Global Korea Scholarship application essay
- 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.
I am Bilguunnaran Ulemj, a 19-year-old from Mongolia, and I am driven by a profound desire to harness my skills and knowledge for the development of innovative platform software and data science solutions. These solutions aim to address the most critical challenges faced by my homeland, Mongolia, including poverty and disease. It is with this aspiration that I am applying for the Global Korea Scholarship to pursue studies in Platform Software and Data Science at Kyungpook National University.
My journey is shaped by a unique family background. In a family of six, including four siblings, my familial dynamics are intricate. Notably, I do not share both my parents with any of my siblings. Instead, I was primarily raised by my grandmother, which has led me to consider myself effectively an only child. This distinctive family structure has played a significant role in molding my character and nurturing my sense of independence and responsibility.
I completed my secondary education at the 14th Secondary School of the Capital city, graduating in June 2022 with an impressive GPA of 99. Throughout my secondary education, I consistently excelled in science and English-related subjects, which sparked my passion for these fields.
My fascination with science and English dates back to my early childhood, as I have always been captivated by the natural world and its mechanisms. This curiosity evolved into a profound interest in IT because I recognized that these fields are all about leveraging knowledge and language to solve problems and foster innovation.
In the realm of science, knowledge is harnessed to comprehend the intricacies of the natural world and develop groundbreaking technologies. In English, language proficiency is a conduit for sharing ideas and collaborating effectively. In IT, a fusion of science and language prowess empowers one to create software and systems that solve real-world problems and enhance lives.
For instance, the potential to apply scientific knowledge and linguistic skills to create a medical device for more accurate disease diagnosis or to develop educational software that enhances student learning is inspiring. Alternatively, one can leverage this knowledge to build a social media platform that facilitates connections and idea-sharing. The possibilities within the IT field are boundless, as it continues to expand rapidly, demanding creative individuals who are passionate about science, English, and problem-solving.
While I excelled in science and English, I faced challenges in other subjects, particularly literature, which can be abstract. However, my determination to overcome obstacles led me to invest extra time and effort into studying literature. I sought guidance from my teachers and collaborated with classmates, which resulted in significant improvements across all subjects in my high school grades. These achievements reflect my diligent effort and perseverance.
In addition to my academic studies, I actively engaged in a diverse range of extracurricular activities that enriched my life and shaped my character. I learned valuable life skills such as discipline, perseverance, creativity, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, effective communication, civic engagement, and social responsibility.
My passion for music led me to learn to play multiple instruments, including the guitar, piano, and morin khuur. Music instilled in me a deeper appreciation for diversity and exposed me to a rich tapestry of musical genres and cultures as well as key characteristics such as perseverance and creativity.
My active involvement in the Mongolian Scouts Association for eight years honed my outdoor and survival skills and imparted crucial lessons in leadership, teamwork, and effective communication. Through scouting, I internalized the values of service and community engagement.
Participating in various volunteer initiatives further expanded my horizons and equipped me with the knowledge and determination to make a positive impact on my community.
These extracurricular activities have shaped me into a well-rounded individual with a strong work ethic, a passion for learning, and a commitment to giving back.
Following my high school graduation in 2022, I made the deliberate choice to take a gap year after not initially securing the GKS Scholarship that year. During this gap year, I embarked on a professional journey at Bridge Blue Mongolia LLC, an international education agency and a part of the AMS BridgeBlue Group, which maintains a global presence with branches in 24 countries worldwide.
I began my tenure at Bridge Blue Mongolia as a Part-Time Translator in September 2022. As I delved deeper into the role, my commitment and dedication were quickly recognized, leading to my transition to a full-time position as an Assistant Translator in December. Subsequently, I was further promoted to the position of Translator. While my official title is that of a translator, my responsibilities have expanded beyond translation. Primarily, I've been heavily involved in assisting individuals with their Statements of Purpose (SOPs).
Working within the realm of international education, I've immersed myself in comprehensive research and writing about educational opportunities in various countries. This experience has had a profound impact on my decision to pursue my studies in Korea. It has provided me with a nuanced understanding of the international education landscape, shedding light on the challenges that students face when applying to universities abroad. Witnessing the transformative power of education and the potential for cross-cultural collaboration has reinforced my commitment to furthering my own education and contributing to global progress.
Moreover, my time at Bridge Blue Mongolia has honed my transferable skills. Effective communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving have become second nature to me. These skills will undoubtedly serve me well in my academic pursuits and future career, especially in the dynamic and interconnected field of IT.
I decided to pursue undergraduate studies in South Korea at Kyungpook National University for academic, cultural, and personal reasons.
Academically, South Korea is renowned for its top-tier institutions, and Kyungpook National University stands out in Computer Science and Engineering. Its commitment to cutting-edge research, exceptional faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities align perfectly with my academic goals. Additionally, Korea's status as a technological powerhouse provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn from the best and brightest in the field and to be part of a vibrant tech ecosystem.
Korea's rich cultural heritage, steeped in history and tradition, has always intrigued me. My initial exposure to this culture during my elementary and middle school years, while attending the Salvation Army daycare left a lasting impression. The prospect of immersing myself in Korean culture, learning the language, and engaging with its unique customs and traditions excites me. Furthermore, Korea's status as a global cultural hub provides access to a diverse range of cultural experiences, from K-pop and cinema to traditional arts and cuisine. This cultural exposure not only broadens my horizons but also fosters cross-cultural understanding, a vital skill in our interconnected world.
On a personal level, studying in Korea represents a significant step toward independence and self-discovery. It offers the opportunity to challenge myself, adapt to a new environment, and develop resilience. I am confident that the experiences and friendships forged during my time in Korea will undoubtedly contribute to my personal growth and character development.
I am confident that Kyungpook National University is the ideal place for me to pursue my undergraduate studies in Computer Science and Engineering. I am eager to contribute to the global IT landscape as a next-generation global IT leader.
