How Valeria Gallardo, a Salvadoran Scholar, Secured a Fully Funded Bachelor’s Through the Global Korea Scholarship

Hola! My name is Valeria Gallardo. I’m from El Salvador and, since I was little, my dream has been to explore the world and study abroad. At 20 years old, I’m achieving my dream through the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS-U) at Yonsei University.

During my high school years, I was part of the National Physics Team and represented my country in various international competitions. Through this experience, I found my passion for science and a desire to share the beauty of physics with others. I also had the privilege of participating in multicultural spaces, which made me want to pursue an education abroad.

Since 2026, I’ve been studying in South Korea, and I’m currently completing the Korean Language Course before pursuing Mechanical Engineering at Yonsei University.

Global Korea Scholarship Details

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a fully funded scholarship for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies that sponsors your whole degree in South Korea. This program is managed by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED).

The scholarship includes:

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Korean language training for one year
• Monthly living allowance
• Medical insurance support
• Round-trip airfare

The program requires you to complete Korean language training for a year (exceptions may apply). My degree and university require me to get TOPIK level 3, but this may vary depending on the degree and university.

I recommend always checking the NIIED guidelines, as requirements and benefits may change.

Educational Background

I graduated from high school as Valedictorian in El Salvador with a 9.7/10 CGPA.

My school didn’t have any specialized programs, APs, or clubs, but I was part of “Jóvenes Talento,” which is the institution that prepares and selects students for international science competitions.

This experience prepared me to pursue Mechanical Engineering, as I was part of the National Physics Team, where I earned medals for my country in different olympiads.

Alongside school and Jóvenes Talento, I learned French for 3 years, and I also involved myself in sports clubs, playing volleyball for most of my high school years. I believe that having interdisciplinary interests strengthens your application and really helped me learn to stay focused and develop discipline.

After graduating, I took a gap year where I worked full-time at a company and as a Physics Teacher at Jóvenes Talento. I also spent most of my free time tutoring students.

I believe these were the core activities that allowed me to become a GKS scholar.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Yonsei University?

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

I researched a lot on the internet, but mostly relied on websites like this that offer real stories from other scholars pursuing their dreams abroad.

I decided to apply for this scholarship after participating in a webinar conducted by QIUBO (a Salvadoran organization that compiles opportunities and connects scholarship-seeking students with recipients). I am now part of this organization, which has helped me gain experience in researching opportunities.

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

I only took the SAT, but I strongly recommend taking an English proficiency test to make your application stronger.

I prepared through YouTube videos, SAT-focused books, and mock tests. The most important part of your preparation is having a structured and REALISTIC study plan that you can stick to.

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

I started by preparing all the documents and legal requirements, which takes a lot of time, so I strongly recommend doing this as soon as possible.

I watched a lot of YouTube videos on how to successfully write a Personal Statement and Study Plan, and I made sure to thoroughly research the universities I was applying to. It is really important to have a clear vision of what you want, why you are applying for the scholarship, and to communicate that clearly through your application.

How is Your Experience at Yonsei University?

So far, my experience at Yonsei University and in the GKS program has been great. The international student community is quite large here, and the support network is really strong. This can vary, so make sure to really research before applying!

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Korean?

Even though the scholarship provides a whole year of Korean Language Training, reaching an intermediate level in any language in just 1 year is tough. I strongly recommend making yourself familiar with the language before arriving.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Authenticity. I cannot express enough how important it is to be genuine and show maturity in your application. You are going to live in a completely different country on your own, so evaluators are looking for mature students with high potential.

I think applying for any scholarship is a great opportunity for self-reflection and allows you to really think about what you want to do in the future. In my application, I shared real experiences that shaped me into who I am today and communicated them through my achievements, extracurriculars, and day-to-day activities.

I’m really passionate about science, and it never really felt like a chore to do all the things I did while studying in high school. 1-2 strong extracurriculars that you actually enjoy and feel passionate about are always more important than a bunch of superficial activities.

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

Start earlier. I don’t really regret anything about my application, but starting earlier could have saved me a lot of stress.

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

Don’t be embarrassed to try. I didn’t really expect to be where I am today, but here I am, and I couldn’t have done it without being rejected first from other programs and having tried anyway.

Really sit down with yourself and ask what you want to do and why you want to do it. If you’re genuine and passionate, evaluators will notice. Make sure to also find a scholarship that is the best fit for you, rather than just going after top-ranked or famous names.

I also believe that winning a scholarship is never just about grades. Authenticity, vision, clear goals, and consistency are way more valuable than many think! Don’t be afraid to try new things and fail over and over again.