How Olebogeng Thelma G. Eyman, a Motswana Scholar, Secured a Master’s in Ecology and Environmental Biology at Korea University, South Korea Through the Global Korea Scholarship

My name is Olebogeng Thelma G. Eyman, from Botswana in Southern Africa. I hold a Master of Science (MSc) in Ecology & Environmental Biology, a Bachelor of Business in Tourism Management, as well as a Diploma in Korean Language (TOPIK II) Level 4 - High Intermediate. During my studies at Korea University, I was able to publish a couple of research papers for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). I am also an award winner of Botswana Youth in Tourism. I am a proactive and results-driven professional with 7+ years of experience in leadership and customer relationship service. Skilled in secretariat, marketing, and events management, as well as passionate about the upliftment of sustainable development and sustainability. Experienced administrative professional with proven ability to identify and cultivate partnerships, ensuring successful collaborations and sustained organizational growth through strategic engagement and comprehensive reporting. My personal Fields of Interest are Education, Languages, Corporate, Travel and Tourism, Environment, and Sustainability.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Global Korea Scholarship in 2019, whereby I was able to travel to South Korea to do my master's. I started first by undergoing language training at Keimyung University in Daegu, where I was enrolled for an intensive Korean Language Programme for 1 year, thus 2019 – 2020. Then, from 2020–2022, I was enrolled at Korea University for my master’s degree in Ecology and Environmental Biology.

Educational Background

Master of Science in Ecology and Environmental Biology

University of Study: Korea University in the Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering under the subdivision of Ecosystem Ecology and Laboratory (Seoul, South Korea)

Study Period: September 2020 – August 2022, Grade: GPA 4.38 / 5.0 Scale

Bachelor of Business (Honors) in Tourism Management (Tourism and Travel Services Management)

University of Study: Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (Gaborone, Botswana)

Study Period: July 2011 – June 2015, Grade: GPA 3.35 / 4.0 Scale

Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK II) - Korean Language Learning and Proficiency

University of Study: Keimyung University (Daegu, South Korea)

Study Period: September 2019 – August 2020, Grade: TOPIK II (Level 4) - High Intermediate

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Korea University?

I researched the course I wanted to study on the institution’s website. Then I applied for the Global Korea Scholarship, which I received, and then picked Korea University as my study institution. So, I downloaded the scholarship documents and went through a list of schools in South Korea; that is when I picked Korea University and researched more about the education, facilities for foreign students, as well as the culture and transportation information for transit around South Korea.

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

I found the information via Google because I had an interest in studying in South Korea, having been a fan of Korean Dramas since 2005.

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

Yes, I took a standardized test called the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) II Level 4 (Intermediate) when I was studying Korean Language Studies at Keimyung University in Daegu. So for 1 year, I was taking Korean Language lessons at the school, and every week we had tests to check our understanding and proficiency. At the end of the 1 year, I took the TOPIK II exam, passed it, and proceeded to do my master’s degree at Korea University in Seoul.

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

I completed the Scholarship Application Form, then sent it to one of the previous students who was awarded the Scholarship the previous year (2017 to 2018) for her to help with the application essays and process.

How is Your Experience at Korea University?

The experience was amazing; I learnt a lot and received lots of support and care from my Professor and Laboratory Colleagues. The education was excellent, and the Korean culture was amazing.

How Do You Rate Korea University Academically?

Well, Korea University is one of the SKY Universities of South Korea and considered one of the best world universities that which provide quality education. In my opinion, I would say that, being part of the SKY Universities and second in rank after Seoul National University, Korea University is indeed the best university. It may not be above SNU, but it is the best to me because of the good education I received, excellent university infrastructure, as well as good foreign students’ policy.

How Does Korea University Support International Students?

Foreign students are provided with excellent accommodation that has good facilities such as a compound shop (7-Eleven), a cafeteria with excellent Korean Cuisine, good laundry facilities, good gym facilities, and many more. The office for the GKS students was also very supportive in my schooling and stay at the university. It made us feel welcome, and they also provided counselling facilities for foreign students who had challenges adapting to the new environment or who had family problems back home.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

At Keimyung University, the Korean Language classes were taught fully in Korean. And this teaching style really allowed me to learn Korean deeply and I hope the teaching stays that way because, had I not been taught in Korean I would have had a hard challenge with adapting to the Korean life (Subways, taxis, and supermarkets) were I interacted mostly with natives. At Korea University, some classes in my division were taught in English while others were taught in Korean. And those that were taught in Korean us foreign students were allowed to do assignments in English as well as take examinations in English. This worked pretty well for me.

What Did You Pursue After the Global Korea Scholarship?

I returned to my home country, Botswana, though I had to find a job immediately. After 2 years of having returned, I was able to find a job at one of the best universities in Botswana, called Botho University, where I am working as a Senior Officer in the Continuous Professional Training Department. Though not in line with my studies (bachelor’s degree and master’s degree), I am still glad to gain experience in Sales and Marketing.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing Korean?

If the students will be studying 100% in Seoul, then I believe they wouldn’t have much of a challenge in having to study the Korean Language because most of the people (especially Korean Native Youth) in the cities speak English, and the transit (bus and taxi) facilities mostly have English translations. However, I believe every student who wants to study in South Korea one way or the other was influenced by K-pop and K-dramas; hence, they will be interested in learning the Korean Language.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Back in my days the Global Korea Scholarship was competitive in the fields of study whereby students were granted the scholarship looking at the majors they wanted to study, priority was mostly given to students who wanted to study Sciences or Political Sciences. However, nowadays even students who want to study Business Studies are given a chance. According to me, I believe my application stood out because of the activities I mentioned I wanted to do when I complete the scholarship, which include being an ambassador for Global Korea Scholarship in my country, Botswana. Botswana does not have a registered association of alumni who completed studies in Korea, but there are many of us. Hence, I really wish we could have such an organization endorsed by the Korean Government through the Ministry of Education in Korea and Botswana.

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

Whoa, it’s been a long time, I can’t remember all my application, if I had a chance, I would want to see my application document again so that I see if I have achieved my learning goals that I said I wanted to achieve when I applied for the scholarship. So, with the application process, I would not change much. However, I realize that I could have managed my scholarship living allowance better, because the one thing I regret most not doing was saving money from my scholarship allowance so that after graduation, I could have enough money for survival, either looking for a job in Korea or back home after completing the scholarship.

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

First, research and learn more about the culture so that you adapt well. Seek guidance on how to apply for the scholarship. All in all, Global Korea Scholarship is one of the best scholarships which has best benefits for foreign students.