By: Alexander Rivera 
Editor-in-Chief, Yonsei GSIS Newsletter 

As an officer overseeing admissions and scholarships at Yonsei Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS), Geon Doo’s role extends far beyond administrative tasks. He is committed to help the dreams and aspirations of every student who walks through GSIS doors. In this interview, we delve into Geon Doo’s journey, exploring the importance of his role within the GSIS community.

-Thank you very much for accepting this interview. Can you explain what tasks you do on your typical day at the office?

Absolutely! I'm glad to share. Usually, I handle admission guidelines, review materials, communicate with applicants, and allocate scholarships. We have two main periods (Spring and Fall), and we also run a "Bachelor’s & Master’s Degree Accelerated Program" with admissions during Summer and Winter breaks. That means that our admissions process never stops! Additionally, I manage all administrative tasks related to student scholarships every month. 

-That is very interesting. Can you explain how students can apply for the different scholarships and what the “Bachelor’s & Master’s Degree Accelerated Program” is?

Sure! At Yonsei GSIS, we offer a variety of scholarships to support our students. For institutional scholarships, there's a range of options catering to different qualifications and needs:

2. Dean’s Scholarship: A group of students receive this scholarship every semester. It requires a minimum GPA of 4.0/4.3 and at least 12 credit hours. Like the Incoming Student Award, it can cover up to 100% of tuition.
3. 
   Incoming Student Award: This is for students with outstanding academic potential, and there's no need to apply separately for this one. Depending on the merit, students can receive up to 100% of their tuition covered.
   
   

3. Financial Aid: This scholarship supports up to one-third of tuition fees for selected students with a GPA requirement of 3.5/4.3 and at least nine credit hours.
   
   
4. Work-Study Scholarship: Approximately 50 positions are available, offering a variety of roles. Successful applicants can earn up to KRW 6,000,000.

5. Teaching/Research Assistantship: Around 30 positions are coordinated by GSIS professors, providing support of up to KRW 3,000,000.

6. Internship Scholarship: Selected by the GSIS Career Development Center, this scholarship offers support of up to KRW 2,000,000 for approximately five students.

Also, we have the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Program, which is exclusively for international students. It covers 100% of tuition fees and a stipend, among other benefits. 

Now, moving on to the question about the Bachelor’s & Master’s Accelerated Degree Program, I have to say that it is an exciting opportunity for undergraduate students at Yonsei who meet specific criteria. For example, students should have completed 4 - 7 semesters with a cumulative GPA of 3.3/4.3 or above. They must be recommended by their advising professor, the Dean, and should not have received an academic warning. 

If all graduation requirements are met, students can obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree within five years (3.5 years for bachelor’s and 1.5 years for master’s). 

-What do you enjoy most about your role at the Yonsei GSIS Office?

I enjoy connecting with our freshman students once they have been admitted. My interactions with students are mostly limited to emails or phone calls during the admission process, but there is something special about meeting them face-to-face after they have been admitted. I am eager to assist them in any way I can. Seeing their excitement and guidance in this academic journey is rewarding. 

-What are the most common challenges you have seen for Yonsei GSIS students, and does anyone have any advice? 

-One common challenge is living in Korea, especially for international students. As a native, I might not fully grasp all the difficulties they might have. That is why we organize “Meet the GSA members” sessions during Open House and Orientation. Our GSA members, including international students, are fantastic resources for insights into living in Korea. My advice? Reach out to them when you're facing any living-related issues. Of course, the GSIS Office is always ready to assist students anytime!

-Finally, how can students contact the Yonsei GSIS Office should they need help?

You can call us or visit the office in person. You can also email gsis@yonsei.ac.kr for scholarship inquiries or gsisoffice@yonsei.ac.kr for student academic inquiries.