Hello, my name is Lanna. I plan to apply for the GKS-U at the end of this year for the Architecture program. I have already made several drafts of how I want my essay to look, and this is one of the ones I liked the most. I still need to make some changes and add more experiences I had at school, but I would like to know if, at least, this draft is on the right track
Personal Statement. - GKS Scholarship**
"Innovation is born from curiosity." I have always believed in this idea, and it is precisely this curiosity that drives me to pursue an international undergraduate degree in Architecture. Since high school, I have carried the desire to study in other countries and experience different cultures, seeing the world from new perspectives. I have always been interested in understanding how each people and place are unique - including the ways they express themselves through architecture.
My admiration for engineering and architecture began in childhood, when I would observe buildings through the car window and wonder how they were constructed. This initial interest led me, from an early age, to seek opportunities that would bring me closer to this field. Thus, after completing middle school, I participated in a selection process to enroll in a high school program integrated with a technical course in Building Construction, an area directly linked to engineering and civil construction.
During this technical training, I became certain that I had chosen the right path. I was able to better understand what my professional future could look like and acquire a solid foundation both theoretically and practically. Throughout the course, I took part in several technical visits, including to metal structure factories such as EVEC, which uses technology developed by Seoul National University. I also had contact with renowned professionals through lectures, one of which was particularly memorable: a presentation on the BIM system and how it revolutionizes the design field by optimizing processes and increasing efficiency. As someone deeply interested in innovation and technology, I was fascinated by this approach.
Moreover, I have always sought continuous improvement by watching video lessons, taking accessible courses, and keeping up-to-date with new technologies and construction methods. I emphasize that my technical training was achieved through a competitive selection process, similar to that of the GKS scholarship, which strengthened my discipline, preparation, and commitment. It was precisely this training that enabled me to secure such a significant professional opportunity early in my career.
The most remarkable experience of my academic and professional life was working on the construction of the LG factory in my city. I worked as an employee of a Korean-origin subcontracted company, CK Solution, participating in an international project that strengthens ties between Brazil and South Korea. Experiencing daily the integration between Brazilian and Korean professionals confirmed my desire to study in a country that invests heavily in education, innovation, and technology.
This experience taught me, in practice, how to unite ideas from different cultures to make a large-scale, prestigious project possible. I learned a great deal from both Brazilian and Korean professionals, which gave me a clear view of how the sector operates in South Korea and how much I could grow academically in the country. This experience was decisive for my professional and academic choices, as it showed that learning goes far beyond the classroom and that seeing the world from other perspectives allows one to create extraordinary projects.
I understood that civil construction is not just about erecting buildings, but also about connecting people, cultures, and ideas around a common goal. More than a project, that work represented the union of cultures and the collaborative effort of great professionals from great countries.
Naturally, I faced significant challenges, such as language barriers, initial lack of experience, and cultural shock. However, I approached these difficulties not as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth. I learned to overcome them, to seek solutions, and to become stronger, because I believe no one is born knowing - we learn by trying. I discovered that I am capable of adapting to different environments, communicating with people from diverse cultures and ages, and growing even in challenging scenarios.
During this period, I was responsible for measurement work, an activity I had never performed before. For this, I needed to study projects, understand the company's scope, and adapt to the Korean way of working. It involved a scope exceeding ten million, which required great responsibility. In just one month, I managed to learn everything necessary, working side by side with a Korean professional, despite cultural, linguistic, and age differences. I significantly developed my project reading skills and learned, in practice, to propose solutions in the face of project interferences.
I also had the opportunity to accompany engineers and designers, broadening my perspective on the integration of civil, mechanical, electrical engineering, and architecture - all working simultaneously toward the same purpose. This experience contributed not only to my professional growth but also to my personal development.
Today, I am convinced that I want to develop academically in South Korea. The GKS program represents the ideal opportunity to turn this goal into reality, as it offers academic excellence combined with a truly immersive cultural experience. I believe that, through this program, I will be able to contribute in the future to projects promoting sustainability, technology, and innovation, further strengthening the connection between Brazil and South Korea.
I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to apply for the GKS scholarship. I hope to grow through this program and contribute not only to building structures but also to creating lasting connections between countries and people.
Personal Statement. - GKS Scholarship**
"Innovation is born from curiosity." I have always believed in this idea, and it is precisely this curiosity that drives me to pursue an international undergraduate degree in Architecture. Since high school, I have carried the desire to study in other countries and experience different cultures, seeing the world from new perspectives. I have always been interested in understanding how each people and place are unique - including the ways they express themselves through architecture.
My admiration for engineering and architecture began in childhood, when I would observe buildings through the car window and wonder how they were constructed. This initial interest led me, from an early age, to seek opportunities that would bring me closer to this field. Thus, after completing middle school, I participated in a selection process to enroll in a high school program integrated with a technical course in Building Construction, an area directly linked to engineering and civil construction.
During this technical training, I became certain that I had chosen the right path. I was able to better understand what my professional future could look like and acquire a solid foundation both theoretically and practically. Throughout the course, I took part in several technical visits, including to metal structure factories such as EVEC, which uses technology developed by Seoul National University. I also had contact with renowned professionals through lectures, one of which was particularly memorable: a presentation on the BIM system and how it revolutionizes the design field by optimizing processes and increasing efficiency. As someone deeply interested in innovation and technology, I was fascinated by this approach.
Moreover, I have always sought continuous improvement by watching video lessons, taking accessible courses, and keeping up-to-date with new technologies and construction methods. I emphasize that my technical training was achieved through a competitive selection process, similar to that of the GKS scholarship, which strengthened my discipline, preparation, and commitment. It was precisely this training that enabled me to secure such a significant professional opportunity early in my career.
The most remarkable experience of my academic and professional life was working on the construction of the LG factory in my city. I worked as an employee of a Korean-origin subcontracted company, CK Solution, participating in an international project that strengthens ties between Brazil and South Korea. Experiencing daily the integration between Brazilian and Korean professionals confirmed my desire to study in a country that invests heavily in education, innovation, and technology.
This experience taught me, in practice, how to unite ideas from different cultures to make a large-scale, prestigious project possible. I learned a great deal from both Brazilian and Korean professionals, which gave me a clear view of how the sector operates in South Korea and how much I could grow academically in the country. This experience was decisive for my professional and academic choices, as it showed that learning goes far beyond the classroom and that seeing the world from other perspectives allows one to create extraordinary projects.
I understood that civil construction is not just about erecting buildings, but also about connecting people, cultures, and ideas around a common goal. More than a project, that work represented the union of cultures and the collaborative effort of great professionals from great countries.
Naturally, I faced significant challenges, such as language barriers, initial lack of experience, and cultural shock. However, I approached these difficulties not as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth. I learned to overcome them, to seek solutions, and to become stronger, because I believe no one is born knowing - we learn by trying. I discovered that I am capable of adapting to different environments, communicating with people from diverse cultures and ages, and growing even in challenging scenarios.
During this period, I was responsible for measurement work, an activity I had never performed before. For this, I needed to study projects, understand the company's scope, and adapt to the Korean way of working. It involved a scope exceeding ten million, which required great responsibility. In just one month, I managed to learn everything necessary, working side by side with a Korean professional, despite cultural, linguistic, and age differences. I significantly developed my project reading skills and learned, in practice, to propose solutions in the face of project interferences.
I also had the opportunity to accompany engineers and designers, broadening my perspective on the integration of civil, mechanical, electrical engineering, and architecture - all working simultaneously toward the same purpose. This experience contributed not only to my professional growth but also to my personal development.
Today, I am convinced that I want to develop academically in South Korea. The GKS program represents the ideal opportunity to turn this goal into reality, as it offers academic excellence combined with a truly immersive cultural experience. I believe that, through this program, I will be able to contribute in the future to projects promoting sustainability, technology, and innovation, further strengthening the connection between Brazil and South Korea.
I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to apply for the GKS scholarship. I hope to grow through this program and contribute not only to building structures but also to creating lasting connections between countries and people.
