Scholarship / GKS-U personal statement (PNU - tourism and convention) [4]

Hello, this is my first time posting here. I am applying for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) next year, and I want some feedback on my personal statement. Please bear in mind that weiting essays is far from my strong point, but I tried my best.

GKS PROGRAM APPLICATION

- motivations with which you apply for this program
- Educational background
- Significant experiences you have had; persons or events that have had a significant influence on you
- Extracurricular activities such as club activities, community service activities or work experiences
- If applicable, describe awards you have received, publications you have made, or skills you have acquired, etc

As a child, I was always filled with excitement for future possibilities, places to visit, things to try. I wanted to broaden my horizons, see and experience everything the world had to offer. However, one thing always stood in my way. "We don't have that in Georgia," my relatives said, and watched my face contort into a frown. Georgia never had the opportunities some bigger countries did, which is why I've known for years now - I want to study and live abroad.

The search for a country that suited my tastes was not an easy one, especially considering my indecisive nature. Every country has its advantages and disadvantages. For a while, I didn't know where I wanted to go to. I explored various possibilities - Scotland. the USA, Spain, France. With every new country I visited, I thought my search had ended and that I had found the country I wanted to settle in, but I never truly made up my mind. But all of that indecisiveness ended with my visit to Korea. In the summer of 2024, I spent a month in Seoul, studying the Korean language. Ever since then, I've known for sure - I want to study and work in Korea.

Why specifically Korea, you may ask? Well, Korea is the land of opportunity. Coming from a small country like Georgia, I often felt limited in my ability to achieve my dreams. In contrast, Korea's rich history and dynamic environment offer endless possibilities for those willing to work hard. Not to mention the tourism industry in Korea. Korea has everything a traveler could wish for - a rich history with an abundant selection of cultural villages, beaches for relaxation, mountains perfect for hiking, and bustling cities with everything one could desire. It seemed like the perfect place.

My interest in the tourism industry was sparked by my own travel experiences and the realization that my skills and interests would help me thrive in it. For a person who is always looking for new experiences, has an affinity for learning languages, and never shies away from the challenges that come with them, working in the tourism industry would provide me with everything I want in life - meeting diverse people, discovering new cultures, learning languages, exploring new places. It opens the world to those who want to see it.

There are many different careers in the tourism industry, but remembering how lost and clueless I felt my first time in Korea, a new idea bloomed in my mind - what if I open a travel agency? I want to help people from small, underdeveloped countries, such as mine, visit the places they dream of, and show them the plethora of possibilities this world has to offer. Everything is possible if you put your mind to it, and no one is limited to the country they were born in.

To help me achieve my dream, I have chosen the tourism and convention course in Pusan National University. PNU has been ranked as the #1 national university in Korea, and it is located in Busan, the second largest city. There are many benefits to studying at PNU, including quality education, an ideal location for studies in the tourism field, and a vibrant campus. The Tourism and convention department offers some courses that I'm especially looking forward to, such as Travel Agency Management and International Tourism. The faculty is full of experts in their field, including professors with degrees from prestigious South Korean universities and even universities from overseas. I am also eager to participate in activities like the ABC (Amazing Busan City) program, which would give me opportunities to visit famous tourist destinations and study them, think of ways to improve them, and learn what exactly made them as successful as they are.

Overall, I firmly believe that upon completing my studies in Korea, I'll get the knowledge needed to contribute to the society I live in. And this scholarship would equip me with the finances needed to get the professional skills in the field. I believe that I can help people discover new opportunities in completely different cultures from theirs, and make going abroad seem as simple and comfortable as going to your local supermarket, instead of the daunting task it is considered to be now.