B.A. Media and Communication (Journalism) Student Tsetska Plamenova Pashovska from Bulgaria Shares Her Journey of Studying at Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea

Hello! My name is Tsetska Plamenova Pashovska, but I am mainly known by my Korean name, Hana. I am 22 years old and originally from Bulgaria, but I currently live in South Korea. I moved to Seoul when I was 19 years old to pursue my bachelor’s degree at the oldest Korean university: Sungkyunkwan University. While I was growing up, people around me often found it amusing how I could spend hours writing just for fun. As I have always loved writing and storytelling, I decided that Media and Communication, specifically Journalism, would be the best choice for my future career.

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Details

In 2023, right after graduating from high school, I was selected as a recipient of the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), which was given to one person per country (this applies to Bulgaria; other countries’ quotas might be different). This is a full scholarship provided by NIIED that covers one year of language training and the rest of the bachelor’s program. Besides covering the flight ticket and university tuition fees, they also provide a monthly allowance, which differs between the language year and the undergraduate period. When I first arrived, the amount was around 900,000 Korean Won per month.

Educational Background

As I mentioned above, I came to Korea right after finishing high school in my hometown. I graduated with a full GPA of 4.5/4.5 and had a TOPIK (Korean language certificate) Level 3, as well as an IELTS score of 6.5. These certificates were not mandatory, but I wanted to make sure I was well prepared. I have never taken any additional classes or preparation courses during that period, and I prepared all the documents on my own. However, as someone who has lived their whole life in the countryside, I was always eager to stimulate my mind and expand my skills and knowledge. That is why I participated in numerous online academies, programs, and projects. I was also writing for well-known Korean and European blogs and websites on Korea-related topics from the age of 14. This strengthened my application, as it demonstrated my deep passion for writing and my love for Korean culture.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Sungkyunkwan University?

How Did You Find Information About Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) and Sungkyunkwan University?

There was insufficient information about GKS in Bulgaria at that time. Most people obtain information through word of mouth or by searching on YouTube. I watched everything available about it on YouTube, even in different languages.

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

I took TOPIK, as mentioned earlier. I prepared for it while I was also preparing for the Bulgarian national exams (like the SAT). During those two months, I woke up every morning at 6 a.m. to study the exam format. Together with a friend, we studied through Zoom and practiced using mock tests available online. For IELTS, I did not have much time to prepare, so for one month, I mainly revised vocabulary and grammar, and I practiced writing every day.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)?

It was almost a year-long preparation process that required a lot of energy, money, and time. I completely devoted myself to it. I prepared my family relation documents, academic records, education certificates, extracurricular activities, language certificates, diploma, photographs, and most importantly, my study plan and motivational letter. I also asked one of my teachers for a recommendation letter, which was very important. Everything had to be legalized, translated into English, and provided with an apostille. I prepared all the documents and sent three copies of each to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Bulgaria. After that, I was selected for the second round — an interview with two Korean representatives and one Bulgarian official who worked in the ministry and was also a GKS alumna. The interview was conducted online in English. It was not extremely difficult, but it was also not easy. During the application, we needed to choose three universities: one from Type B (outside Seoul) and two from Type A (very competitive universities in Seoul). They asked me questions about how I planned to succeed in the journalism field despite being a beginner in the Korean language, why they should choose me, why I selected those universities, and similar topics.

How is (was) Your Experience at Sungkyunkwan University?

Honestly, I do have hard times, and that is normal. However, that does not mean I do not absolutely love and enjoy even the hardships, because they help me learn and grow. My university, SKKU, has high standards, but it also strongly focuses on academic development. They often hold seminars, extracurricular clubs, and invite professors from abroad.

How Does Sungkyunkwan University Support International Students? 

There are many ways in which my university and NIIED support us. They provide free mental health consultations in English, they conduct surveys every semester to check if we are doing well, and they often organize programs for international students so we can meet new people.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

Most of my classes are in Korean, but some of them are in English. It highly depends on your major and the courses you choose during the course registration period.

What Did You Pursue After the Scholarship? (Work, Further Study, Research, or Something Else?)

I am still in the third year of my undergraduate studies, so time will tell!

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing Korean?

I believe knowing the language will not only help you learn in a deeper way but will also significantly improve your adaptability. Korean people are very friendly and welcoming, but not knowing the language (and culture) might sometimes make you seem rude even when you are not.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

One of the things I believe made me different from other applicants was the fact that I come from a very small countryside town, and despite that, I never stopped learning about Korea, trying to connect my interest in writing and Korean culture with Bulgaria, and sharing it with others from a young age. In other words, if it is inside you, do not dim your passion; let it shine brightly. If it is meant to be yours, you will find a way.

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

I would probably have spent more time studying Korean and started much earlier than I did. I had a lack of support at that time, but I still believe it would have helped me adapt better.

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

The quota for GKS is usually very small, and competing with all the applicants in your country might seem exhausting. However, I would like to assure you that GKS is just a drop in the sea compared to all the scholarships and opportunities you can find if you open your heart to them. My university also provides an additional Samsung scholarship. Do not give up and show the world you deserve it!