An Indigenous Jarai Student Takes a Step Toward a Study Opportunity in South Korea

Written by: CIYA youth

Mr. Romas Doeut is a fourth-year student majoring in Community Development at the Faculty of Development Studies, Royal University of Phnom Penh.

He is currently taking a new step in his academic journey as one of the first Jarai Indigenous student to have the opportunity to study abroad as an exchange student in South Korea for one semester.

Through the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program, Mr. Rommas Doeut has been given the opportunity to study at Soonchunhyang University in South Korea for one semester, from 23 August 2026 to mid-December 2026.

An Opportunity Built Through Hard Work

For this Indigenous youth, receiving an opportunity to study abroad was not something that came easily. It was the result of dedication, preparation, and going through several competitive stages of the application process. Throughout the application process, Mr. Doeut worked hard on his studies, prepared the required documents, and wrote about his personal background, as well as his motivation, goals, and aspirations for further education.

His work experience, volunteer activities, community engagement, and experience working with Indigenous communities also played an important role in demonstrating his commitment to learning and personal development. These experiences helped him clearly express that education is not only about personal development. It is also an opportunity to gain new knowledge and experiences that can later be shared and applied to contribute to Indigenous communities and Cambodian society.

“Educational Opportunities Are Not Only for One Group of People”

For Doeut, studying in South Korea is not simply an opportunity to study abroad. It is also a chance to learn about new contexts, broaden his knowledge and experience, and build connections with young people and students from different countries.

With the intention of sharing his experience with young people and future generations of students, Mr. Rommas Doeut said: “I am very happy that you want to share my experience with younger students and others, especially my fellow Jarai people. I hope that my story can become a source of inspiration and show that educational opportunities are not only for one group of people.”

Moreover, this experience can serve as a bridge for other Indigenous youths in Cambodia, helping them see that education and international study opportunities are possibilities that they can seek and work hard to achieve.

Mr. Rommas Doeut’s story demonstrates the value of hard work in education, community engagement, and the courage to pursue new opportunities. From being a rural student with a dream of continuing his education to receiving the opportunity to study in South Korea, his journey can serve as a source of inspiration for the next generation of young people, particularly Indigenous youth who are seeking pathways for education and personal development.

Education can open doors to new opportunities, and sharing our experiences can help open those doors for others.

GKS: Supporting International Students

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a scholarship program of the Government of the Republic of Korea, administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED).

The program provides financial and academic support to international students. Depending on the type of scholarship and its applicable conditions, the benefits may include full tuition support, monthly allowances, round-trip airfare, and medical insurance, helping international students pursue higher education in South Korea.