My name is Maggie Yang. I am the 2018 POSCO Asia Fellow from Indonesia. I have recently completed my study at Korea University Graduate School of International Studies with a major in International Development and Cooperation. Through this writing, I would like to briefly share my study abroad experience that would not happen without the support of POSCO TJ Park Foundation.

 

I first came to Korea in Spring 2018 to attend Korea University Korean Language School as part of the scholarship that I received from the Sejong Hakdang Foundation. I enjoyed my time living in Korea during my language course. Therefore, I tried to look for a scholarship opportunity to continue my Master’s degree in Korea. That was when I found out about the POSCO Asia Fellowship Program. I was very nervous during the selection process. However, my worries soon became a joy as I got accepted as one of the fellows for Korea University.

 

My study abroad experience will always be one of the most unforgettable memories in my life. Over the past two years, I am very honored to study while participating in various programs and events where I met inspiring people from all around the world. In particular, 2019 has been a very special year for me as I got the opportunity to join various programs related to ASEAN-Korea relations. I participated in the ASEAN-Korea Youth Network Workshop where I learned more about smarty city development in ASEAN countries and Korea through a two-week workshop held in Korea and Singapore. I then got the opportunity to become one the MCs for the ASEAN-Korea Train organized by the ASEAN-Korea Center as an official side event of the 2019 ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit. I was also trusted to become the Bahasa Indonesia-English interpreter during the Ministerial Meeting at the actual 2019 ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit held in Busan.

 

No1. Participated as an Indonesian youth representative at the 2019 ASEAN-Korea Youth Network Workshop in Seoul and Singapore

No2. Participated as the MC for ASEAN-Korea Train Program

 

In the same year, I was very honored to be trusted as the MC for the POSCO Asia Fellowship Farewell Meeting and as one of the speakers at the POSCO Dream Camp held in Pohang. Through my participation in these events, I came to realize that POSCO does not only provide the opportunity for me to continue my study in Korea but also challenges myself to do something that I am not used to and further enhances my skills and experiences.

 

Participated as a speaker for the POSCO Dream Camp
 

Until now, I still feel surreal that I have completed my Master’s degree. Back in 2018 when I first received my acceptance email as a POSCO Asia Fellow, I thought that two years would be a very long time but it turned out that the time passed swiftly. However, within such a short time, I had been able to learn a lot both at the university and through various opportunities that I encountered.

 

Above all, these past two years are precious for me as I had the opportunities to meet and learn from talented individuals from around the world. I also got to know many amazing individuals from the same POSCO Asia Fellowship program that I am proud to call as my friends now. I am glad that thanks to technology we can maintain our friendship although some of them had returned to their respective country right after the completion of their study. Moreover, I will always be grateful to all of the staff members of the POSCO TJ Park Foundation who have always been caring and supportive towards us, especially in the current difficult situations resulted from the COVID-19. Because of them, I can complete my study smoothly and have an unforgettable study abroad experience.

 

Recently, I am accepted to work with one of the international organizations located in Seoul. I am excited to continue my journey of living in Korea. I hope I can keep enhancing myself and become an individual who can bridge the relations of Korea and Indonesia as well as Korea and the world in the future.

 

I believe that my study abroad experience in Korea has transformed me to become a better version of myself. Therefore, I hope there will be more young and talented individuals who are not hesitate to get out from their comfort zone and can take up the challenge to pursue their tertiary degree here in Korea with POSCO TJ Park Foundation. I also sincerely hope that there will be more young individuals who play key roles in enhancing the relations of their respective country with Korea, as desired by POSCO as well.

 

Thank you very much for your interest in reading my writing. I wish you all the best!