What is KGSP?

So, I guess I should explain a little bit about what's going here.  I've said it so many times i just assume everyone knows.  This started as just a little thing for my family, but I've come to realize it's become a little more than that.

So, around March, I applied for this thing called Korean Government Scholarship Program, or KGSP for short.  It's part of the National Institute for International Education's (NIIED) Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program. They are also responsible for programs like EPIK.  Don't ask me what it stands for, just something about teaching English in Korea; like JET, but I'm pretty sure it's easier and sweeter. They love their acronyms in this game.

In any case, the program will fund between 3 and 4 years of education in Korea starting with a year of Korean Language training and one of five language institutes at various Korean universities.  I am currently in that stage, studying Korean at Jeonju University (JJU), "A place for Superstars!"  And they won't let us forget it.

If we reach TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) level 3 (of 6) within a year and a half (ideally within a year), we will be admitted into a graduate program (previously applied to) at another university; 2 years for a masters program and 3 for a PhD.

By "fund" they mean purchase our plane ticket, pay/wave tuition for every university we are sent to, and provide a monthly living allowance for the duration of our stay.  Nice, huh? My mother spend a lot of time wondering, "what's the catch."  Really, there isn't.  The program guidelines are pretty strict, especially in the beginning during the language courses, but basically, we're getting paid to learn Korean.  And I learned about it from a former Korean roommate of mine, so I trusted it.  Some people may not believe it, but, as an Asian Studies major, it makes sense to me.  It's difficult to explain here, but it's part of the way many Asian cultures do things.  It's rooted in their relationships, rituals, and business.

Anyway, after I stunningly pass level 6 on my TOPIK (here's hoping ;-) ), I'll be going to Kongju National University (KNU) for a master's degree in Game Design.  Yes, game design-- that generally means video games and it is exactly what it sounds like.  It's a little daunting to be surrounded by doctors and engineers (I've wanted to be an engineer since about 8th grade), but so far, I've run into a lot more acceptance and respect for the field than I have in America.  But then again, that's why I decided to do it here in the first place.

Also, for the record, KNU is where the friend who recommended the program to me is an administrator in the international education department.  It will be good to meet with her again.  I've also realized, i've never been able to speak Korean with her before.  For now, that will be my goal.