As I've gotten a couple of questions on both YOUTUBE, IG, FB and via TUMBLR, I decided to make a little post regarding my experience as a KGSP student and some of the questions I've gotten over the past 2 years. I got the scholarship in 2016, spent 1 year in Busan (at Busan Univ. of Foreign Studies in Namsan) and am now about to begin my third semester of my graduate degree in Korean Studies, at Yonsei Univ., meaning I have one full year left of my grad. school studies in Seoul.
DISCLAIMER: I am only speaking on behalf of myself and of my own personal experiences. Please do your own proper research. I am in no position to grant the scholarship, I know nothing of the exact current processes and I can provide no guarantees that if you do what I did, you will get the scholarship. I am not part of the committee that accepts or rejects students, and have no way of knowing exactly how they choose their candidates. Please refer to NIIED's website or STUDYINKOREA to read up on current regulations and requirements for the program.
You may also check out LOLALOVESKOREA, who has an extended playlist of KGSP-related videos, where she answers questions and explains the procedure that she followed.
Now with all this said, let's get to it. The questions will be answered in random order. Feel free to ask below or on TUMBLR. If you want to remain anonymous or don't have a blogger ID, tumblr is probably the best way to go. All new questions will be added to this page as they come in, so feel free to check back later.
HOW DO I APPLY?
You apply either via embassy track or university track. The two processes are slightly different. I applied via embassy track. Regulations and requirements are altered every year, so please check out STUDYINKOREA's website on the matter.
WHEN CAN I APPLY?
It depends whether you're applying for a BA or an MA. The BA deadline is usually in Fall and the MA deadline is in Spring. Please keep an eye on your embassy's website or on NIIED/studyinkorea's website.
CAN I STUDY _____?
I don't know. It depends on your university and current regulations. Your best bet is to check the lists released with the first round of results.
SHOULD I LEARN KOREAN BEFORE GOING?
NIIED sponsors one year of intense Korean class to prepare you for the TOPIK test. Keep in mind that studying Korean language and studying for the TOPIK test are two very different things. I know many who get high level in the test, but cannot speak Korean to save their lives, so don't get discouraged if you don't do well on that particular test. It's garbage imo. If you learn hangeul before going, it'll be super helpful, so I definitely recommend that!
CAN I BRING MY WIFE/HUSBAND/PARTNER?
Yes, but they're not allowed to live with you at the dorms. All dorms are gender-divided. NIIED will not cover their living expenses nor give them an allowance either.
MUST I GET THE RECOMMENDATION LETTERS?
Yes and they must be written, signed and sealed by the person who's giving it to you. They cannot simply ask you what to write and then say they approve.
HOW HIGH A GPA DO I NEED TO GET THE SCHOLARSHIP?
I don't know the exact criteria for how they choose their candidates. The official requirement is no lower than 80% (2.8) on your most recently obtained education. To be fair, I think it's more important you have good connections to the institution you want to apply through.
WHAT BOOKS DO YOU USE AT LANGUAGE SCHOOL?
It depends on the language school and the teacher. At BUFS we used different ones depending on level and teacher of the class.
CAN I PLEASE SEE YOUR MOTIVATIONAL LETTER/APPLICATION?
No. My application is personal, as is my motivational letter and letter of introduction and I will not send it out for you to copy or get "inspired" by. I will also not reveal my study plan. I've gotten quite a few messages from young girls who want to go to Korea because they love Kpop. If you cannot provide a proper reason for studying in Korea on your own (other than kpop), you probably should not apply. You're there to study and get your degree, not to chase oppas and go to concerts.
CAN I CHOOSE THE LANGUAGE SCHOOL I GO TO?
No you cannot. NIIED places you outside of Seoul, if your degree university is in Seoul.
I JUST GOT ACCEPTED TO _____ UNIV. HOW DO I APPLY FOR KGSP?
The KGSP program is not for students who are already accepted to a university or attending a university in Korea. It's a program that has specific guidelines and a long and straining application process. You cannot apply for only a semester or the like.
HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TO GET IT?
It depends on the country and the number of spots they get. Only two people could get it from Denmark and the two of us that got it both had close connections at the embassy through either an internship or extra curricular work and events with the staff there. Having a personal relationship with people at the institution you wish to apply through will help you tremendously to make a good impression. You have to gather an insane amount of documents, fill out forms and do a lot of waiting. It's extremely stressful and very straining. The entire process and the many selection rounds stretch over several months, so it's a lot of sleepless nights and running around trying to get people to sign and provide documents for you.
HOW DO I APPLY?
You apply either via embassy track or university track. The two processes are slightly different. I applied via embassy track. Regulations and requirements are altered every year, so please check out STUDYINKOREA's website on the matter.
WHEN CAN I APPLY?
It depends whether you're applying for a BA or an MA. The BA deadline is usually in Fall and the MA deadline is in Spring. Please keep an eye on your embassy's website or on NIIED/studyinkorea's website.
CAN I STUDY _____?
I don't know. It depends on your university and current regulations. Your best bet is to check the lists released with the first round of results.
SHOULD I LEARN KOREAN BEFORE GOING?
NIIED sponsors one year of intense Korean class to prepare you for the TOPIK test. Keep in mind that studying Korean language and studying for the TOPIK test are two very different things. I know many who get high level in the test, but cannot speak Korean to save their lives, so don't get discouraged if you don't do well on that particular test. It's garbage imo. If you learn hangeul before going, it'll be super helpful, so I definitely recommend that!
CAN I BRING MY WIFE/HUSBAND/PARTNER?
Yes, but they're not allowed to live with you at the dorms. All dorms are gender-divided. NIIED will not cover their living expenses nor give them an allowance either.
MUST I GET THE RECOMMENDATION LETTERS?
Yes and they must be written, signed and sealed by the person who's giving it to you. They cannot simply ask you what to write and then say they approve.
HOW HIGH A GPA DO I NEED TO GET THE SCHOLARSHIP?
I don't know the exact criteria for how they choose their candidates. The official requirement is no lower than 80% (2.8) on your most recently obtained education. To be fair, I think it's more important you have good connections to the institution you want to apply through.
WHAT BOOKS DO YOU USE AT LANGUAGE SCHOOL?
It depends on the language school and the teacher. At BUFS we used different ones depending on level and teacher of the class.
CAN I PLEASE SEE YOUR MOTIVATIONAL LETTER/APPLICATION?
No. My application is personal, as is my motivational letter and letter of introduction and I will not send it out for you to copy or get "inspired" by. I will also not reveal my study plan. I've gotten quite a few messages from young girls who want to go to Korea because they love Kpop. If you cannot provide a proper reason for studying in Korea on your own (other than kpop), you probably should not apply. You're there to study and get your degree, not to chase oppas and go to concerts.
CAN I CHOOSE THE LANGUAGE SCHOOL I GO TO?
No you cannot. NIIED places you outside of Seoul, if your degree university is in Seoul.
I JUST GOT ACCEPTED TO _____ UNIV. HOW DO I APPLY FOR KGSP?
The KGSP program is not for students who are already accepted to a university or attending a university in Korea. It's a program that has specific guidelines and a long and straining application process. You cannot apply for only a semester or the like.
HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TO GET IT?
It depends on the country and the number of spots they get. Only two people could get it from Denmark and the two of us that got it both had close connections at the embassy through either an internship or extra curricular work and events with the staff there. Having a personal relationship with people at the institution you wish to apply through will help you tremendously to make a good impression. You have to gather an insane amount of documents, fill out forms and do a lot of waiting. It's extremely stressful and very straining. The entire process and the many selection rounds stretch over several months, so it's a lot of sleepless nights and running around trying to get people to sign and provide documents for you.
Got any questions that weren't answered here?
Leave them below or on TUMBLR.
Have a good one!
^3^)/
