Hello everyone, I have drafted my personal statement for the GKS Scholarship Application (I am applying for a master's degree) and I would like you to kindly review my essay. Thank you in advance.
The essay is judged based on the following
o Motivations with which you apply for this program
o Your education and work experience in relation to GKS.
o Reason for studying in Korea
o Any other aspects of your background and interests which may help us evaluate your aptitude and passion for graduate study or research.
The purpose of this letter is not only to describe my motivation to obtain the Master in French Language Education but also to drive your attention on how the unique combination of my education, career orientation, experience and personal characteristics makes me a remarkable potential for the GKS program.
My journey towards becoming a French language educator began on my 8th birthday when my mother gifted me the novel Les Misérables by Victor Hugo. This novel not only explores themes of justice, morality, and law but also serves as an encyclopedia of French history, architecture, politics, and philosophy. From that moment on, my love for France and the French language was kindled.
I grew up in a modest family consisting of my parents, a younger sister, and a younger brother. My mother is a housewife, and my father worked in an electrical power construction and installation company. Neither of them attended college, but they have always emphasized the importance of education, encouraging me to pursue my academic aspirations. Their unwavering support, coupled with my deep-seated belief in lifelong learning, has fueled my passion for education. One of my most inspirational quotes is from Nelson Mandela: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." This belief, combined with my love for the French language, has solidified my dream of becoming a French teacher.
Since high school, I have been drawn to teaching. I often helped my classmates by re-explaining lessons they found confusing, which strengthened my ability to communicate and inspire others. After high school, I aspired to enroll in Hanoi National University of Education (HNUE) to pursue my passion for teaching. Unfortunately, my initial entrance exam scores were insufficient. Determined to follow my dream, I dedicated myself to rigorous preparation and successfully gained admission to the French department of my dream university in 2020. Throughout my four years at HNUE, I acquired specialized knowledge, developed a solid foundation in linguistics and pedagogy, and cultivated a broader perspective on language education. My dedication to academic excellence resulted in a GPA of 3.48/4.
In my second year, I participated in a faculty-level scientific research competition, exploring "The application of extensive reading methods to enhance vocabulary acquisition for second-year French department students". Although I received a consolation prize, the experience taught me valuable research skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Learning from this experience, I entered the competition again in my third year with a research project on "Developing an electronic learning portfolio (E-PORTFOLIO) for self-assessment of oral skills among third-year French students". This time, I was awarded second prize. While this achievement marked progress, I remain eager to further explore opportunities to expand my knowledge and expertise.
Beyond academia, my professional experiences have reinforced my commitment to teaching. I worked as a French instructor at a language center in Hanoi, where I prepared students for French proficiency exams. This role allowed me to apply pedagogical theories in practice, develop lesson plans, and employ various teaching methodologies to engage and inspire students. The positive feedback I received from my students has been my greatest motivation. Additionally, I have worked as a French-Vietnamese translation collaborator for a translation and localization company, a role that demands precision and the ability to work under pressure. This experience has honed my attention to detail and linguistic skills, further enhancing my proficiency in the French language.
I strongly believe that the goal of education is to foster a lifelong love for learning. This philosophy aligns with Korea's educational values, making it the ideal place for me to further my studies. Korea is globally recognized for its strong education system and prestigious universities, including Seoul National University (SNU). According to the QS University Rankings 2020, SNU ranks among the top 40 universities worldwide and 11th in Asia. The GKS-G Scholarship represents an invaluable opportunity for me to immerse myself in a world-class education, guided by esteemed professors. Studying in Korea will not only deepen my understanding of French language education but also expose me to a dynamic cultural and academic environment.
My ambition is to become a leading expert in language education, empowering future generations and fostering cross-cultural exchange. This scholarship will serve as a catalyst in achieving my goal, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to the academic community and beyond. I am eager to embark on this transformative journey, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. With this scholarship, I am not merely a recipient but a bridge builder-connecting cultures through education and inspiring others to pursue lifelong learning.
The essay is judged based on the following
o Motivations with which you apply for this program
o Your education and work experience in relation to GKS.
o Reason for studying in Korea
o Any other aspects of your background and interests which may help us evaluate your aptitude and passion for graduate study or research.
The purpose of this letter is not only to describe my motivation to obtain the Master in French Language Education but also to drive your attention on how the unique combination of my education, career orientation, experience and personal characteristics makes me a remarkable potential for the GKS program.
My journey towards becoming a French language educator began on my 8th birthday when my mother gifted me the novel Les Misérables by Victor Hugo. This novel not only explores themes of justice, morality, and law but also serves as an encyclopedia of French history, architecture, politics, and philosophy. From that moment on, my love for France and the French language was kindled.
I grew up in a modest family consisting of my parents, a younger sister, and a younger brother. My mother is a housewife, and my father worked in an electrical power construction and installation company. Neither of them attended college, but they have always emphasized the importance of education, encouraging me to pursue my academic aspirations. Their unwavering support, coupled with my deep-seated belief in lifelong learning, has fueled my passion for education. One of my most inspirational quotes is from Nelson Mandela: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." This belief, combined with my love for the French language, has solidified my dream of becoming a French teacher.
Since high school, I have been drawn to teaching. I often helped my classmates by re-explaining lessons they found confusing, which strengthened my ability to communicate and inspire others. After high school, I aspired to enroll in Hanoi National University of Education (HNUE) to pursue my passion for teaching. Unfortunately, my initial entrance exam scores were insufficient. Determined to follow my dream, I dedicated myself to rigorous preparation and successfully gained admission to the French department of my dream university in 2020. Throughout my four years at HNUE, I acquired specialized knowledge, developed a solid foundation in linguistics and pedagogy, and cultivated a broader perspective on language education. My dedication to academic excellence resulted in a GPA of 3.48/4.
In my second year, I participated in a faculty-level scientific research competition, exploring "The application of extensive reading methods to enhance vocabulary acquisition for second-year French department students". Although I received a consolation prize, the experience taught me valuable research skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Learning from this experience, I entered the competition again in my third year with a research project on "Developing an electronic learning portfolio (E-PORTFOLIO) for self-assessment of oral skills among third-year French students". This time, I was awarded second prize. While this achievement marked progress, I remain eager to further explore opportunities to expand my knowledge and expertise.
Beyond academia, my professional experiences have reinforced my commitment to teaching. I worked as a French instructor at a language center in Hanoi, where I prepared students for French proficiency exams. This role allowed me to apply pedagogical theories in practice, develop lesson plans, and employ various teaching methodologies to engage and inspire students. The positive feedback I received from my students has been my greatest motivation. Additionally, I have worked as a French-Vietnamese translation collaborator for a translation and localization company, a role that demands precision and the ability to work under pressure. This experience has honed my attention to detail and linguistic skills, further enhancing my proficiency in the French language.
I strongly believe that the goal of education is to foster a lifelong love for learning. This philosophy aligns with Korea's educational values, making it the ideal place for me to further my studies. Korea is globally recognized for its strong education system and prestigious universities, including Seoul National University (SNU). According to the QS University Rankings 2020, SNU ranks among the top 40 universities worldwide and 11th in Asia. The GKS-G Scholarship represents an invaluable opportunity for me to immerse myself in a world-class education, guided by esteemed professors. Studying in Korea will not only deepen my understanding of French language education but also expose me to a dynamic cultural and academic environment.
My ambition is to become a leading expert in language education, empowering future generations and fostering cross-cultural exchange. This scholarship will serve as a catalyst in achieving my goal, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to the academic community and beyond. I am eager to embark on this transformative journey, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. With this scholarship, I am not merely a recipient but a bridge builder-connecting cultures through education and inspiring others to pursue lifelong learning.
