GKS Scholarship Scholar Nada from Yemen Shares Her Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Bachelor's at Kyung Hee University, South Korea

Hello! I’m Nada, originally from Yemen, but I was born and raised in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Communication Design from Kyung Hee University in South Korea.

Ever since I was young, I’ve always been drawn to anything visual, whether it was photography, films, books, design, or the way images can communicate emotions and stories without words. That curiosity naturally led me toward visual arts, where I found a space that combines creativity, storytelling, and human connection.

During my studies, I became especially interested in photography, editorial design, and visual storytelling. Many of my projects focused on memory, identity, and human emotion. I enjoy creating work that feels personal and visually meaningful rather than just aesthetically pleasing. Studying abroad also played a huge role in shaping me both creatively and personally. Living in Korea exposed me to different perspectives, cultures, and ways of thinking, which deeply influenced both my work and the way I approach design today.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

I was awarded the GKS (Global Korea Scholarship), which is a fully funded scholarship program sponsored by the Korean government for international students studying in Korea. The scholarship covered major expenses throughout my studies, including tuition fees, airfare, living expenses, Korean language training, and other academic support.

It is a highly competitive program that selects students from around the world based on academic achievement and potential, providing them with the opportunity to pursue higher education in Korea while fully supported throughout their study period

Educational Background

I completed my high school education in Saudi Arabia with a GPA of 91%. During high school, I already had a strong interest in visual arts and creative expression, which later guided my decision to pursue Visual Communication Design. This early foundation helped me develop discipline, curiosity, and a clear direction toward creative studies.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Kyung Hee University?

After graduating high school, I started preparing for my academic path by strengthening my English skills. Alongside that, I was already certain that I wanted to study a creative field and was interested in different forms of art, filmmaking, and visual expression. Because of that, I began intentionally building my creative foundation as well.

From an early stage, I was naturally drawn to visual storytelling. I used to make short videos as a hobby and take photos regularly, which helped me develop an eye for composition, emotion, and narrative. I stayed connected to creativity in my daily life through exploring visual content, experimenting with editing, and continuously observing different forms of visual communication.

To prepare more seriously for studying abroad, I also moved to Korea in 2018 and enrolled in an intensive Korean language program at the Seoul National University of Science and Technology, where I completed levels 1,2 and 3 over eight months. At that time, the GKS program was temporarily unavailable for Yemeni students for about one to two years, so I chose to move and begin learning Korean in Korea. This experience helped me not only build the language skills needed for studying in Korea, but also gradually adapt to the academic and creative environment I would later enter as a design student.

How Did You Find Information About Global Korea Scholarship and Kyung Hee University?

I was already aware of study opportunities in Korea through my sister, who was also a scholarship student at the time. This gave me early exposure to the application process and the academic environment in Korea. In addition, I regularly followed updates and announcements related to scholarship programs for international students, which is how I learned when the scholarship for Yemeni students reopened. Once it became available again, I applied directly for the 2019 GKS program.

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

I enrolled in a two-month IELTS preparation course at the British Council to prepare for the exam. During this period, I focused on strengthening my academic English skills and familiarizing myself with the test format. Although I did not end up taking the IELTS test, I already had a strong foundation in English from an early age, as I was exposed to the language through everyday media such as films, television, and music while growing up. This helped me develop a natural comfort with English, which made it easier for me to adapt to academic preparation and formal language training. My focus later shifted toward learning Korean in preparation for studying in Korea, which became the main language requirement for my academic path there.

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

I prepared for the GKS scholarship by first understanding its requirements and following updates regarding its availability, especially since it had been temporarily closed for Yemeni students for a period of time.

While I was already in Korea studying the language, I made sure to stay ready for the moment the scholarship reopened. Although Korean language proficiency was not strictly required at the application stage, I was eager to strengthen my chances of being accepted, so I focused on building a strong foundation in Korean while preparing myself academically and personally for studying in Korea.

When the scholarship became available again, I prepared and submitted my application with all required documents, making sure everything reflected my academic background, preparation, and readiness to study in Korea under the GKS program.

After I was accepted, I had to return to Saudi Arabia because the Korean Embassy for Yemeni citizens was relocated in Riyadh at the time. I completed all the required procedures there, submitted my documents, and obtained my student visa before traveling back to Korea to begin my studies as a GKS scholar.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

For my major, Visual Communication Design at Kyung Hee University, around 95% of the classes were conducted in Korean. Since design courses often involve discussions, presentations, critiques, and close communication with professors and classmates, having Korean language proficiency was very important throughout my studies. I reached TOPIK level 4, which helped me manage academic work and communicate effectively in both classroom and project settings.

However, the language of instruction can vary depending on the university and major. I knew other GKS students at different universities whose programs included more English-based classes. In general though, for the GKS undergraduate program, most majors are primarily conducted in Korean, which is why Korean language preparation plays a major role before starting the degree program. This is also why the GKS program places strong importance on the one-year Korean language foundation, ensuring that GKS students develop the necessary language skills to successfully adapt to academic life and fully engage in their studies once they begin their degree.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Korean?

Yes, I think students may face some academic challenges if they do not know the native language, especially in undergraduate programs where most classes are conducted in Korean. Even when some materials are available in English, daily communication, class discussions, presentations, teamwork, and feedback from professors are often mainly in Korean. For majors like VCD, communication plays a big role during critiques and collaborative projects, so understanding the language makes the academic experience much smoother and more comfortable.

However, I also believe it depends on the university, major, and the student’s willingness to adapt and learn. Many international students gradually improve their language skills while studying, and universities usually provide Korean language support programs to help students adjust academically and socially.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think what made my application stand out was that my personality and intentions genuinely aligned with what the GKS program represents. I am naturally a curious and adaptable individual, and I believe that showed throughout my application, not only academically, but through the choices I made before even becoming a scholarship student.

Rather than waiting for the scholarship to reopen, I took the initiative to move to Korea independently and begin learning the language and adapting to the environment myself. I think this demonstrated commitment, independence, and a genuine interest in cultural exchange rather than simply studying abroad for a degree.

My application also reflected a strong willingness to learn and grow, which I believe are important qualities for a global scholarship program like GKS. I believe GKS chose me because they saw someone who was academically motivated, genuinely interested in Korean culture and society, and prepared to fully immerse herself in both the educational and cultural experience of living in Korea.

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 not change the main steps I took, because each step played an important role in preparing me for the scholarship. Moving to Korea, studying the language, and gaining real exposure to the environment all helped me build the foundation I needed at the time.

However, I also don’t see it as the only correct way to prepare. Everyone’s path is different, and there are many valid ways to reach the same goal. For me, this approach worked because it allowed me to grow through experience, not just preparation on paper. Looking back, I appreciate the journey I took, and I believe it shaped me both academically and personally in a meaningful way.

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

My advice would be to start preparing early and be consistent. Even if the scholarship is not open at the moment, it is important to continue building your skills and strengthening your profile so you are ready when the opportunity comes.

I also think it is very important not to wait passively for the right timing. In my experience, taking initiative and creating your own preparation journey made a big difference. For example, improving language skills and gaining exposure to the country or field you want to study in can really strengthen your application. At the same time, I would say to stay curious and open-minded. There is not only one way to prepare or one perfect path. Every journey is different, and what matters most is being genuine about your motivation and consistent in working toward your goal. I wish all future applicants the best of luck!