees value sincerity and a clear sense of purpose.