Language Study Plan:
Before coming to Korea: Communication is essential in this world. Every human being needs to communicate with each other. I grew up speaking English as a second language because it is used in schools and universities in India. I watched movies, novels, reality shows, and websites to learn English fluently, apart from what I was taught in my school and university. I also managed to score a band 7.0 on the IELTS test. I feel more comfortable using English than my native language, Hindi.
· I have always been interested in languages such as French, Arabic, Korean, and English. I have learned a decent amount of Korean, as well as a basic version of French and Arabic. It was difficult for me because I didn't have enough time due to my academic and work schedule, and there were no language institutes in my area that my family could afford. I devoted my time to learning Korean by using sites such as Korean101.com and TalkToMeinKorean.com, as well as YouTube videos. I learned Hangul, commonly used grammar and vocabulary, and how to compose conversational sentences from these sites. In addition to these sites, I also picked up a large portion of my Korean by watching English-subbed Korean shows and dramas. It was fun and scholastic! I came to realize that my English is gradually getting better. I learned new vocabulary in the English subs, and then translated it into the Korean version.
· Later, I found out about the 'Korea Connection' Language Program in 2020. This program is 10 weeks of Korean Language and Culture. I learned the basics of Korean Language, Culture, Food, Fashion, and Events in Korea. It was fun and Educational. The program gave us lots of tasks to improve our Korean skills like quizzes, Poster-Making to represent the Culture of Korea, Cook Korean food and share it online, Recreating our Favorite Korean Drama, etc. With my native Korean Teacher and Korean friend, I was able to overcome my doubts about Grammar, Writing, Reading in Korea, GKS Scholarship, etc.
· I enrolled in LKI's (Learn Korean in India) Basic Intermediate three months Course in 2021. During this course, we used to speak Korean for 2-5 minutes every week, and did daily reading practice. I passed the course test with 89/100 marks! As I wasn't able to take the Topik test earlier because of pandemic, I didn't know my level of Korean fluency. I used to take mock tests to understand the language better. This course has helped me understand the language and taught how to speak Korean fluently. I have some knowledge of reading, writing, and speaking Korean, but I am not fluent yet.
· After a long wait, I finally took the TOPIK test in October 2023, and my TOPIK level was 1 with a 126 score. I also took TOPIK 2 to test my level, and I failed, but I still got 77 out of 120 marks to reach level 3. After taking the test, I realized that I could understand basic intermediate Korean as well, and if I do my best, I can achieve a higher level. So, I am again planning to take the TOPIK test in April 2024, and this time my goal is to get TOPIK level 3 or higher. Assuming that I pass Level 3 in 2024, I will look at and read academic papers related to business, especially the fashion market in Korea and consumer behavior. But if I don't achieve my goal, I will go to Korea and work hard to get Level 3 or higher.
· Even after this, I'm still trying to learn more Korean by listening to podcasts and sharing my knowledge through my YouTube channel "SK's Korean Class". I'm not fluent in intermediate-level Korean yet, so I'm sharing what I've learned on my YouTube channel. This helps me review my learning over and over again. I will continue to learn and improve my listening and speaking skills by talking to my Korean friends and teachers whom I met online through my "Korea Connect" program through video calls. To get used to Korean, I'll train myself by listening to non-subtitled Korean TV shows, dramas, and movies. I'll use different resources, such as books and the internet, to learn, read, and write in Korean.
After arriving in Korea: During my first year in Korea in 2024, I will focus on intermediate Korean, but I will not neglect my English. I aim to reach TOPIK Level 4 or higher by attending class regularly, interacting with friends and teachers, practicing TOPIK on the TOPIK website, reading academic journals correlated with my major in Korean, joining communities and organizing study groups with other beneficiaries of GKS, and exchanging cultures with them. As a group learner, I would like to meet great minds and make lifelong friends with them. I hope that I can be good enough to get close to them and worthy enough to learn from them. I will practice Korean alone for 4-5 hours daily (excluding academic hours). Learning Korean will help me appreciate the beauty of South Korea, its ancient culture, rich history, etc. At the end of my study, I will take the IELTS and Topik exams and aim for Band 9.0 and Topik level 4 or more.
· Once I get my TOPIK score, I will start preparing for my academic year by reading the course materials and doing research while immersing myself in a more academically and professionally oriented environment. During my Master's degree, I will continue to practice Korean even if I get a high Topik score. I will practice Korean so that I can become fluent and learn more about Korean business, people, etc., which will help me achieve my short- and long-term goals.
· I have successfully taught English and Korean on my own, which makes me self-confident. I will double the educational advantage of the scholarship. I am sure and 100% confident that if I study Korean and focus on Korean and English for the whole year, I will master it and learn it well. If I had the opportunity to receive a good education, I would double it. I would not only gain education and knowledge, but I would also gain experience from others.
· Studying in South Korea would open doors in terms of career options. The Korean language provided by GKS will also help me to know more about Korean culture and people, which will also help me achieve my dreams. I have been looking for many scholarships, but I never found a scholarship as good as GKS. This scholarship grant will equip me with the knowledge and skills I need to finally attain my goal of starting a sustainable Korean fashion business in India.
