In this blog post, I will summarize my academic efforts in politics and international relations, current affairs debate activities, homestay volunteer experiences, as well as my motivation for applying and future career plans during my high school years.
Academic Efforts and Learning Experiences
While attending a foreign language high school, I studied in the English department. While completing a specialized curriculum focused on English, I also continued my studies in general subjects. To prepare for the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), I selected two Social Studies subjects, among which I preferred Law and Politics the most. As I have always been interested in social and current affairs, I frequently read newspapers and online news. Among the articles, I made an effort to understand the operation of the state and the pending issues in the National Assembly by focusing on topics in the social, economic, and political sections.
What I found particularly interesting while studying Law and Politics was how closely the reality I observed in news articles aligned with the explanations in the textbook. When learning about the concepts of democracy and the rule of law, I read opinion pieces by politicians and compared their views with the theoretical concepts. During local council elections, I broadened my understanding by following real-time news alongside the textbook’s “Political Participation and Elections” unit.
I found it particularly interesting that the relationships between political parties, interest groups, and civic organizations covered in the textbook closely mirrored real-world examples. I frequently encountered news stories about the relationship between public opinion and political parties, the claims and protests of interest groups, and the responses of civic organizations. I also visited protest sites near Gwanghwamun Square and Gyeongbokgung Palace to learn about the Constitution and citizens’ rights through on-site experiences. Learning in this way, by comparing theory with reality, broadened my perspective and developed my values, and it also enabled me to present my arguments logically during debates.
On-campus Current Affairs Debate Activities
There was an event organized by a consortium of specialized high schools, involving other foreign language high schools in Seoul, Anyang, Gwacheon, Suwon, and other areas. Among these, the current affairs debate competition was the largest and most popular, and I formed a team with three friends who shared the same goal. When recruiting team members, I carefully considered how our overall perspectives aligned while ensuring our approaches to developing arguments and the areas of evidence we presented differed, so we could complement each other.
For example, while I had extensive knowledge of citizens’ fundamental rights, another team member excelled in constitutional and criminal law, making our team composition highly effective. Since the competition included both categories where basic materials were provided and those where no specific topic was given, it was crucial to collect and analyze a wide range of topics. We immersed ourselves in analyzing current issues by referencing newspaper articles and books on current affairs. To improve our debating skills, we invited external instructors, took online courses, and sought advice from upperclassmen with debating experience.
For a specific practice topic—a debate on the pros and cons of the game shutdown system—we took the opposing stance. We argued that the system infringes on individual rights and generalizes parents’ perspectives, while also acknowledging the positive aspects of gaming. In addition, we addressed current issues such as the abolition of the adultery law, freedom of expression on social media, the controversy over the revival of the contribution-based admissions system, the classification of concerts as harmful to minors, and the mandatory installation of CCTV cameras in daycare centers, analyzing the key points and practicing both sides of the argument. Through this, we learned that the core of current affairs lies at the intersection of individual self-determination and constitutional and general regulations. By supplementing our legal knowledge, our team secured third place overall in the school-wide debate competition.
Homestay Activities as a “Citizen Diplomat”
During my sophomore year, I saw a notice on the school bulletin board and applied to volunteer as a homestay host for foreigners visiting the Seoul metropolitan area during an international competition. The event was an international sports competition consisting mainly of marathons and summer sports, and since it offered an opportunity to interact with foreigners during the event, I decided to participate in the homestay hosting program.
After applying to be a host, I received guidance from the district office regarding volunteer fees, insurance, volunteer credit accumulation, and foreign language interpretation support. However, as a student at a foreign language high school, I was confident in my ability to interpret directly in English, so I proceeded without an interpreter. One week prior to the event, I completed basic host training, a course on international understanding, and a language education program. During the three weeks of the competition, I hosted a student and guided them around tourist attractions in Seoul and throughout Korea.
I communicated in English with a Chinese friend I met on-site and shared thoughts on various topics; I felt a sense of fulfillment being able to explain the characteristics, culture, and history of South Korea. While guiding foreigners on the things they were curious about and wanted to experience in South Korea, I felt a sense of responsibility as a citizen diplomat, and it served as an opportunity to grow one step further as a future diplomat.
Motivation for Application and Academic/Career Plans After Enrollment
While attending a foreign language high school, I consistently prepared with the goal of becoming a diplomat and have consistently aspired to major in Political Science and Diplomacy for the past three years. Driven by a strong desire to study politics and international diplomacy, I decided to apply to the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy at a domestic university. I chose Kyung Hee University’s Department of Political Science and Diplomacy because I trusted its robust curriculum, which I learned about through upperclassmen.
After admission, I will manage my grades rigorously starting in my freshman year to secure scholarships and opportunities to participate in various on-campus programs. To strengthen my international capabilities, I plan to study abroad, specifically in the United States, where I intend to major in International Politics. To this end, I will diligently prepare by maintaining my grades, taking language courses, and gathering information on study abroad programs.
After returning from my study abroad, I intend to prepare for and pass the Foreign Service Examination, with the goal of working at an international organization. My objective is to serve as a global talent from South Korea, professionally handling diplomatic affairs and critical tasks while performing duties such as chairing meetings or serving as an international civil servant at organizations like the UN, APEC, WTO, and OECD.
