Two alumni of the Korean Language and Culture Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), have successfully received the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2024 to pursue their Master’s degrees in South Korea. The two alumni, Maria Tricia (Cia) and Syadza Nadhira Khalizhaffana (Nana) from the 2019 cohort, are continuing their studies at Kyungpook National University and Jeonbuk National University, respectively. Although studying at different universities, both have chosen the same major: Korean Language and Literature.
Here are some reflections and words of encouragement shared by the two awardees:
“When I was about to start my Master’s classes in Korea, I was quite worried because I felt that my Korean language skills were still insufficient to follow lectures in Korean. When the classes began, my fears proved true—I struggled to understand the professors’ explanations, especially with the added challenge of regional dialects. However, after two weeks, I realized that I just needed time to adapt. Now, I can follow the lessons a bit better, and I hope to continue improving my understanding as time goes on.
So far, I feel comfortable navigating life as a Master’s student in Korea, from the more in-depth learning experiences to the social interactions with fellow students and local residents.
To friends who also aspire to study in Korea, don’t be afraid to give it a try. You’ll never know what you’re capable of if you don’t take the first step. I also hope everyone has strong motivation to pursue their studies, as studying in a foreign country is not something simple or easy. I truly believe that if we are confident, committed, and willing to step out of our comfort zones, we can achieve our goals.” -Cia
“Alhamdulillah, I am deeply grateful to have been able to continue my studies with the GKS scholarship right after officially graduating from the UGM Korean Language and Culture Program last year. Although I haven’t formally started my Master’s degree yet, as I need to complete the Korean Language Program first, I’ve already spent one month here and am enjoying it greatly. I’m truly looking forward to this new academic journey.
At the start, of course, I had many worries, especially questioning whether I would be capable of continuing my studies here. At one point, I even felt like giving up. But thanks to the support of my family and friends, I challenged myself to persevere. I hope that moving forward, I will grow stronger and more confident in my ability to live as a Master’s student in Korea. I also hope to return to Indonesia with the knowledge I’ve gained here and contribute meaningfully to society.
For friends who are considering studying abroad, especially in Korea with the GKS scholarship, I strongly recommend preparing yourselves thoroughly—not just physically but also mentally. Living in a foreign country is very different from moving to a different city within Indonesia, such as from your hometown to Yogyakarta. The challenges will be greater. But don’t give up easily, and always be brave to try new things while believing in yourself and your ability to create a better life.
Also, never forget to keep praying and working hard to reach your dreams. For those who are interested in GKS or have questions about it, I’ll be more than happy to help. Stay motivated, everyone!” -Nana
This achievement reflects the high quality of UGM alumni and their ability to excel on an international stage. It serves as an inspiration for others who aspire to pursue higher education abroad, highlighting the importance of resilience, preparation, and unwavering determination.
