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Studying abroad is increasingly necessary for Korean students to broaden their future opportunity. But most of them find it tough due to language barriers and huge costs.
Han Jong-woon, 23, a junior student at Busan University of Foreign Studies, has found a solution with help from the Korean government and a U.S. language test firm.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology organizes an overseas internship and scholarship program called WEST, short for Work, English, Study and Travel, in cooperation with the U.S. government.
Successful applicants are provided with a visa for up to 18 months and covers travel expense also up to $1,500 a month living allowance for five months to study in the U.S.
“I wanted to go study abroad and have a new challenge but couldn’t afford it,” he told The Korea Herald.
While searching many websites and related agencies, he came across the WEST program through one of his seniors.
Students with average academic grade of B or above and TOEIC test score over 750 can apply for the WEST scholarship.
It was not very difficult to apply for it, but he spent a lot of time preparing before submitting essays.
“My professor reviewed my essays, and it was a great help,” Han said.
Last month, Han was also chosen as one of 48 students to receive a scholarship from the Educational Testing Service, or ETS, the U.S.-based firm that administers TOEIC and TOEFL tests.
Since 2008, the ETS has awarded scholarships for Korean students. And this year, the 48 applicants, including Han, received scholarships valued at $3,000 each.
Although he had a score of 965 in TOEIC, Han believes the test score wasn’t a determining factor in his successful application.
“I think the interview was more important,” he said.
To prepare an interview in English, Han used some English learning applications on his smartphone, such as SMART TED.
“The app was great for building conversational skills, and I could watch and practice while I’m on the go,” he said.
“I have to admit that preparing essays and interviews was challenging, but it was quite a learning experience overall.”
Now, thanks to the scholarships, Han is going to study in a college in Washington D.C. from September.
“I’m so excited, but I know this wouldn’t happen if I didn’t apply for the scholarships. My advice is simple: Don’t be afraid to fail, because if you don’t try, you never get it,” Han added.
By Oh Kyu-wook (596story@heraldcorp.com)
Han Jong-woon, 23, a junior student at Busan University of Foreign Studies, has found a solution with help from the Korean government and a U.S. language test firm.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology organizes an overseas internship and scholarship program called WEST, short for Work, English, Study and Travel, in cooperation with the U.S. government.
Successful applicants are provided with a visa for up to 18 months and covers travel expense also up to $1,500 a month living allowance for five months to study in the U.S.
“I wanted to go study abroad and have a new challenge but couldn’t afford it,” he told The Korea Herald.
While searching many websites and related agencies, he came across the WEST program through one of his seniors.
Students with average academic grade of B or above and TOEIC test score over 750 can apply for the WEST scholarship.
It was not very difficult to apply for it, but he spent a lot of time preparing before submitting essays.
“My professor reviewed my essays, and it was a great help,” Han said.
Last month, Han was also chosen as one of 48 students to receive a scholarship from the Educational Testing Service, or ETS, the U.S.-based firm that administers TOEIC and TOEFL tests.
Since 2008, the ETS has awarded scholarships for Korean students. And this year, the 48 applicants, including Han, received scholarships valued at $3,000 each.
Although he had a score of 965 in TOEIC, Han believes the test score wasn’t a determining factor in his successful application.
“I think the interview was more important,” he said.
To prepare an interview in English, Han used some English learning applications on his smartphone, such as SMART TED.
“The app was great for building conversational skills, and I could watch and practice while I’m on the go,” he said.
“I have to admit that preparing essays and interviews was challenging, but it was quite a learning experience overall.”
Now, thanks to the scholarships, Han is going to study in a college in Washington D.C. from September.
“I’m so excited, but I know this wouldn’t happen if I didn’t apply for the scholarships. My advice is simple: Don’t be afraid to fail, because if you don’t try, you never get it,” Han added.
By Oh Kyu-wook (596story@heraldcorp.com)
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Articles by Korea Herald
