As the summer sun rises over KDI School, it casts its light on a class preparing to say goodbye. The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) cohort of 2022 is graduating this August, and with each farewell lunch, thesis defense, and final photo, they are closing a chapter that has profoundly shaped their lives.

The GKS program, a prestigious initiative under South Korea’s National Institute for International Education (NIIED), brings top scholars from around the world to pursue master’s and doctoral studies in Korea. For the 2022 cohort at KDI School, the journey was about far more than academic rigor; it was a personal and collective transformation.

I sat down with five of the 10-member cohort as they reflected on the final days of their three-year journey, which began with a dream and ends with a cap and gown. 

1. What does graduating as a GKS Scholar mean to you?

Parrales Obando Dania Carolina _ Nicaragua

It means everything. Being one of only two people selected from Nicaragua fills me with pride and responsibility. It means I get to represent my roots on a global stage, and more importantly, that I now carry the tools to make meaningful contributions back home.

Jardeleza Cherie Mae Espedido _ Philippines

I think that my being a GKS Scholar would only mean that the great privilege I have been granted should also serve as a greater reason for me to give more of myself, professionally and personally. 

Naveed Rida _ Pakistan

It changed my life, in all its essence. 

Metagama Arief Wahyu _ Indonesia

To me, it means growth, resilience, and learning to carry responsibility with heart. 

Namakula Gloria Dorothy_ Uganda

It’s not just a degree - it is a great experience mingled with symbols of resilience, opportunity, and international friendship. 

2. Take us back to the moment you received the final acceptance letter for the GKS Scholarship. Where were you, and how did you feel?

Naveed Rida 

I was in my office at the time, and I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw my name on the final list. I instantly called my best friend and shared the happy news. I felt ecstatic, knowing that this scholarship opportunity is probably going to change my life. 

Namakula Gloria Dorothy

I read the email while at work, my heart screamed, "Thank you, Jesus!"

Metagama Arief Wahyu 

I received my GKS Scholarship acceptance letter while I was in Yogyakarta, one of my favourite cities in Indonesia, teaching an Intellectual Property class for creative entrepreneurs. The news caught me off guard, but receiving it while doing something I love, in a place that means so much to me, made the moment feel deeply special, like the universe was affirming that I’m on the right path.

Parrales Obando Dania Carolina 

I was at my job when the results for the second round came out. I remember reading the KDIS email. My heart raced, and I ran to the bathroom to call my family.

I couldn't share the news with my coworkers just yet, so I quietly carried that joy for the rest of the day. When I finally got home, I let it all sink in. It was a moment of pure happiness, hope, and a little disbelief.

Jardeleza Cherie Mae Espedido 

I was spending an ordinary day at home when I received the official GKS acceptance email. It didn’t feel real at first; I had only been dreaming about it until that moment. Overwhelmed with gratitude for such a life-changing blessing, I thought about how competitive the selection process was, especially with the limited quota for each country and program track. As I reflected on the long, difficult application journey during the peak of the pandemic, I could only tear up in silence, too moved to speak.

3. What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at KDI School? 

Jardeleza Cherie Mae Espedido 

While I could never be able to claim that I was among the best students in KDIS, knowing how brilliant and talented the pool of students was in school, perhaps I could just celebrate my process of learning and growth because of the 2 full years of my graduate studies under the GKS Program. 

Parrales Obando Dania Carolina 

Graduating this summer will be one of my proudest moments. Making the Dean’s List was also a highlight. But more than the grades, I’m proud of how much I’ve grown not just as a student, but as a person ready to contribute meaningfully.

Namakula Gloria Dorothy

Venturing into courses focused on energy policy greatly expanded my understanding and knowledge.

Naveed Rida

I am someone who doesn’t stress too much about studies and likes to create a healthy balance between academics and extracurriculars, and that’s what I am most proud of.  

Metagama Arief Wahyu 

I’ve never been someone who defines success through academic titles or recognition. So, for me, simply being able to complete all my papers, exams, and finish my Supervised Research Project felt like a huge accomplishment. 

4. Did you take on any leadership roles or participate in extracurricular activities? What did they mean to you? 

Jardeleza Cherie Mae Espedido

I had joined some forums and activities like badminton and dance club, but I think what had been most rewarding for me was organizing activities and pastoral ministry for the Catholic community in KDI School.

Naveed Rida

I did everything: from studying late nights to sports to managing KDIS Frisbee club, travelling across Korea, being CA and student ambassador, and AA on various occasions.

Metagama Arief Wahyu

I served as the representative of the ASEAN Forum, where I organized events, facilitated discussions, and represented ASEAN students in academic and cultural programs. I also became the KDIS Music Club representative and served as a Student Ambassador.

Parrales Obando Dania Carolina

Yes! I was active in several student clubs, including the Gametopia club, and served as a student ambassador. 

Namakula Gloria Dorothy

Taking on roles like being a Class Assistant and Treasurer in the African Development Forum, I modelled my leadership skills into more of listening as much as speaking.

5. If you could go back and whisper something to your 2022 self before boarding the plane to Korea, what would you say now? 

Jardeleza Cherie Mae Espedido

Perhaps the message I would have given to my 2022 self would be - You've yet to see what you could become. 

Metagama Arief Wahyu 

“Take it all in, you’re about to live a once-in-a-lifetime journey. There will be tough days, but you’ll come out stronger, happier, and more fulfilled than you can imagine.”

Namakula Gloria Dorothy

I would tell myself that it’s okay not to have everything figured out. “Keep in prayer, have faith, and stay positive.”

Parrales Obando Dania Carolina 

Don't be afraid. Say yes more often. Try everything. This journey will shape you in ways you can't imagine yet. And… bring more food from home! You’ll thank yourself later.

As they turn the tassels and close this chapter, the GKS Class of 2022 leaves not just with degrees but with stories of grit, growth, and global friendship, proof that the journey was as powerful as the destination.