Hello, I would appreciate the review.
I am not sure if my statement should be focused on the GKS scholarship or the university program I am applying for (in this case Yonsei Korean Studies).
Also, I faced the problem of my work being flagged as AI, even though I wrote it myself. I only used grammar to help me with grammar, but then many parts get flagged, I don't know how to improve it.
What do a circus artist and a scout have in common? In my case, it is the constant exposure to different cultures and languages. Growing up, I always travelled around Europe for competitions and was constantly surrounded by the most interesting people. Although we didn't share a language, we could still understand each other through a shared passion for circus. We shared our favourite tricks, complimented each other's performances, and taught one another everything from acrobatics to expressions in our languages. Circus was my first glimpse of the power of communication without words, which sparked my interest in cultures and languages. I discovered that language is not merely words. It is an intricate combination of culture, traditions, history and identity.
This interest only grew over time and truly deepened during my many years of scouting. One might think that scouting is solely about survival skills and volunteering, but it is so much more than that. It is also an excellent opportunity to connect with people from different countries and cultures. One of the most memorable camps happened in Kaunas, Lithuania, in 2018. "Laužų Karta" was a big international camp celebrating 100 years of scouting in Lithuania, with many international scouts participating. I still remember the late nights around campfires, the smell of the smoke, the taste of scout bread and most importantly - the sound of the guitar accompanied by songs from so many different places around the world. This camp solidified my love for languages and cultures, but one moment stood out - meeting a scout from Taiwan. Until then, my exposure to international cultures had been primarily European, but this friendship showed me an entirely different world.
These early experiences, where communication often transcended language, naturally led me to develop a deep curiosity about different cultures and their linguistic structures. When it came time to choose a field of study, it was clear that East Asian Languages and Cultures was the perfect fit. This is where I developed a special interest in Korea and the Korean language. I took Korean language courses during the first semester and demonstrated a strong aptitude for Korean, allowing me to enrol in more advanced courses ahead of my peers. Although all the courses were fascinating, those related to Korea captured my attention the most. To further challenge myself, I enrolled in King Sejong Institute language courses, immediately starting at level 8, which led to my graduation from the institute the same semester I enrolled. I also participated in a Korean speaking contest by King Sejong Institute and secured 2nd place, which gave me the confidence to start using Korean outside of the classroom.
My eagerness to learn more encouraged me to apply for an exchange program in Korea, where I fully committed to this field. I spent a semester at Korea University in 2023 studying Korean history and culture and taking Korean language courses alongside my other courses. Motivated by my experience at Korea University, I extended my studies to Kyung Hee University, where I deepened my knowledge through specialized courses in culture and linguistics. These two semesters in Korea enhanced my academic expertise and immersed me in the environment I had long studied from afar. Studying in Korea challenged me to adapt quickly, strengthen my problem-solving abilities, and engage deeply with my studies and the local community. Most importantly, it refined my Korean language proficiency to a level where I could confidently navigate academic and everyday life.
Later, I further applied my skills through a six-month internship at King Sejong Institute, where I assisted in organizing and conducting Korean culture classes and interpreted K-beauty classes from Korean to Lithuanian. This experience was crucial in expanding my expertise beyond academia and pushed me to apply my language skills in professional settings.
I believe mastering a field requires both theoretical knowledge and immersive experiences. Studying Korean Studies in Korea, where I can engage directly with the language, culture, and academic community, aligns perfectly with my learning philosophy. South Korea is also known for its competitive universities and hard-working students, which, as a highly competitive person, is the perfect place to be. I am always eager to learn more and strive when surrounded by other highly driven people. Yonsei University's Korean Studies program stands out because its balanced curriculum integrates language, history, and culture. I am particularly drawn to its extensive linguistic offerings, as refining my Korean language skills remains my top priority. Aside from academic benefits, Yonsei offers other benefits as well. Strong student identity and multicultural landscape are other reasons I am motivated to study at Yonsei University. One instance is the Yon-Ko games that unite students and show their strengths outside of academics.
With a background in East Asian Studies, practical experience in language applications, and firsthand exposure to Korean culture and academia, I am confident that I am the right fit for the next step in my academic journey - studies at Yonsei University. The Korean Studies program's interdisciplinary nature and its strong focus on linguistic and cultural studies perfectly align with my aspirations and expectations. The demanding academic environment at Yonsei and the opportunity to engage with like-minded and motivated students will challenge me to grow further and refine my expertise. I look forward to contributing to and benefiting from the university's academic community.
I am not sure if my statement should be focused on the GKS scholarship or the university program I am applying for (in this case Yonsei Korean Studies).
Also, I faced the problem of my work being flagged as AI, even though I wrote it myself. I only used grammar to help me with grammar, but then many parts get flagged, I don't know how to improve it.
What do a circus artist and a scout have in common? In my case, it is the constant exposure to different cultures and languages. Growing up, I always travelled around Europe for competitions and was constantly surrounded by the most interesting people. Although we didn't share a language, we could still understand each other through a shared passion for circus. We shared our favourite tricks, complimented each other's performances, and taught one another everything from acrobatics to expressions in our languages. Circus was my first glimpse of the power of communication without words, which sparked my interest in cultures and languages. I discovered that language is not merely words. It is an intricate combination of culture, traditions, history and identity.
This interest only grew over time and truly deepened during my many years of scouting. One might think that scouting is solely about survival skills and volunteering, but it is so much more than that. It is also an excellent opportunity to connect with people from different countries and cultures. One of the most memorable camps happened in Kaunas, Lithuania, in 2018. "Laužų Karta" was a big international camp celebrating 100 years of scouting in Lithuania, with many international scouts participating. I still remember the late nights around campfires, the smell of the smoke, the taste of scout bread and most importantly - the sound of the guitar accompanied by songs from so many different places around the world. This camp solidified my love for languages and cultures, but one moment stood out - meeting a scout from Taiwan. Until then, my exposure to international cultures had been primarily European, but this friendship showed me an entirely different world.
These early experiences, where communication often transcended language, naturally led me to develop a deep curiosity about different cultures and their linguistic structures. When it came time to choose a field of study, it was clear that East Asian Languages and Cultures was the perfect fit. This is where I developed a special interest in Korea and the Korean language. I took Korean language courses during the first semester and demonstrated a strong aptitude for Korean, allowing me to enrol in more advanced courses ahead of my peers. Although all the courses were fascinating, those related to Korea captured my attention the most. To further challenge myself, I enrolled in King Sejong Institute language courses, immediately starting at level 8, which led to my graduation from the institute the same semester I enrolled. I also participated in a Korean speaking contest by King Sejong Institute and secured 2nd place, which gave me the confidence to start using Korean outside of the classroom.
My eagerness to learn more encouraged me to apply for an exchange program in Korea, where I fully committed to this field. I spent a semester at Korea University in 2023 studying Korean history and culture and taking Korean language courses alongside my other courses. Motivated by my experience at Korea University, I extended my studies to Kyung Hee University, where I deepened my knowledge through specialized courses in culture and linguistics. These two semesters in Korea enhanced my academic expertise and immersed me in the environment I had long studied from afar. Studying in Korea challenged me to adapt quickly, strengthen my problem-solving abilities, and engage deeply with my studies and the local community. Most importantly, it refined my Korean language proficiency to a level where I could confidently navigate academic and everyday life.
Later, I further applied my skills through a six-month internship at King Sejong Institute, where I assisted in organizing and conducting Korean culture classes and interpreted K-beauty classes from Korean to Lithuanian. This experience was crucial in expanding my expertise beyond academia and pushed me to apply my language skills in professional settings.
I believe mastering a field requires both theoretical knowledge and immersive experiences. Studying Korean Studies in Korea, where I can engage directly with the language, culture, and academic community, aligns perfectly with my learning philosophy. South Korea is also known for its competitive universities and hard-working students, which, as a highly competitive person, is the perfect place to be. I am always eager to learn more and strive when surrounded by other highly driven people. Yonsei University's Korean Studies program stands out because its balanced curriculum integrates language, history, and culture. I am particularly drawn to its extensive linguistic offerings, as refining my Korean language skills remains my top priority. Aside from academic benefits, Yonsei offers other benefits as well. Strong student identity and multicultural landscape are other reasons I am motivated to study at Yonsei University. One instance is the Yon-Ko games that unite students and show their strengths outside of academics.
With a background in East Asian Studies, practical experience in language applications, and firsthand exposure to Korean culture and academia, I am confident that I am the right fit for the next step in my academic journey - studies at Yonsei University. The Korean Studies program's interdisciplinary nature and its strong focus on linguistic and cultural studies perfectly align with my aspirations and expectations. The demanding academic environment at Yonsei and the opportunity to engage with like-minded and motivated students will challenge me to grow further and refine my expertise. I look forward to contributing to and benefiting from the university's academic community.
