Studying abroad is sort of a dream for many of you because it allows us to immerse ourselves in a different culture, discover our hidden potential, and connect with people from diverse backgrounds.

In this article, I’ll share my personal experience applying to Yonsei GSIS and Korea GSIS, the steps I followed, and the key aspects applicants should focus on when preparing their application documents.

Agenda

1. Why GSIS?
2. The Application Process
3. Key Documents You Need
4. Tips for Writing a Strong Personal Statement
5. Final Thoughts & Advice for Future Applicants
6. Conclusion

1. Why GSIS?

Honestly, studying in Korea was not part of my initial plan. Like some of you, my plans were disrupted by Covid-19, making many opportunities unavailable at the time.

However, this unexpected situation brought me to a new path I had never considered before. Looking back on this journey, I realize that things don’t always go as expected. Sometimes, the challenges are daunting, but I’m grateful I made the decision to move to Korea and study here.

The main reason I chose GSIS is its diverse environment. My classmates come from various countries and backgrounds, providing a wealth of perspectives that enrich my learning experience.

In addition, GSIS has a strong alumni network that extends globally, which further enhances career opportunities and professional connections.

These factors align with my expectations for studying abroad, which is why I ultimately chose GSIS.

2. The Application Process

Here’s the timeline of my application process:

December

• Outline the structure of my personal statement and curriculum vitae

January

• Research school programs, including official websites, social media, courses syllabus, and shared experiences from other applicants
• Finalize the programs I wanted to apply to and select one school’s document as a template
• Contact professors or company managers for recommendation letters

February

• Revise the personal statement, study plan, and CV
• Notarize the key documents, including the transcript and diploma

** Be aware of how many days you can receive the documents.

The office in my country can always process the documents within 2 days, so I can leave this step until later.

March

• Finalize the personal statement and study plan
• Obtain recommendation letters from professors

April

• Upload all required documents to the designated website
• Send the hard copies to the university

3. Key Documents You Need

The required documents may vary depending on the program, but the commonly needed ones include:

1. Notarize the diploma
2. Official transcript
3. Language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or TOPIK)
4. Personal statement
5. Curriculum vitae