Ms. Tabogoc in pink with her fellow GKS Scholars
Ewha Womans University Seoul, South Korea
Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
Photos by Ms. Krisitine L. Tabogoc
CATBALOGAN CITY―Samar State University-Mercedes Campus (SSU-MC) Librarian, Ms. Kristine L. Tabogoc, was granted with a Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) last year 2020.
The GKS is designed to provide international students with opportunities to study at higher educational institutions in South Korea for graduate-level degrees, thereby enhancing international education exchange and deepen mutual friendship between South Korea and participating countries, in this case the Philippines.
With the tuition and living fees fully funded, scholars are able to pursue academic careers under the best possible conditions.
Ms. Tabogoc is enrolled under the Master of Science in Library and Information Science program at Ewha Womans University, one of the top and fast-globalizing university for women in South Korea and a key driving force of Korea’s progress in terms of gender equality and women’s empowerment through education.
“This opportunity will give me a chance to pursue advanced studies and improve as a librarian and information specialist,” stated Ms. Tabogoc in an interview.
She believes that the scholarship will contribute significantly to SSU-MC Library as a source of information, especially in the fields of aquatic and marine sciences.
Early on, the SSU-MC Library received a 5 Million Institutional Development and Innovation Grant (IDIG) from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to upgrade library facilities and improve library resources. Phase 1 of the construction of this new library has commenced last year. On top of that is the Phase 2 construction which will soon be implemented at a budget of 35 Million.
Besides acquiring new knowledge and refinement of skills, Ms. Sakura Li as she is known in social media wants to experience life and a sense of independence. She also wants to seek friendship across borders and expand professional network which are also, in fact, part of SSU’s laying out of foundation for an international university and the deliverables of the Office of the International Affairs.
Her three-year study includes a year of Korean Language Training course at Chungnam National University.
At present, Ms. Tabogoc is already at the Land of the Morning Calm chasing her dreams and trusting the magic of new beginnings.
She is on study leave as approved by the Board of Regents of SSU in support to both teaching and non-teaching personnel development.