GKS 드림
Welcome, everyone! This is Hinda, Paula, and Siva - three warriors from three different countries joining forces to fight for Their GKS 드림
We will share with you our Sejong story, Topik experience, along with tips and strategies for youuu !"
Hinda’s story : Embarking on my journey in Sejong was like stepping into my GKS 드림 . The vibrant tapestry of South Korea unfolded before me, painting a picture of excitement and discovery.
As I dove headfirst into the preparations for the Teopokki Dich, I found myself swept up in a whirlwind of exhilaration. From bustling markets to bustling kitchens, the energy was infectious. Picture me, trying to keep up with the flurry of activity, as locals and volunteers alike prepared for the grand event.
But amidst the chaos, there were moments of pure magic. Like the time I stumbled upon the cultural art clubs. Can you imagine the sight? Colors swirling, brushes dancing, and laughter echoing through the halls. It was like stepping into a painting come to life, each stroke telling a story of tradition and creativity.
And then came the invitation to the Korean Girl House for Ramadan. Oh, what a night that was! The aroma of bibimbap mingled with the fragrant scent of Tunisian ‘’بريك الدنوني “ ( brik danouni) along with the famous korean Mandoo. Both dishes were clearly identical!
created an intoxicating blend of flavors and friendship. We laughed, we ate, and we shared stories late into the night, forging bonds that transcended language and culture. Haha, I couldn't help but laugh when I saw how much she adored the Tunisian smashed red and green tiny peppers!
In those moments, amidst the chaos and the laughter, I found myself falling in love with South Korea's vibrant spirit and warm hospitality. Each experience, from the bustling preparations to the cozy dinners, painted a picture of a country bursting with life and love.
So, as I embarked on my language journey in Sejong, I didn't just find a new home—I found a community, a family, and a whole lot of love. And in the heart of it all, I knew that my adventure had only just begun.
As I transitioned from the warmth of personal connections, I discovered a broader purpose through my involvement with Koica's World Friends Korea program. Having experienced the enriching exchanges of cultures and friendships, I sought avenues to extend these values beyond individual interactions.
Volunteering for Koica's initiative became my chosen path. Through teaching AI and culture classes, I found myself at the nexus of bridging divides and nurturing mutual respect within our community. Each class was a canvas where diverse perspectives converged, fostering an environment of understanding and harmony.
The classroom became a microcosm of the world, where differences in backgrounds and beliefs melted away under the common pursuit of knowledge and connection. Students from varied walks of life came together, their curiosity serving as a universal language that transcended barriers.
As I delved into the intricacies of AI and culture, I witnessed the transformative power of education. Beyond the technicalities, our discussions delved into the essence of humanity, exploring themes of empathy, tolerance, and collaboration.
Through Koica's platform, I became more than an instructor; I became a facilitator of understanding, a catalyst for change. Every lesson was an opportunity to weave the fabric of inclusivity, one thread at a time.
In the tapestry of our community, the threads of diversity and unity intertwined, creating a mosaic of shared experiences and mutual respect. Together, we navigated the complexities of our world, guided by the principles of empathy and compassion.
As the journey continued, I realized that true fulfillment lies not in the destination, but in the collective strides we take towards a more inclusive and harmonious society. And in that classroom, amidst the hum of learning and discovery, I found my purpose renewed with every smile of understanding and every spark of connection.
Now Let's discover the Topik exams together with Paula! As someone who has experienced the challenges and triumphs of language learning firsthand, she’s excited to share some insights with you.
Photos by: Paula Valentina Jaimes Bernal taken outside the sejong institute Bogota-10/14/2023.
Answering questions regarding Topik, By Paula Valentina Jaimes Bernal from Colombia
“On October 14, I took the Topik 1 exam, it was my first time taking it, I was scared because I couldn't review intensively or do simulations before, but I performed well during the exam, it wasn't as difficult as I thought, in my result I am level 1 I am close to reaching level 2, I also discovered that I am better at listening than reading, I advise everyone to prepare in advance, do many simulations, knowing what questions you will face is a priority and memorize a lot of vocabulary "
What is the name of the official Korean language exam?
Topik
How many levels do they evaluate?
There are 2 exams that evaluate 6 levels, the first Topik 1 exam evaluates level 1 and 2 and the second Topik 2 exam evaluates levels 3-4-5 and 6, where 6 is the native level.
What does the exam consist of?
Topik 1 takes a listening and reading test and Topik 2 adds writing, where your writing skills define the highest levels, therefore the Topik 2 exam takes more time.
Where do I take the exam?
At the Sejong Institute in your country.
When should I register?
The annual exam calendars are shown on the official Topik website (https://institutosejong.com), but not all exams are offered in all countries, you should find out from the Sejong Institute in your country how many exams they give and on what dates.
What should I not bring to the exam?
Any use of electronic equipment is prohibited. If you bring your cell phone, for example, you must hand it in at the entrance and pick it up when you leave.
How can I find my results?
You must enter the official Topik page and follow the following steps:
Enter the following link and click on check your score: www.topik.go.kr
Select Test held 90 (the number of your exam session).
Enter the registration number (the number of your registration sheet).
Enter the date of birth.
Click on search.
The lines are long because the opening is worldwide, make sure you can download the file and print it, you have 5 attempts per day to enter the platform and verify your results.
I hope this information has been useful to you and if you have any questions leave them in the comments.
Finally ! Tips and strategies to start your own GKS 드림 journey By Siva
नमस्ते (NamaSTe) 헤이 ! 🪷As a girl from an Indian agricultural background, witnessing my grandmother's struggle with an unidentified disease that was later diagnosed as dementia was challenging. It highlighted the lack of specific technologies for accurate disease prediction. My goal is to explore AI and machine learning applications that can provide precise predictions for such illnesses.
Starting my journey for GKS was a unique experience. In India, whenever Korea comes up, people often assume it's about North Korea. Even someone exclaimed, "Are you going there? She's going to North Korea!" Changing this perception is challenging, but I'm determined to highlight the similarities and explore the positive aspects between India and South Korea to shift mindsets.
NOW ! By following these tips and putting forth your best effort, you can increase your chances of successfully applying to the Global Korea Scholarship program and embarking on a rewarding academic journey in South Korea!
☑ 1) Be patience 💁 ☑ 2) Be confident🫅 ☑ 3) Be truthful 👼
Patient :
Most of us mail to Korean professors for acceptance letter . But we all forget the most important thing “The Patience’’. After we mailed the professor, we need to wait for another 10 days. Because of the professor's tight schedule, some of them didn't notice our emails. Maybe they'll check it in their free time too. Some students mailed the professor again within 2-3 days. It may feel frustrating and sometimes sound so rude to them. That's why I'm saying that Patience plays a crucial role in GKS scholarship.
Confident:
Nowadays, we are all lacking the most important part of us. It's confidence. We are all always comparing ourselves with someone else.
● What others may think if I do that?
● She's having a great family and supportive ones, I don't have
● She has very good grades…………
A lot of questions, but “We're all focusing on others who didn't even live our one second of life”
Yeah! Your life is different and your path is different !
GKS mainly focuses on your abilities, strengths, your score and your personality not others. We all need to focus on ourselves rather than spending our golden time in comparison with others and overthinking.
“The things that make you happy don't have to make sense to anybody else”
So just focus on
● Extra curricular certificate
● Additional courses you can do related to your field
● Webinars/International Conferences (Mostly conducted online)
● Online Korean language courses
● Volunteering programs
Try to participate and get certificates
Be confident while you attend your interviews, interviewees mostly looking for how well you handle your situation and how enthusiastic you're.
Truthful
When writing your statements including your personal statements and study plan, don't write your imagination. Write what happened in your life, what influenced you to study in South Korea. Don't write about fiction or imaginative things.
Be truthful to who you are!
Try to collect all the certificates you mentioned in your PS & SP. If not, don't worry, just tell them about your experiences.
The final one,
To gather deeper information about the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program, including details about specific universities and contacts for coordinators or professors involved, it's essential to visit the official websites of the universities participating in the GKS program.
Here's a general step-by-step guide:
1. Identify Universities: Firstly, identify the universities in South Korea that participate in the GKS program. You can find this information on the official GKS website or through other reliable sources related to Korean education.
2. University Websites: Visit the official websites of the universities you're interested in. Most universities provide comprehensive information about their academic programs, including details about scholarships and international admissions.
3. GKS Information: Look for sections or pages dedicated to international students, scholarships, or GKS-specific information on the university websites. These sections often provide detailed information about the GKS program, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines.
4. Contact Coordinators or Professors: Within the university websites, you may find contact information for GKS coordinators, international admissions offices, or professors involved in the GKS program. Reach out to them via email or phone to inquire about specific details, such as available programs, research opportunities, and academic requirements.
5. Ask Questions: Prepare a list of questions regarding the GKS program, university facilities, academic offerings, and any other relevant inquiries you may have. Be polite and concise in your communications, and don't hesitate to ask for clarification on any points of interest.
6. Follow Up: If you don't receive a response within a reasonable timeframe, consider following up with a polite reminder. Sometimes, university staff members may be busy, so it's okay to gently nudge them for a response.
Written by Paula Valentina Jaimes Bernal , Hinda Melliti and Siva Nanthini
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