Unexpect the Expected: One-Semester Exchange Program to Seoul National University with GKS
If you are confused about what is Seoul National University (hereinafter ‘SNU’), just imagined the S in SKY (Castle). Not that I have watched it, though.
안녕하세요! (read: annyeonghaseyo!) Greetings everyone. Oh, also that’s the only phrase I understood for these ~5 months of spring exchange program to SNU alongside ‘kamsahabnida (thanks)’ and ‘ne (yes)’. And look! I survived (barely).
I haven’t enjoyed reading, so I understood the feeling when it’s tl;dr (too long; didn’t read) but you want to grasp the point soon. So let’s do this as my line manager in my latest internship experience said,
“let’s do a top-bottom approach for a more E/C (effective communication)!”
Hence, I’m bringing you to the journey of an Indonesian student, who never stepped her foot (and never imagined she would ever) in Seoul, to SNU, the top dream university in Korea. Spoiler ahead, the main thing she will discuss (aside from her thorough cultural experiences that is absolutely fun for her): getting a fully-funded scholarship (Global Korea Scholarship/GKS).
Context about the thorough scholarship benefits and qualifications (and who knows, some of you might be interested): https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/en/sub/gks/allnew_exchange.do
For those who are truly (or starting to get) interested in studying in Korea, perhaps you have heard of GKS/KGSP (Korean Government Support Program). Or even you’re just interested in the K-culture (K-pop? K-drama? K-beauty? K-food? K-people?), you might want to consider experiencing an exchange program in South Korea because South Korea prioritizes education. You might see this in K-dramas how children are forced to study as hard since childhood and it’s true. Take an example, my friend once shared that he studied in a study café in Seoul. He sat next to three high school students, who pulled an all-nighter and studied until 5 AM, in their high school uniforms.
Also, I hardly get any empty chairs left in the 8-floors library. That’s how competitive education in Seoul, which might intrigue you here! ;)
About GKS, let me break down my experience:
- getting it,
- the reality of it, and
- how does it cover my exchange program.
Getting it: ngl (not gonna lie), not even the scholarship link I attached told you how you can get it. No application link. So to apply for GKS, what you have to do is getting a CoA (Certificate of Acceptance) first for an exchange program to (any or most) South Korean university. Then, you will receive an e-mail that notifies you about the GKS application. Several easter eggs about GKS (exchange):
- the quota is various among the universities (for instance, SNU has a quota of 4 out of all exchange students globally with 2 max from one country, while there is Kangwon Uni with an certain GKS acceptance). I’ll recommend you to e-mail the targeted university/alumni and asked about their GKS policy;
- not every semester GKS is open. I’m blessed to receive it, but the last semester (Fall 2020), GKS wasn’t available.
- the needed documents are ‘personal statement’ and ‘study plan’.
The reality of it: the scholarship type is a reimbursement system, where I still need to cover the initial fees first like VISA application, flight tickets, mandatory national health insurance, and the first one+ month living cost. The system of GKS reimbursement, especially for living costs, is paid in the next month. For someone who was afraid to ask for any financial support from her parents, the first month of living is kinda in survival mode. I ate instant ramyeon (Korean instant noodles) or cafeteria food mostly. Out of context, but SNU as a public university has various set of subsidized cafeteria food (₩1,000 for a set menu, refill-able mostly) and dormitory fees (58% cheaper than one-room ‘kost’ generally)
After the reimbursement, you will feel like a sultan, able to travel to Jeju-do without the need to think about budget. But yes, please save the money!
How does it cover my exchange program: Flight tickets are mostly within the reimbursement range. I departed with Korean Air and arrived in Indonesia with Garuda Indonesia, both best airlines in each country. The hassle is 2-weeks quarantine fees (hope covid would be gone soon!). Then, several costs induced are living cost (food, transportation, necessities), dormitory fees, and entertainment/shopping fees. However, most are covered! Worry not.
To conclude, GKS basically saved me in South Korea. Without it, I won’t survive. I would really love to introduce GKS to more people and encourage studying in Korea, an experience beyond expectation.