Global Korea Scholarship Scholar Shivangi Maurya from India Shares Her Journey of Securing a Fully Funded PhD at Kookmin University, South Korea

My name is Shivangi Maurya, and I am from India. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Teaching Korean as a Second Language in South Korea as a recipient of the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS). My academic journey began in Journalism and Mass Communication, where I developed a strong interest in communication, discourse, and cross-cultural interaction. Over time, this interest evolved into a focus on language learning and multilingualism, which led me to pursue Korean language education. My current research focuses on how Hindi-English bilingual learners acquire Korean as a third language, an area that is still relatively underexplored.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

I was awarded the 100% fully funded Global Korea Scholarship (GKS). This scholarship covers full tuition fees, provides a monthly stipend, and includes travel and settlement support. It has allowed me to focus entirely on my academic and research work without financial constraints.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

At the time of my application, I was also in discussions regarding a potential PhD scholarship opportunity in Germany. Although it was not finalized, it showed that there are multiple international opportunities available for students pursuing higher education abroad.

Educational Background

I completed my Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, where I gained strong analytical, research, and communication skills. Although my background was not directly in linguistics, it helped me understand discourse, meaning-making, and communication across contexts. Being a Hindi-English bilingual, I became particularly interested in how multiple languages interact in the learning process. This interdisciplinary background helped me develop a unique research perspective, which is now central to my work in Korean language education.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Kookmin University?

My preparation process was quite unconventional. I came across the GKS scholarship suddenly and decided to apply immediately. Due to the limited time, I focused on clearly presenting my academic journey, research interests, and future goals. Instead of extensive preparation, I concentrated on writing a strong and structured Statement of Purpose that reflected my academic direction and motivation.

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

I found information about the GKS scholarship through online research, official websites, and academic networks. Once I discovered it, I quickly went through the official guidelines and resources to understand the application process.

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

No, I did not take any standardized tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, or others for this application. Since my decision to apply was sudden, I focused entirely on strengthening my application documents instead.

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

Given the limited time, I focused on the most important aspects of the application. I worked on presenting a clear research direction, a well-structured Statement of Purpose, and a strong academic narrative. Rather than trying to make everything perfect, I focused on making my application clear, honest, and academically grounded.

How is Your Experience at Kookmin University?

My experience has been both challenging and rewarding. Studying in a completely new academic and cultural environment required adjustment, but it has also helped me grow academically and personally.

How Do You Rate Kookmin University Academically?

The institution provides a rigorous and research-oriented academic environment. There is a strong emphasis on critical thinking, independent research, and active participation, which has significantly contributed to my academic development.

How Does Kookmin University Support International Students?

The institution supports international students through language programs, administrative assistance, and academic guidance. These resources help students gradually adapt to both academic life and daily life in Korea.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

My classes are conducted entirely in Korean.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Korean?

Yes, initially, it can be challenging to manage academic coursework without knowing Korean. However, with consistent effort and immersion, it becomes manageable. In fact, studying in Korea has helped me improve my language skills significantly.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because of my interdisciplinary background and clear research focus. My transition from Journalism to Korean language education allowed me to bring a unique perspective to my field. Additionally, my focus on Hindi-English bilingual learners is relatively underrepresented, which added value to my research proposal. Despite limited preparation time, I was able to present a clear and coherent academic narrative.

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 start earlier, explore more scholarship opportunities, and prepare more strategically. I would also try to strengthen my Korean language skills beforehand. However, my experience shows that even a sudden decision can lead to success if approached with clarity and focus.

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

My advice would be:

• Don’t wait for the perfect moment; sometimes opportunities come unexpectedly.
• Focus on clarity rather than perfection in your application.
• Be confident in your unique academic background, even if it is not linear.
• Be prepared to adapt, especially if studying in a non-English environment.
• Most importantly, take the chance and apply.