Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Scholarship

Nguyen Thi Tinhh, who loves Korean language, is dreaming of becoming an expert in Korean language education,
and Sari Prin Ferina is majoring in ESG for international business administration.

These two students could focus on their studies and research thanks to the support from the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation.

Enjoying their lives in Korea to the fullest, Nguyen Thi Tinhh and Sari Prin Ferina were interviewed regarding their dreams and future and anything they wish to share with others.

Q_ Hello. Please introduce yourselves.

Nguyen Thi Tinhh (Tinhh here in after) My name is Nguyen Thi Tinhh, and I am from Bac Giang, a city in the northern part of Vietnam. I am currently enrolled in the doctoral program for Korean Language Education at Hanyang University. My dream is to become the best Korean language education expert and create beneficial content that will be of help for Vietnamese people when learning Korean language.

Sari Prin Ferina (Ferina hereinafter) Hi! My name is Sari Prin Ferina, and I am from Indonesia. I am currently enrolled in the master’s program for International Business Administration at Korea University, majoring in ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance).

Q_ You were selected as scholars of the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation. What motivated you to apply for the scholarship?

Tinh I double-majored in Business Administration and Business Korean Interpretation and Translation at Daegu University. For my master’s degree, I majored in Learning Science and Korean Language Education at Hanyang University. The tuition and living expenses during my stay in Korea are a huge financial burden. I thought receiving support from the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation for my tuition and living expenses in Korea as a scholar would help me a lot in realizing my dream. I also thought it would give me a valuable opportunity to grow as a global talent by participaTinhg in various networking and growth programs.

Ferina I have been interested in Korean literature since childhood. I started self-studying Korean language by watching Korean TV shows and listening to K-pop. Then, while studying AccounTinhg as an undergraduate student at Gadjah Mada University (no. 2 Indonesian university in the 2023 rankings) in Indonesia, I came to Korea as an exchange student. As Korea’s prestigious universities are recognized worldwide, I decided to obtain my master’s degree in Korea and applied for the scholarship.

Q_ Is the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation Scholarship Program well-known to students in Asian countries?

Tinh The Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation Scholarship Program started to become known recently as students who have received scholarship benefits shared the news in the Vietnamese students’ community in Korea. I also learned about it through a Facebook post of a scholar.

Ferina Before I came to Korea, there had not been many Indonesians who were aware of this program. The situation has changed, however, and the popularity of this program is growing among overseas students from Southeast Asia because many of them are being selected as scholars of the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation.

Q_ How is the support through the scholarship program helping in your studies?

Tinh Once selected as a scholar of the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation, you can receive scholarship funds in addition to the full tuition support until graduation. You also have an opportunity to participate in various scholars' networking and growth programs. Thanks to the scholarship support, I could focus on my studies and research. In addition to the financial support, the scholarship program offers an opportunity to participate in a range of social programs that are beneficial and helpful for me to enjoy my life in Korea.

Ferina I am receiving support for tuition and living expenses as well as settlement subsidy during the initial phase of my studies in Korea. I am also invited to cultural events organized by the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation such as orchestra concert, musical, and global conference. These events help me build various cultural experiences in Korea.

Q_ Is there any special program or episode you remember as a scholar?

Tinh The scholarship awarding ceremony was a memorable event. At the ceremony, I met students from eight different Asian countries. We spent a meaningful time together talking and communicaTinhg with each other. Seeing other scholars working passionately in their respective fields, I was greatly motivated. I am still communicaTinhg on social media with some of the friends I met at the scholarship awarding ceremony.

Ferina For me, the three-day Summer Camp is most memorable. It was all the more special because I became friends with not only overseas students who are part of the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation Scholarship Program but also Korean students. By operaTinhg various programs for participation by scholars, the Foundation is providing us with an opportunity to broaden our network outside school. So far, I have participated in the Summer Camp, club activities, and concert. Last semester, I joined the yoga club on OnDream Club, a networking program for scholars sharing the same hobbies. It was good that I could become friends with students from other schools. We are supporTinhg and helping one another.

Q_ What do you think is the required competency of a “global talent,” and what efforts are you making to develop such competency?

Tinh I believe there are three virtues that are required of a global talent. First is the ability to relate to others. We were born and raised in different environments. So, the way we think is bound to be different. Second is the ability to recognize and accept diversity. We can contribute to the sustainable development of the global society only when we learn to understand and respect different appearances, languages, cultures, and perspectives. Last is convergence knowledge. Personally, I am trying to build digital-based information or data processing, analysis, and processing ability in addition to linguistic knowledge through the Korean Language Education.

Ferina I believe having a vision and an open mind is crucial for becoming a global talent. In addition to the classes, I participate in networking events to learn from the professors and obtain insight from other people. I try to widen my perspectives and build insight by learning various things beside my major.

Q_ What was your dream when you first came to Korea, and what is your current goal?

Tinh When I first came to Korea eight years ago, I promised myself that I would become fluent in Korean like a native speaker. Now, I can converse in Korean freely and I have also set future goals. First is to get my doctorate degree within the next three to four years and start working as a Korean language instructor. Second is to experience Korean food and culture, travel around Korea as much as possible, and share my life in Korea on social media. Lastly, I would like to write a Korean language book that is useful for Vietnamese learners.

Ferina I came to Korea because I wanted to study business in depth in an international-class environment. I also wanted to experience an international curriculum in a Korean university. My goal now is to find a job in Korea after graduation and apply my knowledge while working with various people.

Q_ Do you have any piece of advice for those dreaming of becoming scholars of the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation?

Tinh I would advise them to focus on a method of developing their competencies as a global leader. You can broaden your understanding of Korea by actively participaTinhg in local community activities. The most important thing is to use your time wisely and do your best in your job. I hope you keep the faith that an opportunity will come your way one day, and take on new challenges without fear.

Ferina I believe it is important to understand the criteria based on which future scholars are selected for the scholarship program. It is also necessary to find out which partner universities are collaboraTinhg with the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation Scholarship Program. Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity, and I hope you will be the next one to have luck.