By Honorary Reporter Jessica Louvain from Brazil

Photo = Lia Maurer

Studying in Korea is the dream of many around the world given the country's higher global image thanks to its excellence in sectors like pop culture, science and technology, and economy. 

Lia Maurer was the only Brazilian to earn a scholarship last year to study at Korea National University of Arts (KNUA) in Seoul. In this interview, the Korea-phile tells about her experience in Korea and offers tips to those hoping to earn a scholarship to study there. 

How did you get interested in Korea?

Like many, I got interested in Korea because of the dramas. When I was in elementary school, a friend introduced me to K-dramas and I grew fascinated with Korea since it's a very different culture. The first drama I watched was "Boys Over Flowers," and I later watched historical dramas and found them amazing for showing things like traditional clothes to architecture, food and Korean history. In 2016, I took a Korean class at King Sejong Institute in Campinas through an extension course. Taking this class brought me closer to Korean culture and got me more eager to learn about Korea.

Lia Maurer in 2017 won a Korean speech contest at the King Sejong Institute.

The first time you went to Korea was in 2017 for winning a Korean speech contest. How was your trip?

King Sejong Institute in Brazil holds an annual competition for Korean speech and the grand prize winner wins an all-expenses-paid trip to Korea. For me, it was a dream come true, and every effort I made to write and practice the speech was worth it. My first trip to Korea was for a week, and I got to directly experience the culture there. Through the institute's program, I learned traditional Korean dance in the morning and went sightseeing in the afternoon. Our group even went to Jeju Island for three days. I will remember the trip forever.

Lia Maurer and her classmates pose at Korea National University of Arts in Seoul.

You've earned three opportunities to study in Korea. How was the process for each of them?

The first one was for the speech contest at King Sejong Institute in 2017, when I won a weeklong trip to Korea. In 2019, I applied for the summer program of the Academy of Korean Studies, which has an online selection process and requires applicants to be a university student with a connection to Korean culture (whether taking a college course on the subject or studying Korean). Through this program, I stayed three weeks in Korea with tuition, materials, accommodation, food and even trips sponsored by the university all paid.

And my third trip to Korea brought me to where I am now: KNUA. I'm pursuing a master's degree through the Art Major Asian (AMA) + Scholarship, which selects recipients based on rules posted on its website.

Lia Maurer has earned three opportunities to study in Korea, the latest being a scholarship to attend university in Seoul.

You were the only Brazilian last year to earn a scholarship to attend at KNUA. What do you think is essential for studying at the school?
Since the university is specifically for the arts, the most important thing is an interest in the arts, even if your major before was different. Being proactive, determined, interested in learning more, and contributing to the university and Korean society also carry great weight when applying here. Just effectively express all of this in the selection process in the cover letter, study plan and portfolio. And remember to work hard when writing and preparing all the materials described in the notice.

Lia Maurer's artworks

What are your studying at the university and what is daily life there like? 

I'm studying for a master's in photography, which also includes 3D and hologram photography. Since the pandemic situation here is a little better than elsewhere, some classes are online and others are held in person. My classes are usually in the afternoon, but in the morning, I go to a study room or library to develop my project. I also study academic Korean vocabulary on my own to better understand the lessons.

How is the cost of studying abroad in Korea?

The cost of living in Korea is quite expensive, especially for those from Brazil, whose currency is undervalued. Rent, health insurance and fruit are what I consider the most expensive here. I always recommend getting a scholarship because there are so many here, such as the Korean government-run Global Korean Scholarship, which covers almost all courses, and the AMA+ Scholarship for art students.

Lia Maurer poses with friends in front of the statue of King Sejong the Great at Gwanghwamun Square in downtown Seoul.

Do you have time to walk around, discover new places and make friends?

Despite spending a lot of time on my research, I do have leisure time. I usually explore places like restaurants, parks or museums. I'm also part of the tourism program Global Seoul Mate, in which expats in Seoul present the capital on their social media networks. This has allowed me to get to know various parts of Korea and gain amazing cultural experiences.

What is it like to be an expat in Korea, whose culture is so different from Brazil's? 
People always find certain things strange when moving to another country, but I believe that because of my interest in Korean culture and having studied it beforehand, it was easier to get used to Korea. Having foreign friends also helps a lot since we go through challenges together and help each other. 

What is your plan after finishing your studies? 
I really enjoy academia so I intend to pursue a doctorate depending on the direction of my research.

What advice do you have for others who also want to study in Korea?

Korea offers many opportunities to foreign nationals, so the important thing is to go for it, make an effort and don't get discouraged. Many people ask me about scholarships and say they're afraid to apply because of the fear of rejection, but you'll never know if you don't try. If you apply, you will at least have a chance at getting a scholarship, so just do it. 

Lia Maurer plans on pursuing a doctorate after finishing her master's in photography at KNUA in Seoul.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.