Welcome! Surely if you've reached here, it must mean that you harbour a certain amount of interest regarding the
Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP).
The Government of the Republic of Korea is offering scholarship for at least six Malaysian students in order to support their undergraduate studies in Korea. The scholarship serves to promote education exchanges and friendship between Malaysia and Korea. Last year, the Korean government awarded scholarship to seven Malaysians for undergraduate degree course and forty two for graduate degree course. [taken from http://mys.mofat.go.kr/eng/as/mys/bilateral/political/index.jsp]
Well, here we are, the six Malaysians (we're less one person due to unforeseeable circumstances) to have been awarded with the undergraduate program scholarship. Having been here for slightly more than seven months, we have decided to create the KGSP Malaysia blog in hopes of uniting fellow Malaysian scholars under the KGSP (especially for those in the undergraduate program). We also hope that this blog would serve as a medium to discuss issues or problems faced or will be faced by KGSP Malaysians.
So, to start the ball rolling, in this first post, the six of us will each provide a little bit of our experiences/thoughts on the program.
First up, we have Ritchie (리치), the Penang boy (important to note that he is the only male in our batch!) who was placed in SunMoon University, Cheonan for the 8 month Korean language course.
Designated to SunMoon University at Cheon-an City, Chungnam Province for the Korean Language Course Studies. An unknown university. It wouldn't have been so hard if they had just put us in a relatively known university like Yonsei or Korea.
Hardest thing to cope with is the new environment and the new language. Food and people are also really different. First 2 weeks were the hardest part, and 1 month later, everything fell into place and tadaa~ a new real life begins.
Getting sick while you're away from home in a foreign land is the worst possible way to feel homesick. Getting used to the food would be hard at first but should be fine after 1 month though. While learning Korean can be hard, the fun part is getting to know more friends and fun trips(depends on whether you're lucky or not) to places like Jejudo. Living out of Seoul in a countryside like myself can be pleasant but at the same time has its bad points. One can save lots of money but most people would prefer living in Seoul for convenience. Seoul would have more people speaking in English so it's better for foreigners like us.
Having Korean language knowledge before coming to Korea would give u a slight advantage, but if you study hard enough, in about 6 months, you can speak okay- Korean although not as freely. Also, having a good knowledge on Korean language would be vital when taking the the exam which in turn determines whether you get to enter the university of your choice. So, having a great interest for Korean Language will be of great help! Besides, your Korean needs to be of a competitive level to study some courses in Korean whether you like it or not.
Basically, as soon as you enter Korea, you have to live by yourself(YES, YOURSELF, unless you have another kind Malaysian to live with you), although you still can forfeit the scholarship but if you're up for it, then just go for it^^ - Ritchie has gained admission to Seoul National University to pursue a first degree in Materials Science & Engineering.
Next, would be me, Raja (라자), a Subang girl placed in Myongji University, Seoul.
When I came to Korea, a multitude of things happened simultaneously. It was exciting. It was challenging. And I discovered what it truly meant to be an international student, in every sense of the term. The first two months, I had to face a language barrier so high due to the lack of English proficiency within both the Korean community as well as the international students. But don't let this fact deter you. Being able to come here as a KGSP scholar, I must say, is one of my greatest accomplishments. And if you have the chance to do the same, it is definitely not one to be missed! Learn to expand your horizon, and you'll be better because of it. - Raja has gained admission to Seoul National University to pursue a first degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering.
Also from Penang, we have Xin Ying (신잉), placed in Ajou University, Suwon.
KGSP was formed to establish mutual friendship between Malaysia and Korea and further promote education exchanges. This scholarship program includes a one year Korean language course that is very constructive for the long run. Korean language courses were arduous in the beginning but it assisted me to wholly comprehend the Korean culture and perspectives thus giving me significant insights. Life as a Malaysian student in Korea can be portrayed in one word – adventurous. A bumpy road, countless failures are within expectation, sleepless nights, yet worth the ride. - Xin Ying has gained admission to Seoul National University to pursue a first degree in International Relations.
Meet Miki (미키), another Subang girl, placed in SunMoon University, Cheonan.
If you are a fan of the Korean Wave; one with a vision for success; a person who dares to be different; with the urge to contribute to our beloved country's development; desiring to have life enriching experiences -- then Korea should be your choice of destination for further education. I am grateful to be part of the Korean Government Scholarship Program. Being part of this program is like being on a huge battleground; it is incorporated with tonnes of difficulties, endurance of the unfamiliar events, the homesickness, the vicious battle within self without tutelage and yet to be found in the comfort of new circle of friendships, a pool of opportunities, and the sweetness of victories. In average, despite the obstacles faced, the 8 months of the korean language studies have been really fruitful and provided me with unforgettable experiences as it has trained me in many aspects and every difficulty i had gone through has moulded me into a fighter. Optimistically, it is a win-win situation here as whatever difficulties you encounter today will definitely be useful for tomorrow. For sure, learning and adapting to new a environment is never easy, nevertheless like the yin and yang which are complementary opposites within a greater whole, it has been a valuable and worthwhile journey. - Miki has gained admission to Inha University to pursue a first degree in Mathematics.
Then, there's Natalie (나탈리), from Sunway, and placed in Sogang University, Seoul.
It has been more than 7 months since I came to Korea. Time just flies and I could still clearly remember the day when I first came. The anxieties and difficulties I encountered were like something which had happened just not long ago. After 7 months in this land, I have experienced a lot of things which were not exposed to me when I was in Malaysia. I somehow found myself becoming more independent and could solve problems without relying on the help of my parents. This is a great opportunity for me to grow up, to learn and to explore more. I will try my best with all my effort,determination and diligence to ensure a brighter future. - Natalie has gained admission to Yonsei University to pursue a first degree in Economics.
Last, but not least, we have Michelle (미셸), hailing from KL and placed in Ajou University, Suwon.
First and foremost, being selected out of 5,000 applicants for this KGSP scholarship is not merely pure luck, but God's greatest blessing for my 23rd birthday and just as I was preparing to further my study abroad, this scholarship came just in time to realize my dream to pursue a degree in Visual Communication Design. During these 7 months in Suwon, Korea, I was greatly overwhelmed by the locals' enormous compassion, warmth and care towards foreign students like me. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't have been able to adapt well in such a short period. With Korea's powerful fashion industry and Koreans' versatile sense of fashion, this country provides me with the right opportunity and environment to fulfill my dream~ - Michelle has gained admission to Konkuk University to pursue a first degree in Communication Design.
So that makes all six of us! And it has come to our knowledge that the deadline for the KGSP for undergraduates 2009 application submission has just passed. So, should you be joining us soon in Korea, please do send us an e-mail at KGSPMalaysia .at. gmail.com... just to say hi if nothing else~
p/s KGSP Batch 2009 updates coming soon
