EGPP Scholar, Nunnalin from Thailand, Studies Computer Science and Engineering at Ewha Womans University in South Korea

My name is Nunnalin, though I often go by Nalin while studying in South Korea, as it is easier to pronounce in various languages. I am originally from Thailand and a recipient of the EGPP scholarship. I began studying the Korean language at the age of 13 as my third language, inspired by the K-pop group BTS, who motivated me to explore the language and culture more deeply. I started my journey in South Korea with a computer science and engineering degree in March 2023. One of the key reasons I selected this major is South Korea’s strong standing in technology, consistently leading with new innovations. At the same time, I want to further develop my Korean skills to a level where I can feel fully confident. My goal is to communicate fluently in Korean, both in academic settings and in everyday life. Another reason is that I want to experience living on my own and take the opportunity to study abroad, exploring beyond the world I have always known. I once felt that life had become somewhat monotonous, with little left to pursue. However, stepping out of my comfort zone gave me a new perspective. I am determined to try new things, embrace challenges, and remain open to opportunities that will help me grow.

EGPP Scholarship Details

EGPP is a fully-funded scholarship granted by Ewha Womans University. Here is the coverage of the EGPP Scholarship.

• Full tuition: Computer Science and Engineering’s tuition is around 5 million won per semester.
• Admission Fee
• Monthly Stipend: 550,000 won (last updated: fall 2025)
• Dormitory Fee
• Airfare
• NHIS (National Health Insurance Fee)
• Additional course (Summer/Winter Semester): You must pay in advance and get a full refund after you finish a course.

Educational Background

I studied in a Thai public high school under the Science-Mathematics curriculum, while learning Korean on my own during my free time. I also joined various extracurricular activities such as debating, event organizing, Korean traditional instrument classes, and even a Portuguese class offered by the embassy. These experiences were valuable in helping me explore different paths and connect with inspiring people. Although my educational background may not be considered top-tier, what truly matters is that I constantly seek out new opportunities, discover what I am good at, and learn through the process. I believe that knowing yourself well is also an important key to growth. This kind of educational background can help demonstrate how well you align with your goals.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Ewha Womans University?

How Did You Find Information About Scholarships and Ewha Womans University?

I found it on a Thai educational website that gathers scholarship information

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

I took the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) before my admission and achieved Level 5 at that time.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the EGPP Scholarship?

Writing my SOP was a long process that required revisions and edits, often right up until the submission deadline. Although I hold TOPIK Level 5, I chose to write in English, as it allowed me to communicate my ideas more effectively. One strategy that proved especially helpful was drafting an outline to structure the content and keeping notes of ideas whenever they came to mind. For instance, if I suddenly thought of something I wanted to mention while eating, I would immediately jot it down on my phone and later include it in the SOP. This habit of capturing ideas as they arose ensured that I could continually refine my writing and present a more complete and thoughtful statement.

It is also important to have someone proofread your documents. For me, this was very helpful because it allowed me to cut unnecessary details or too subjective sections. That person could be someone who knows you well and can highlight your strengths, or simply someone who can give you an honest perspective. I also found that the process of writing an SOP helped me reflect on my own motivations and question whether I truly wanted to pursue my degree in South Korea. Studying abroad can be the first major decision to go overseas alone, and if it is not your genuine desire, it may hold you back from brainstorming the strongest and most convincing points that will make you a successful applicant.

How is (was) Your Experience at Ewha Womans University?

Ewha Womans University is in a great location, right in Sinchon and close to Yonsei University. I’ve had really good experiences working with my Korean friends on team projects, and it gave me a chance to learn and work closely with native speakers. Since Ewha is a women’s university, the atmosphere feels very supportive, and I’ve always felt welcomed even as a foreign student.

How Do You Rate Ewha Womans University Academically and Why?

I had no background in coding before admission, so I was worried about whether I could keep up with the pace of the classes. Fortunately, Ewha’s Computer Science program allows students to start from the basics, which is a great advantage for those who are new to the field. However, there are only a few courses offered in English, and many are not available in English at all, which can be challenging for international students in addition to the inherent difficulty of computer science itself. Still, if you want to build your knowledge from the ground up, this program is a good choice. There are also many computer clubs to explore, and they are welcoming to international students.

How Does Ewha Womans University Support International Students?

The scholarship supervisor who looks after us is very kind and friendly. They always greet us with a smile when we go to sign the monthly stipends. This makes me feel very lucky because I am always sensitive to how people treat me when I am abroad. And there are many international students with whom I can share my thoughts and hang out. The international student affairs team gives good support when we want to have an event, such as having dinner together or having a booth in the university festival.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

in Korean

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

I am currently studying in South Korea, where my entire program is taught in Korean. Although I achieved TOPIK Level 5, which is considered a high level, I quickly realized that this did not necessarily guarantee a smooth start to my first semester. Language ability goes far beyond what a score report can reflect. What I want to emphasize is that it is completely normal to feel as if you have little to no Korean skills at the beginning. For instance, one of my professors spoke with a dialect accent, which made comprehension even more challenging, and much of the engineering vocabulary was completely new to me. It was a period that required both courage and adaptability, not only academically but also culturally.

Even now, I would say that I still struggle with Korean. However, after sharing my difficulties with my Korean friends, I realized that they also have trouble understanding some professors. This might be because the subjects become more challenging each semester, or simply because professors tend to speak at what feels like 2.0x speed. Either way, it reminded me that there is no need to blame myself too much. Do not be afraid of the language barrier, and remember that progress may feel slow, but you will improve step by step.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Personally, I believe that my Korean language score (Level 5) makes my application more competitive, especially since my major is taught in Korean.

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

I would still choose to do the same.

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

I would say that it is important to put genuine effort into writing your SOP, as it should clearly demonstrate your motivation to receive the scholarship. Preparing your documents in advance is also essential. The key is to have a strong understanding of yourself and to highlight how this scholarship will enable you to grow and further improve.