KOICA Scholar, Santiago Bravo from Ecuador, Pursues a Master’s in Public Health at Yonsei University, South Korea

My name is Santiago Bravo, and I am a medical doctor from Ecuador. After graduating, I worked in rural and community health, and I became the director of a public health center in the Amazon region. That role gave me a first-hand view of the challenges of health systems in resource-limited settings and motivated me to pursue further studies in public health. I wanted to learn from a country that had developed strong strategies in disease control and preparedness, and that’s why I applied to do my Master of Public Health at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea.

KOICA Scholarship Details

I received the KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency) Scholarship through the CIAT (Capacity Improvement and Advancement for Tomorrow) program. The scholarship was fully funded and covered tuition, monthly living allowance, airfare, settlement support, and health insurance. My host institution was Yonsei University Graduate School of Public Health, where I specialized in Global Control of Infectious Diseases.

Educational Background

Before my MPH in Korea, I completed my Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree at Universidad Nacional de Loja, Ecuador, and later an MSc in Public Health at Universidad de las Américas. My academic training gave me a strong foundation in medicine and public health, and my leadership roles—such as being National President of AEMPPI Ecuador (IFMSA)—prepared me to show KOICA that I was committed not just academically but also in terms of service and leadership.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Yonsei University?

I found information through the KOICA website, government announcements, and by carefully reviewing the requirements online. I didn’t have the chance to talk to alumni beforehand—there were none in Ecuador at the time—so I had to trust the process and prepare as best as I could with the information available.

I didn’t take GRE or GMAT, but English proficiency was required. I focused on improving my academic writing and communication in English to make sure I could handle the coursework and interviews confidently.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the KOICA Scholarship?

Two things were most important:

1. Being a government official – This was a requirement for KOICA. At the time, I was working as director of a rural health center in the Amazon, which was a strong point in my application.
2. Showing leadership and motivation – I highlighted my leadership background in national and local public health roles, and I explained how studying in Korea would allow me to bring back skills to strengthen Ecuador’s health system.

I would say recommendations mattered less than these two factors: being a government official and being able to study in English.

How Was Your Experience at Yonsei University?

It was a transformative experience. Yonsei has a diverse, international student body, and the program was academically rigorous. At first, I was nervous because Korea felt like a very distant and unfamiliar place, but once I arrived, I found a very supportive environment, both academically and socially.

How Do You Rate Yonsei University Academically and Why?

Yonsei is one of Korea’s leading universities, and academically, the MPH program was excellent. It combined strong theoretical foundations with very practical, case-based learning. I particularly valued the focus on health system resilience and infectious disease preparedness, which I could directly apply to my work back in Ecuador.

How Does Yonsei University Support International Students?

KOICA and Yonsei provided very good support—housing, orientation sessions, cultural activities, and guidance for visas, insurance, and daily life. There was always someone to help with questions.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

All classes in the MPH program were in English, which was essential since students came from many different countries.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Korean?

Academically, not at all—everything is in English. Socially, it helps to know some basic Korean phrases for daily life, but it’s not a barrier to succeeding in the program.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe it was my combination of government service, leadership, and clear motivation. KOICA looks for people who can apply knowledge back home, and my position as a health center director in the Amazon region showed that I was already working in public service and had the potential to make an impact.

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

I would have liked to connect with alumni before applying. Since none existed at the time in my country, I had to figure things out alone, which was stressful. Today, I would definitely recommend reaching out to past scholars to learn from their experiences.

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

• Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements (being a government official was crucial for KOICA).
• Prepare a clear motivation statement that connects your experience, your country’s needs, and how the scholarship will help you contribute.
• Don’t worry if Korea (or any destination) feels distant or unfamiliar—it’s normal to feel nervous, but once you’re there, you’ll find support and grow a lot personally and professionally.
• Finally, be patient and organized. The process requires a lot of official paperwork, but it’s worth it.