By Honorary Reporter Dominika Jankowska from Poland
Photos = Snezana Mladenovic

As the Korean Wave booms worldwide, many are growing more curious about studying in Korea.

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is sponsored by the Korean government to attract exceptional international students to study in Korea, covering key expenses such as tuition, round-trip airfare, Korean-language education and living stipends.

Snezana Mladenovic is a GKS recipient from Serbia studying comparative literature at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) in Seoul. She received the scholarship in July 2023 and moved to Seoul in August 2023 to start school.

The following are excerpts from an online interview with Mladenovic on March 21.

Snezana Mladenovic on Sept. 21, 2023, poses in front of the HUFS bluebird mascot at her first university festival.

Why did you apply for the GKS to pursue a Ph.D. in Korea?

My biggest motivation was to reach another level of education, as I already had a master's from Serbia. The scholarship also allowed me to meet new people, professors and friends, both domestic and international, and learn about a new culture and a different way of living and thinking.

What was your first impression when you arrived in Seoul?

My first impression was that it was completely different from Belgrade or other European cities, especially in architecture, and had abundant historical and cultural places. I also enjoy the traffic system. It's very convenient and everything is always on time. Moreover, the palaces and other historical sites are fabulous, something we rarely see in Europe.

How has living and studying in Korea changed your perspective?

It changed my perspective in the sense that I started realizing I was part of a larger academic community. This will help me build a network for my future career as a researcher, lecturer or other academic role. Since I study comparative literature, I can connect the literature and culture of my country and those of neighboring states with Korea's to create more connections between them.

Snezana Mladenovic on April 4, 2025, attends the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival in Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do Province.

How would you compare academic life at HUFS to that in Serbia?

I don't know much about Ph.D. programs in Serbia since I came here right after getting my master's. But one difference I noticed is that students here can choose the subjects they want to take and mix them. That wasn't possible in Serbia. Students here can even take lectures at different departments or class.

What advice would you give to students considering applying for the GKS?

They should prepare a strong study plan, clear academic goals and a thoughtful personal statement. Applicants should also be prepared for a demanding academic environment and the responsibilities that come with the scholarship.

It might sound like a lot of effort, but I believe it's worth it. It opens many doors not only in education but also life. You grow as a person and gain experience in many ways.

What do you enjoy most about daily life in Seoul outside of study?

I enjoy visiting coffee shops with my friends, taking walks at parks, seeing musicals, and exploring cultural and historical places.

jcy0531@korea.kr

*This article was 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.