Jaekyeong Ko, from South Korea, has recently been recognized with the prestigious FAIE-Study Florida Scholarship, an accolade that acknowledges her experiences, perspective, and accomplishments. This scholarship is open to all international students in the state of Florida and students applying for it must complete an application, write an essay, get references, and submit a video (here is the link to Jaekyeong’s video). FSU had 11 different students apply for this scholarship with three of them making it to the final round of the process. This scholarship is handed out to a secondary school student, an undergraduate student, and a graduate student. Each recipient of this scholarship is awarded $2,000 for the academic year. A student from FSU has been awarded this scholarship for four consecutive years.

Jaekyeong found out about this wonderful scholarship opportunity through an email from the Center for Global Engagement (CGE). "I usually read CGE emails thoroughly as they contain useful and important information that helps international students adjust better to school and town life," she explains.

Being awarded the FAIE-Study Florida scholarship is more than a financial boost for Jaekyeong Ko; it's an acknowledgment of her experiences, perspective, and accomplishments as important and valuable. "It feels like the state is telling me, 'You are doing great,' which makes me proud of myself," she shares with a smile.

Jaekyeong is a dedicated first-year doctoral student in the Combined Counseling Psychology and School Psychology program at Florida State University. She started her collegiate academic journey in South Korea where she completed her masters at Ewha Womans University, and her undergrad at The Catholic University of Korea. 

Several factors motivated Jaekyeong to choose Florida State University. The professors, especially Dr. Marks, were a significant influence due to their meaningful research and work with diverse marginalized groups. Additionally, FSU's diverse associations, such as the LGBTQ+ Union, Korean-American Union, and Educational Psychology & Learning Systems ACTION Committee, demonstrate the school's commitment to diversity and equity. "Lastly, the beautiful campus and weather similar to my home island solidified my choice," she adds.

One of Jaekyeong's favorite memories at FSU is watching the circus. "I attended the circus twice, in the fall and spring semesters. It was amazing and surprising to have the opportunity to watch a circus at school!" she recalls with excitement.

Living near campus has allowed Jaekyeong to utilize many FSU resources and get involved in campus life. She enjoys jogging around campus in the mornings, frequenting the student union and library for studying and reading and participating in activities like the Paint-a-Pot program and bowling to relieve stress and enjoy time with friends. "FSU offers many events and programs, which I've actively participated in to integrate into campus life," she notes.
"The academic environment here is more discussion-based, encouraging the acceptance of diverse perspectives and emphasizing the importance of minority viewpoints," Jaekyeong observes, comparing her experience at FSU to her academic background in South Korea.

One aspect of American culture that surprised Jaekyeong the most since arriving is the variety of options available at grocery stores. "There are many brands and types of milk, such as 3%, 5%, whole, and lactose-free. This diversity of choices highlights a unique aspect of American culture," she says.

Jaekyeong has a specific goal of developing a career counseling program for international students while pursuing her Ph.D. at FSU. "I'm interested in career development among diverse populations. Finding a job and developing a career path can be challenging for international students, especially those without a strong support system. I aim to create a counseling program focused on their unique experiences, barriers, and challenges in career decision-making," she elaborates.

Jaekyeong's favorite cultural activity from home is having a Korean BBQ party with pork belly and bulgogi. "Fortunately, there is an Asian market in Tallahassee where I can get Korean sauces and ingredients. I invited friends to enjoy Korean BBQ parties, and we shared Korean food together. It was a fun experience!" she enthuses.

While Jaekyeong has noticed many cultural differences, she also found a similarity in the willingness to support each other and create a harmonious environment within her cohort and team, similar to back home. "This sense of belonging is a significant observation I've made between my home country and the United States," she reflects.

Jaekyeong has had the chance to try many new foods since arriving in Florida, with her favorite being the "Mac & Cheese" taco she had at The Wilbury. "It was truly American and something I had never tried before. It was so tasty!" she exclaims.

"My cohorts created an Excel sheet with American slang and phrases for me, which has been incredibly helpful. Aren’t they awesome?" she says. Recently, she has learned expressions like "high key" and "low key," which are fun ways to express how much she wants or doesn't want something.

Jaekyeong encourages future international students to join FSU, saying, "You will feel connected and that you belong here because FSU takes great care of international students and has many resources. You will receive the support system you need to adjust well to a new environment."

"I must say this, I was not able to get this award without my family, my friends, my supervisors, and my team. I truly appreciate their love, caring, and support," Jaekyeong concludes, expressing her heartfelt gratitude.

Jaekyeong Ko's journey at FSU is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and the pursuit of academic excellence. Her experiences and insights not only inspire fellow international students but also enrich the diverse tapestry of the FSU community.