Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.
Global Elim Foundation awards scholarships to 32 international students
International students pose after receiving their scholarship certificates from the Global Elim Foundation during a ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, Feb. 20. Courtesy of Global Elim Foundation
By Baek Byung-yeul
The Global Elim Foundation, established by Yoido Full Gospel Church to support multicultural communities, is set to hold a scholarship ceremony for 32 international students from 18 countries on Aug. 25, the foundation said Friday.
The ceremony will take place at Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, with diplomats representing 15 nations in attendance.
The recipients were selected through official recommendations from their respective embassies in Korea, followed by a review of their enrollment status, academic plans and living conditions.
The scholarship recipients represent 18 countries, with five nations in Latin America, eight in Asia, four in Africa and one in the Middle East.
Peru and Honduras accounted for the largest number of recipients with three each. Students from countries including Tajikistan, Ecuador, Kenya, Nepal, Iraq, Sudan, Sri Lanka, El Salvador, Laos and Cambodia were also selected for the scholarship.
The students are currently enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs across 29 universities nationwide, including Seoul National University, Korea University, Ewha Womans University, Kyungpook National University and Pukyong National University.
The event is expected to gather diplomats from 15 countries, including six ambassadors and senior embassy representatives, reflecting the foundation's expanding network with foreign missions in Korea.
"Each international student studying in a foreign land will serve as a bridge connecting their home country with Korea," said Rev. Lee Young-hoon, chairman of the foundation and senior pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church. "We want to let these students know that they are not alone."
Since its launch in 2022, the foundation has served as a hub for multicultural support, offering scholarships every spring and fall semester alongside counseling, career coaching and settlement education programs through its specialized centers.
In February, the foundation granted scholarships to 33 international students from 27 different countries, reassuring its commitment to helping young global talents settle into Korean society and grow into future leaders.