MBA Finance Student Phung Lan Phuong Linh from Vietnam Shares Her Journey of Studying at Sookmyung Women's University, South Korea

My full name is Phung Lan Phuong Linh, but everyone often calls me Mina as a nickname. I am from Hanoi, Vietnam. I received the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for the Master’s program in August 2019.

I pursued an MBA in Finance at Sookmyung Women’s University from 2019 to 2021. I decided to pursue further education in Finance because I wanted to strengthen my quantitative and analytical foundation after studying Econometrics at the undergraduate level.

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Details

I received the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) – Master’s Program.

The scholarship covered:

• Full tuition
• Monthly stipend of 900,000 KRW plus an additional 100,000 KRW per month for achieving TOPIK Level 5 (total: 1,000,000 KRW per month)
• Settlement allowance of 200,000 KRW
• Round-trip airfare

It was a fully funded scholarship, which allowed me to focus entirely on my academic and professional development.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Yes. I was also offered a 100% tuition scholarship from Sogang University for the International Business program.

However, I decided to choose the GKS scholarship because of its comprehensive financial support, strong reputation as a competitive, government-funded scholarship, as well as long-term benefits for the permanent residence visa.

Educational Background

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in International Economics (with a focus on Econometrics). My undergraduate training provided a strong foundation in statistics, economic modeling, and analytical thinking.

During my Master’s program, I graduated with a GPA of 4.15/4.3. My background in Econometrics and Quantitative analysis prepared me well for the MBA in Finance. I was already comfortable with data, regression analysis, and structured problem-solving, which made it easier to handle advanced financial subjects.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Sookmyung Women’s University?

First of all, I focused on getting good language scores in English and Korean. I practiced intensely for the IELTS and TOPIK tests.

Additionally, I worked on building a coherent narrative for my academic and career goals. I made sure my previous studies, career aspirations, and the MBA program were logically connected.

I carefully prepared my introduction and personal statement, emphasizing the reason why I chose Korea and Sookmyung Women’s University, how my background in Economics aligned with the MBA program, and planning for my long-term career goals. I also ensured my academic transcripts and recommendation letters clearly reflected consistency and strong performance.

How Did You Find Information About GKS Scholarship and Sookmyung Women’s University?

I primarily used the official GKS website (studyinkorea.go.kr) and embassy announcements, Sookmyung University websites, alumni networks, online forums, as well as social media groups for GKS applicants.

I cross-checked all information directly with official sources to avoid misinformation, especially regarding eligibility and required documents.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests?

Yes. I submitted IELTS 8.5 and TOPIK Level 5 at the time of application (I have since achieved TOPIK Level 6)

To prepare for these 2 tests, I went through a 1-month IELTS prep course and a 3-month TOPIK prep course. For self-studying, I practiced all 4 academic skills (reading, listening, speaking, writing) intensively, went over at least 2 tests per day, and focused on structured argumentation. In addition, I also consistently read news, academic materials, and practice writing essays under time pressure.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the GKS Scholarship?

For GKS, I understood that academic performance alone was not enough. The selection process also evaluates leadership potential, adaptability, and long-term contribution.

I focused on these important points:

• Demonstrating academic performance and consistency
• Showing leadership and extra-curricular activities
• Articulating how I would contribute after graduation
• Presenting a clear, realistic career plan

I made sure every part of my application told the same story instead of presenting disconnected achievements.

How Was Your Experience at Sookmyung Women’s University?

The experience was academically rigorous. All lectures were conducted in Korean, while textbooks were mostly in English. This required flexibility and strong bilingual comprehension.

It pushed me to think, analyze, and communicate in two languages simultaneously. It was challenging but extremely rewarding.

How Do You Rate Sookmyung Women’s University Academically and Why?

Academically, I would rate the institution highly. The professors were experienced and helpful, and the coursework emphasized both theoretical knowledge and real-world application.

The MBA program required heavy reading, presentations, and quantitative analysis. It was not an easy program, especially given the language factor. Additionally, I went through the program during the COVID-19 pandemic, which made the experience even more demanding and required a high level of adaptability.

How Does Sookmyung Women’s University Support International Students?

There were international student offices and orientation programs to help with administrative processes. However, since the program was conducted in Korean, international students needed to be proactive and independent.

Language proficiency plays a major role in adaptation.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

All lectures were conducted in Korean. Textbooks and research materials were mostly in English. I used both languages during my studies.

What Did You Pursue After the Scholarship?

I began working even before graduation.

4 months before completing my degree, I interned at a Korean IT startup, Riiid, where I worked as a Regional Manager to help launch their application in the Vietnamese market.

After graduation, I worked as an IT Business Analyst for a Lotte Duty Free agency, focusing on digital systems and business requirements analysis.

Currently, I work at KIA as a Platform Operations Manager. My role bridges operations, digital product coordination, and cross-functional communication.

My career path mirrors how I transitioned from Finance into the IT domain, applying analytical thinking, structured problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication skills developed during my scholarship period.

Would Students Have Problems Academically Without Knowing Korean?

It depends on which institution you applied to. In my case, yes, as the program is conducted in Korean. Even if textbooks are in English, lectures, discussions, and exams being in Korean require strong language skills. Without sufficient Korean proficiency, academic performance would likely suffer.

However, if you choose another institution that offers an English track, you will be able to study without knowing Korean.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe three things made my application strong: Academic consistency, high language proficiency in both English and Korean, and a clear and realistic long-term plan

What Would You Have Done Differently?

If I were to go through the process again, I would prepare even earlier during my undergraduate studies to make the transition easier, and build stronger connections with alumni to better understand interview expectations.

What Advice Would You Give to Those Looking to Apply?

First of all, you need to build language strength early, especially if studying in a non-English-speaking country. You will need both English and Korean proficiency in order to study in Korea.

Secondly, you need to make sure that your application tells one coherent story. Commit to a clear direction and build up your activities/experience, and future plans around that.

Scholarships like GKS are competitive. Being academically strong is necessary, but you also must show long-term vision and maturity.