Master’s Media Communication Student Tran Kieu Anh Ly from Vietnam Shares Her Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master’s at Chung-Ang University, South Korea

My name is Tran Kieu Anh Ly, and I am from Vietnam. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Communication at Chung-Ang University in South Korea under the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS).

Before starting my graduate studies, I graduated from the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City and gained experience working and interning in various fields related to media and content creation, ranging from agencies to real-world projects in fashion and social media. Through these experiences, I realized that communication is not just about creating content, but about shaping how people think, feel, and interact with the world.

This is why I decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Media Communication to deepen my academic understanding, particularly in how digital platforms and algorithms influence user behavior. I wanted to move beyond intuitive content creation and instead understand the underlying mechanisms, so I can apply them strategically, responsibly, and create long-term value.

Studying in South Korea, a country with a highly developed media and cultural ecosystem, also gives me the opportunity to observe, learn, and connect theory with practice in a global context.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Media Communication at Chung-Ang University under the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), a fully funded scholarship administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED).

The scholarship covers full tuition fees, provides a monthly living allowance of approximately 1,000,000 to 1,300,000 KRW, round-trip airfare, and health insurance. It also includes Korean language training support (if required), allowing international students to fully focus on their studies and research.

For me, receiving the GKS is not only financial support but also recognition of my academic ability, potential, and long-term direction in the field of communication.

Educational Background

Before pursuing my Master’s degree, I studied Business Administration in Vietnam, where I achieved a perfect score for my graduation thesis. During my undergraduate studies, I focused on subjects related to consumer behavior, business strategy, and management, which later became a strong foundation for studying media communication.

I also participated in a research project on Vietnamese brand image on social media (VinFast case), where I gained experience in building research frameworks, analyzing data, and connecting theory with practice. In addition, I accumulated practical experience through internships and work in media and marketing, which helped me understand how communication strategies are implemented in real-world contexts.

These experiences provided me with both theoretical and practical foundations and helped shape my decision to pursue media communication at a higher academic level. In my Master’s program, I continue to explore areas such as digital communication, user behavior, and platform influence in greater depth.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Chung-Ang University?

During my application process, I actively gathered information from multiple sources, including official university websites, the GKS portal, and communities of international students and scholarship recipients. Combining official information with real experiences gave me a more comprehensive understanding of application requirements and evaluation criteria.

I also carefully researched academic programs, faculty research interests, and the academic environment in Korea to ensure alignment with my personal goals. Instead of applying broadly, I focused on a clear and strategic direction.

In terms of preparation, I worked on improving my language skills in both Korean and English through consistent practice in reading, writing, and communication. This helped me not only meet application requirements but also adapt more effectively to the academic environment after arriving in Korea.

Overall, my preparation was not just about completing an application, but about building the academic, practical, and mental foundation needed for studying abroad.

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

I approached the scholarship application with a clear strategy rather than treating it as a one-time submission.

First, I thoroughly studied the selection criteria of the GKS, especially aspects such as academic performance, future goals, and potential contributions. Based on that, I focused on developing the most important parts of my application, particularly my personal statement.

Instead of listing experiences, I built a coherent narrative that connected my academic background, work experience in media and marketing, and my decision to pursue advanced studies in digital communication. Every part of my application was carefully selected and aligned with my long-term goals.

I also actively sought feedback from previous scholarship recipients and revised my application multiple times to ensure clarity, logic, and depth.

More importantly, I viewed the process not just as preparing an application, but as refining my direction, strengthening my academic foundation, and preparing myself for long-term academic development.

How is Your Experience at Chung-Ang University?

My experience at Chung-Ang University has been both challenging and highly valuable.

The academic environment requires strong independence and critical thinking, especially in communication studies, where learning goes beyond absorbing knowledge to analyzing, questioning, and connecting theory with practice.

Courses are research-oriented and help me understand communication theories, user behavior, and platform dynamics more deeply. I can directly apply these insights to both my academic work and my practical experience in content strategy and social media.

Although studying in a bilingual environment (Korean and English) is challenging, it has significantly strengthened my language skills and broadened my perspective.

Overall, while demanding, the experience has contributed greatly to my academic and personal growth.

How Do You Rate Chung-Ang University Academically?

Academically, I rate Chung-Ang University very highly.

The program is well-structured, in-depth, and places strong emphasis on research and critical thinking rather than passive learning. Courses are continuously updated to reflect current developments in digital media.

Professors are highly qualified, set clear expectations, and encourage students to question, discuss, and develop independent perspectives.

The university also provides strong academic resources, helping students develop great research and writing skills.

Overall, it is a rigorous but rewarding academic environment.

How Does Chung-Ang University Support International Students?

The university provides a supportive environment for international students, both academically and administratively.

There are clear guidelines and systems in place to help students adapt, including academic advising, access to learning resources, and administrative support when needed. In addition, the availability of English materials in many courses helps international students transition more smoothly.

At the same time, students are encouraged to actively engage and take responsibility for their own learning, which helps build independence and adaptability in an international academic environment.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

My classes are primarily conducted in Korean.

What Did You Pursue After the Global Korea Scholarship?

After completing my Master’s degree, I plan to pursue both professional and academic paths.

Professionally, I aim to continue working in communication, content, and social media, focusing on creating meaningful and responsible content that brings real value.

At the same time, I plan to pursue a PhD in Communication to deepen my research in areas such as digital media, user behavior, and algorithmic influence.

For me, practice and academic research are not separate paths, but complementary elements that together create sustainable value.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Korean?

Based on my experience, not knowing the local language can create initial academic challenges, especially in reading materials and participating in discussions.

However, it is not an unmanageable barrier. Many graduate programs use English materials, and with basic Korean preparation and continuous learning, students can adapt quickly.

In fact, studying in a bilingual environment becomes an advantage, as it helps expand both academic understanding and cultural insight.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was the consistency and clarity of my overall narrative.

My academic background, work experience, and future goals were closely aligned, creating a clear direction rather than a fragmented profile.

I also demonstrated the ability to transform practical experience into academic thinking, showing that I see communication not just as a tool, but as a system that shapes perception and behavior.

In addition, I invested significant effort into my personal statement, ensuring that it was not generic but reflected a coherent and well-developed perspective.

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

Honestly, I feel that everything happened at the right time for me, so I would not change much.

Each stage of the process helped me better understand myself and refine my direction. Even moments of uncertainty and revision played an important role in building a more authentic and consistent application.

If anything, I might improve time management or access to information, but overall, I see the process as necessary for my growth.

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

The most important thing is to clearly understand what you are doing and why you are doing it.

Many applicants start by looking for scholarships without having a clear direction, which often leads to inconsistent applications. A scholarship is only a means; the core is your personal direction. Once that is clear, your entire application will naturally become more coherent.

Second, invest seriously in your personal statement. It is not about listing achievements, but about showing how you think.

Finally, seek feedback and be prepared for a process that requires time, revision, and patience.