How an Indonesian International Relations Graduate Earned the Fully Funded Global Korea Scholarship to Pursue a Master’s in Social Welfare at Daejeon University, South Korea

My name is Tri Putri Handayani, and I come from a city called Palu in Indonesia. I recently graduated with a Master of Social Welfare from Daejeon University, South Korea, as an awardee of the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for the graduate program.

My decision to pursue Social Welfare stems from a life-changing experience in 2018 when my hometown was struck by a massive earthquake and tsunami. The devastation was overwhelming—many people lost their homes, loved ones, and access to basic necessities, while countless children were unable to continue their education. Witnessing the long-term impact of this disaster sparked a deep curiosity in me about social policies and programs that can support vulnerable communities during such crises, and how they could better address such crises and improve people’s lives.

Furthermore, another reason why I decided to pursue my Master’s Degree in Social Welfare is due to my involvement in various social activities back in Indonesia. I was actively engaged in community development projects, including an opportunity to participate in an international community service program in Tawau, Malaysia. This experience profoundly influenced my perspective and strengthened my desire to contribute to global social development. My aspiration is to one day build a career in international organizations like the United Nations, focusing on areas related to social welfare and humanitarian efforts.

While my undergraduate background is in International Relations, which primarily focuses on diplomacy, I realized that I needed to expand my knowledge of social policies and welfare systems to complement my skills. This motivated me to pursue a master’s degree in Social Welfare.

South Korea became my top choice for several reasons. First, the Global Korea Scholarship provided a full-ride opportunity, which made pursuing higher education abroad more accessible. Additionally, South Korea’s advanced social welfare system and innovative policies intrigued me. I wanted to learn firsthand from a country that has successfully balanced economic development with social welfare initiatives, which I believe can serve as a valuable model for addressing similar challenges in Indonesia.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

I received the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) offered by the Korean government through the National Institute of International Education (NIIED). This scholarship allowed me to pursue a Master’s Degree in Social Welfare at Daejeon University.

The Global Korea Scholarship is a highly competitive program that supports international students in pursuing higher education in South Korea. It is available for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs. For graduate students like myself, the scholarship provides a monthly allowance of 1,300,000 KRW, which covers living expenses. In addition, it includes full tuition coverage, where the NIIED directly pays the university for both tuition and the Korean language program fee, ensuring that students can focus entirely on their studies without financial burdens.

The scholarship also provides additional benefits, such as round-trip airfare, settlement allowances, medical insurance, and funding for Korean language training during the first year, making it a truly comprehensive support system for international students.

Educational Background

For my undergraduate degree, I graduated from the International Program of International Relations at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta in 2020 with a GPA of 3.80/4.00. While my bachelor’s degree and master’s degree may not seem fully aligned, both fall under the broader field of social sciences, which has allowed me to build a strong foundation for understanding societal issues.

During my undergraduate studies, I was actively involved in various social initiatives, including volunteering and participating in international community service programs in Tawau, Malaysia. These experiences sparked my interest in social policies and how they can directly influence community welfare, particularly in addressing inequality and access to basic needs.

Additionally, I sought opportunities to gain international exposure, which I believe is crucial for personal and professional growth. For instance, I participated in international conferences during my undergraduate years, which not only enhanced my understanding of global issues but also helped me develop skills that are essential in navigating diverse cultural and professional environments. These experiences prepared me to excel in my master’s program and further solidified my commitment to contributing to the field of social welfare.

Before choosing a university, I researched various institutions based on several factors, such as the program’s relevance to my chosen field, accommodation options, living expenses in different regions, and the overall environment for international students. After thorough consideration, I decided to apply to Daejeon University. The decision was influenced by the field of expertise of the professors in my department, as well as the city of Daejeon itself. Unlike Seoul, Daejeon is less crowded, which aligns with my preference for a quieter environment. Additionally, the cost of living in Daejeon is more affordable compared to other major cities in South Korea, making it a practical choice for a student.

Five months before the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) application opened, I emailed Daejeon University with several questions to ensure clarity about the program and the application process. Their responses helped me confirm that this was the right choice for my academic and personal goals.

Even though Daejeon University did not require a language proficiency test score for the GKS application, I still submitted my IELTS results to strengthen my application. I started preparing for the IELTS exam about four months before the GKS application opened. My preparation included consistent practice, studying test formats, and taking mock tests to build my confidence and familiarity with the exam.

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

Five months before the opening date for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) application, I began preparing all the required documents. This included translating official documents with a certified translator and having them notarized. At the same time, I worked on drafting the two essays required for the application, writing them gradually to ensure quality and clarity.

While preparing these materials, I also focused on getting ready for the IELTS test in order to submit my language proficiency for the GKS application, although it’s not mandatory to submit it. Alongside this, I continued attending Korean language classes, which I had been taking since 2019, to strengthen my proficiency in the language.

To gain a better understanding of the application process and improve my chances of being accepted, I sought information from various sources. I attended webinars, watched YouTube videos, and read blogs written by previous GKS awardees who shared their experiences and tips. These resources were invaluable in helping me navigate the application requirements and avoid common mistakes.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe several factors made my application stand out. First and foremost was the quality of my essays. I spent four months crafting and refining them, which allowed me to articulate my goals, experiences, and motivation with clarity and depth. This effort ensured that my essays conveyed a well-thought-out and compelling narrative that aligned with the scholarship’s objectives.

Another key factor was my language proficiency and dedication to continuous learning. Although I didn’t have a TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) certificate, I submitted proof of my two years of Korean language study, along with my IELTS certificate. These demonstrated not only my ability to adapt to academic and cultural settings in Korea but also my commitment to self-improvement.

Lastly, my international exposure also played a significant role. Participating in various international programs and activities, such as community services and conferences, highlighted my adaptability, cultural awareness, and ability to collaborate with diverse groups of people. These experiences emphasized my readiness to thrive in a global academic environment and contributed to a well-rounded application