For Yubeen Jeong and Kijeong Park, two bright young Korean students, their dreams of studying abroad are that much closer to reality, thanks to a scholarship made possible by the longstanding collaboration between SAF and ETS Korea.
At a ceremony on August 7, 2024, the two students were celebrated as the latest recipients of the prestigious TOEFL-SAF Scholarship, an initiative designed to support students' educational aspirations with vital financial aid.
Chosen from a highly competitive pool of applicants, the two winners stood out for their impressive TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores, academic excellence, and compelling personal statements about what inspires them.
For Yubeen Jeong, being selected was more than just an honor; it was a stepping stone in her journey toward studying in the United States, bringing her one step closer to realizing her ambitions.
“Studying abroad in the United States comes with a much higher financial burden than other countries, so I’m really grateful that this scholarship helps take some of that pressure off my parents,” said Jeong, a student in the SONAS (School of Northeast Asian Studies) Department at Incheon National University.
“This will definitely be an unforgettable moment in my academic life,” she added, thanking SAF Korea and ETS Korea for their support.
ETS Korea is the Korean branch of Educational Testing Service (ETS), the global leader behind well-known assessment tools like the TOEFL and GRE, which evaluate learning-based skills and language proficiency worldwide.
In line with its mission, ETS Korea also partners with local educational institutions and organizations, such as SAF Korea, to help promising students improve their chances of accessing meaningful global learning experiences.
One of the highlights of this partnership is the TOEFL-SAF Scholarship, which acts as an incentive for SAF students to strengthen their collegiate English skills through the TOEFL iBT exam – a test that measures their ability to read, write, listen, and speak English in a university setting.
The bursary opens doors for students to study at top universities overseas through the SAF Visiting Student Study Program and the IES Internship Program, enabling them to pursue the best global career prospects after graduation.
For Kijeong Park, a Robotics student at Kwangwoon University, the prize is especially significant. Earning a place at the world-renowned UC Berkeley marks the beginning of what he hopes will be a rewarding career, with countless pathways forged by his time at the prestigious institution.
“I’m truly honored to have been selected for the TOEFL-SAF Scholarship...the valuable assistance from this award means that I’ll be able to explore my career path while studying at UC Berkeley. I’m hoping to grow as an engineer and develop the skills and knowledge that will contribute to a brighter future.” - Kijeong Park, Kwangwoon University
To apply, SAF students submitted their TOEFL scores, academic records, and a letter of motivation. The selection process was based on a balanced evaluation, with TOEFL scores making up 30%, GPA another 30%, and the personal letter accounting for 40%. After careful deliberation, SAF Korea nominated the top two candidates, who were then approved by ETS Korea.
This award is yet another success story in the enduring partnership between ETS Korea and SAF Korea, and shines a light on some of the lesser-known benefits that SAF students often enjoy. Beyond offering expert guidance on the foreign study experience, SAF’s local education advisors can also connect students with global leaders like ETS, giving them a competitive edge.
These valuable connections help students secure grants and other opportunities, allowing them to pursue and achieve their scholarly and professional goals.
To learn more about scholarships and the many benefits of SAF’s personalized guidance, reach out to an SAF advisor and discover how we can empower you to turn your dream of studying abroad into a reality.
