Global Korea Scholarship Scholar Samonn Ussah from Cambodia Shares Their Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master's at the Gyeongsang National University, South Korea

My name is Samonn Ussah, and I am from Cambodia. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Business Administration, majoring in Marketing, at Gyeongsang National University through the prestigious Global Korea Scholarship (GKS).

Before coming to South Korea, I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management at Siam Technology College in Thailand. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I gained experience in marketing, hospitality, human resources, customer service, and digital content creation. These experiences shaped my passion for global business, branding, consumer behavior, and digital marketing.

South Korea is one of the world’s leading countries in beauty, culture, entertainment, and digital innovation. As someone who is highly interested in K-beauty, influencer marketing, and global branding, studying marketing in Korea strongly aligns with both my academic interests and future career goals.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

I received the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), also known as the Korean Government Scholarship, to pursue my Master’s degree in South Korea.

The scholarship supports international students by covering tuition fees, Korean language training, a monthly allowance, and other academic support according to the scholarship guidelines. Receiving this scholarship has been a life-changing opportunity because it has allowed me to continue my graduate studies abroad while fully focusing on my academic and personal development.

Before receiving GKS, I was also awarded the HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Scholarship Program for my undergraduate studies in Thailand. Through this scholarship, I completed four years of study in Bangkok, which gave me valuable international exposure and helped build the academic and professional foundation that later supported my journey to South Korea.

Educational Background

Before my Master’s degree, I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management at Siam Technology College in Thailand.

Currently, I am studying Business Administration with a major in Marketing at Gyeongsang National University.

My educational background helped me build a strong foundation in service management, communication, tourism, international business, and customer behavior. These experiences naturally led me toward marketing because marketing requires understanding people, cultures, consumer needs, and global trends.

Because I had already lived and studied abroad before coming to South Korea, adapting to a new culture and environment became easier for me. My previous international experience in Thailand helped me become more open-minded, independent, and adaptable when adjusting to life in Korea.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Gyeongsang National University?

I prepared by researching universities in South Korea that offered programs related to business, marketing, and management. I carefully reviewed university requirements, admission timelines, scholarship conditions, and required documents.

I prepared academic transcripts, graduation certificates, recommendation letters, a study plan, and a personal statement. Since GKS is highly competitive, I focused on making sure my application clearly reflected my academic background, international experiences, leadership activities, future goals, and motivation to study in Korea.

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

I first learned about the Global Korea Scholarship through a friend. Later, I was able to understand the scholarship process more deeply through the mentorship activities organized by the Cambodian Students’ Association in Korea (CSAK) GKS Mentorship Program.

Through this mentorship program, I received valuable advice about preparing documents, writing personal statements, interview preparation, and understanding the overall application process. I also learned a lot from seniors and other students who had already studied in Korea, and their experiences became very helpful during my preparation journey.

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

I did not take the SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT for my scholarship application.

For language preparation, I focused on improving my English skills and later studied Korean through the language program in Korea. One of the most meaningful experiences at Gyeongsang National University was the Korean language program. I truly appreciated how supportive and dedicated the teachers were during my learning journey.

Thanks to their guidance and encouragement, I was able to achieve TOPIK Level 4 after only eight months in Korea. Their support helped me build confidence not only in language learning but also in adapting to Korean society and university life.

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

I carefully studied the GKS guidelines and tried to understand what kind of applicant the program was looking for. I focused on writing a strong personal statement and study plan that clearly connected my past experiences, academic interests, and future goals.

In my application, I highlighted my international background, including my studies in Thailand, work experiences in marketing and hospitality, language skills, leadership experiences, and motivation to study marketing in Korea.

I also asked professors who understood my academic and professional potential to write recommendation letters. Before submission, I carefully reviewed all documents to avoid mistakes.

How is Your Experience at Gyeongsang National University?

My experience at Gyeongsang National University has been meaningful and transformative. I had the opportunity to study marketing in an international environment while also experiencing Korean culture and university life.

At first, adapting to a new country, language, and academic system was challenging. However, these experiences helped me become more independent, confident, and adaptable over time.

Academically, I appreciate the supportive professors, research environment, and opportunities for international students to develop practical and analytical skills.

How Do You Rate Gyeongsang National University Academically?

I would rate the institution positively because it provides a supportive academic environment and valuable opportunities for international students.

As a marketing student, I have been able to learn more about branding, consumer behavior, business strategy, research methods, and Korean market trends. These experiences are especially meaningful because I am interested in industries connected to K-beauty, digital marketing, influencer marketing, and global branding.

How Does Gyeongsang National University Support International Students?

The university supports international students through academic guidance, Korean language education, administrative support, and international student services.

For international students, this support is very important because adapting to a new country can sometimes be overwhelming. Assistance with visa matters, scholarship documents, course registration, and campus life makes the study abroad experience much smoother and more comfortable.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

Some classes are conducted in English, while others may be conducted in Korean, depending on the professor and course.

Even though some academic materials are available in English, I believe learning Korean is extremely important for international students in South Korea. Korean language skills help not only academically but also in daily life, communication with classmates and professors, and understanding Korean culture more deeply.

What Did You Pursue After the Global Korea Scholarship?

After receiving the scholarship, I pursued my Master’s degree in Business Administration, majoring in Marketing, at Gyeongsang National University.

My current research interests focus on K-beauty, influencer marketing, YouTube reviews, social media marketing, product pricing, and consumer behavior. Through my graduate studies, I hope to build stronger expertise in marketing and eventually contribute to industries connected to Korean beauty, hospitality, digital marketing, and global branding.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Korean?

It depends on the university and program. Some programs may offer English-based classes, but knowing Korean is still very important in South Korea.

Without Korean language skills, students may face challenges in daily communication, administrative procedures, academic discussions, and adapting to society. However, students can still adapt successfully if they are willing to learn and improve continuously.

I recommend that future students start learning basic Korean before coming to Korea because it makes the transition much easier.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because of my international background, leadership experiences, and clear future goals.

Before coming to Korea, I studied in Thailand and gained work experience in marketing, hospitality, HR, customer service, and digital content. These experiences helped me develop strong communication, leadership, adaptability, and cross-cultural understanding skills.

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

If I were applying again, I would start preparing earlier, especially for my study plan, recommendation letters, and personal statement.

I would also spend more time researching universities and connecting with scholarship recipients or seniors who had already gone through the process. Their advice can help applicants better understand the application process and avoid common mistakes.

Another thing I would do differently is improve my Korean language skills earlier, before arriving in Korea.

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

My biggest advice is to start early, stay organized, and believe in your own story.

A strong scholarship application is not only about grades. It is about showing your motivation, experiences, goals, and how the scholarship connects to your future contribution.

Do not copy other people’s essays. Your personal statement should reflect your genuine journey, experiences, and dreams. Clearly explain why you want to study in Korea, why you chose your field, and how your background connects to your future goals.

I also encourage applicants to seek advice from seniors, mentors, and scholarship communities because their experiences can be extremely helpful throughout the process.

Most importantly, do not be afraid to apply. Many students underestimate themselves, but every journey is different. If you prepare sincerely and present your story honestly, you always have a chance.

Today, as an international student in Korea, I am grateful for every opportunity that scholarships have given me. From Cambodia to Thailand and now South Korea, every step of my journey has shaped my academic, professional, and personal growth. I hope my story can encourage other students to pursue their dreams beyond borders and believe in the opportunities that education can create.