How an Indonesian English Teacher Earned the Fully Funded Global Korea Scholarship to Study English Linguistics at Mokwon University

Hi, my name is Sela Eka Melati, and I’m from Indonesia. I am currently pursuing a degree in English Linguistics at Mokwon University. I decided to further my education in this field because I am deeply interested in the impact of AI on English linguistics. Back then, I worked as an English Education teacher, and I became curious about how South Korea has been able to significantly increase students' interest in English education through its curriculum development. Through this program, I hope to better understand how AI technology and innovative English curricula can contribute to improving educational knowledge, especially in the teaching and learning of English in Indonesia.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

I was fortunate to receive the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program for graduate students. This prestigious scholarship, offered by the Korean government, fully supports my studies at Mokwon University, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and other academic costs. This opportunity has not only enabled me to pursue my passion for English Linguistics but also allowed me to experience South Korea’s education system and culture firsthand, further enriching my academic and personal growth.

Educational Background

I graduated with a degree in English Education from Institut Agama Islam Negeri (IAIN) Kediri, achieving a GPA of 3.38 out of 4.00. While the program primarily focused on preparing students to become English teachers, my experience there exposed me to a broader perspective on the field, thanks to many of our professors who had a background in Linguistics. Their expertise inspired me to explore beyond teaching and dive deeper into the linguistic aspects of English. This exposure helped me realize the vast opportunities in this field and motivated me to further my studies in English Linguistics to better understand the theoretical and practical dimensions of language education.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Mokwon University?

I first heard about the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program in 2016 from my friend, Yunita Nabella, during my last year of senior high school. This piqued my interest, and I began researching more about the scholarship through the Study in Korea website. At the time, I learned that GKS didn’t prioritize language proficiency test scores. However, since 2022, I’ve noticed that GKS has started giving more priority to candidates with language proficiency tests, so I decided to take both the TOEIC and IELTS tests. To prepare for these exams, I studied independently for about a month before the test dates. It was a challenging period as I had to balance my work responsibilities with scholarship application preparations, but I stayed focused and managed my time effectively to achieve my goals.

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

The most important part of preparing for the scholarship was completing the application documents, especially the study plan and personal statement. These documents required extensive effort and took me about 1-2 years to refine and make them stand out. To ensure they met the requirements of the selection committee, I participated in mentoring activities, which helped me align my writing with the scholarship’s expectations and guidelines.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Honestly, I don’t think I stood out much compared to other candidates. However, I poured my genuine passion into my application by highlighting my background as a teacher and my aspirations to enhance the quality of Indonesian graduates through improved English education. I believe this clear sense of purpose and dedication might have resonated with the selection committee and made my application noteworthy.

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

If I were to go through the process again, I would focus on preparing even more thoroughly and ensuring every aspect of my application reflects my best effort. I would also dedicate more time to research and preparation to strengthen my documents, language proficiency, and overall confidence. Facing challenges head-on and giving my absolute best would be my priority to make the most of this opportunity.

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

Everyone has the same opportunity to earn a scholarship, even if their GPA isn’t perfect. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back or make you feel unworthy of pursuing your dreams. If you think you can’t do it, that mindset might block your path to success.

Believe in yourself and remember that what you strive for is within your reach. Trust that God is always guiding you toward your goals, so stay persistent, work hard, and never give up on what you dream of achieving.