Two alumni of the West Visayas State University (WVSU) Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language (BAFL) program have earned the highly competitive 2026 Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), securing fully funded opportunities to pursue master’s degrees at leading universities in the Republic of Korea.

Ric Jan N. Gabales, a BA Foreign Language graduate from the Class of 2026, will undertake the Korean Language Program before pursuing a Master of International Relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. Meanwhile, Jhazena Joy C. Siosan, a BA Foreign Language graduate from the Class of 2024, will pursue a Master of International Trade at Dongguk University. Both scholars are set to begin their studies in September 2026. The scholarship covers round-trip airfare, tuition, a monthly stipend, and insurance through the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea.

The Global Korea Scholarship is among South Korea’s premier international scholarship programs, supporting outstanding students from around the world in pursuing graduate education while strengthening international academic cooperation. Both WVSU alumni successfully advanced through the scholarship’s rigorous selection process before receiving admission to their respective universities.

Reflecting on their achievement, Gabales and Siosan expressed gratitude to West Visayas State University for equipping them with the academic foundation, mentorship, and opportunities that prepared them for graduate education abroad.

“We are deeply grateful to West Visayas State University for providing us with a strong academic foundation and meaningful opportunities that prepared us to pursue graduate education abroad. We hope this achievement brings pride to our university and serves as an inspiration to fellow WVSU students to pursue international academic opportunities.”

For Gabales, the scholarship represents the realization of a dream built through years of academic preparation, international engagement, and the courage to pursue opportunities even before completing his undergraduate degree. As he begins his master’s studies, he carries with him the education and community that shaped his journey at WVSU.

Siosan likewise described the scholarship as the culmination of months of preparation, perseverance, and support from mentors, professors, fellow alumni, and classmates. Her journey reflects the University’s culture of mentorship, where alumni continue to inspire succeeding generations of students to pursue opportunities beyond national borders.

Their success further highlights the growing international footprint of the WVSU BA Foreign Language program, which continues to produce graduates who excel in global academic and professional arenas. It also reflects the University’s commitment to Transforming Generations by developing globally competitive graduates equipped with intercultural competence, academic excellence, and the confidence to contribute to the international community.