Yonsei University

As a civil and environmental engineering major interested in natural landscapes, I enjoyed the discussions in my environmental planning class as well as visits to national parks such as Bukhan Mountain. There is so much to see in Seoul. The subway system is easy to use to get around. I love Korean food. Study abroad is definitely something undergraduates should experience, and both Yonsei and the city of Seoul have a lot to offer.

I had a wonderful time at Dreamfora as a software engineer intern. My role was to oversee the backend infrastructure and set up the testing module for our development team. I learned a lot about industry standards and tools that help run present-day applications. Much of this experience can't be gained in a classroom and it was extremely beneficial for me. Having the chance to intern in a Korean startup was also culturally enriching and I would highly recommend it.

Study abroad can be lonely and scary. This trip will test you in ways you never asked for; and in return, the rewards are indescribable.

As an Asian-looking person who's not Korean, the most interesting experience has been people asking me for directions. When they realize I don't speak Korean well, they are bewildered. Even more so when I explain my parents aren't Korean either.

I always heard people say study abroad changed their lives, but I didn't truly understand until I did it. There were moments I was confused, uncomfortable, and even frustrated and those didn't come close to the feelings of fulfillment, excitement, and pure happiness I felt throughout my time abroad!

My internship showed me that I am capable of learning challenging tools and technologies on my own. While I struggled at times, it gave me the opportunity to learn about a technology I had been afraid to learn alone.

The internship allowed me not only to work on a technically sophisticated and life-changing project; it also exposed me to the working world of Korea. It was an entirely unique experience I never would have had otherwise.

Truthfully, I was looking for another excuse to go abroad. It's no secret to students pursuing jobs in tech that the summer of your junior year is critical for getting an internship to make the post-graduation an easier time. As a cognitive science major with a double minor in computing and data science engineering, a summer in Yonsei was the best of both worlds: an engineering internship and experience abroad!

I believe this unique experience gave me a new perspective and skill set that will set me apart as I take on the world of business. 

Interning at KED Media Group, I gained firsthand experience in the Korean media and broadcast industry, learned to collaborate with other writers, and was fortunate enough to complete projects to add to my Creative Writing portfolio.

My internship experience at Ethiopian Airlines not only provided insight into the intricacies of the airline and marketing industries but also served as a transformative journey that expanded my perspectives on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Embracing differences and fostering a spirit of collaboration at both personal and business levels emerged as essential elements in creating strong connections between diverse entities.

This internship was excellent exposure to the Korean healthcare system and has positively impacted my journey to pursue a career in medicine.

While studying abroad, I participated as a marketing intern for Ethiopian Airlines in their Seoul office, where the most important lesson I learned was teamwork and the value of coworker relationships. The communication skills I gained will be used in any career I pursue. 

I've become more confident in and developed a fondness for visual storytelling during my time abroad. I truly thrive in a creative role; whether making videos or simply being surrounded by art. I recognized my desire to pursue a career that embraces art, creativity, and connection. I used to deny this about myself, telling myself I wanted a future in a more "practical" field. Now, I can see myself producing programs or working in a national museum in Japan, where I have personal roots.

Immersion in Korean work culture, architecture, and lifestyle broadened my perspective, improved my adaptability, and enhanced my communication skills. As I walked through Korean palaces wearing a traditional Hanbok and practiced water-coloring Hanok villages, I learned more about my half-Korean heritage while connecting to my architectural interest.

In the academic sense, my internship wasn't a mere complement to my coursework; it served as a bridge that seamlessly connected the theoretical underpinnings of my studies to the vibrant reality of the Korean marketing landscape.

My internship greatly contributed to my academic studies as well as my future career aspirations. As a psychology major, I learned about many aspects of marketing such as data analysis, video production, and graphic design.

The global exposure, diverse responsibilities, and supportive team were instrumental in shaping my professional journey. As I head back home, I am excited about the next steps in my career, armed with a clearer vision of my aspirations.

One of the biggest challenges I experienced during my internship was the extensive research it required. I spend many nights reading, annotating, and summarizing. This tested my dedication and time management skills but also served as a profound learning experience. 

This internship has been a significant and positive experience that fits well with my psychology pre-med major. It provided me with a unique set of skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, technological literacy, and effective communication and a global perspective that will contribute to my academic studies and future career in medicine.

Leaving the friendships cultivated during my internship stands as the most emotionally charged aspect of this transformative experience. The bonds formed within the professional sphere have become an integral part of my personal and career narrative. As I navigate this parting, I carry with me not only enhanced professional skills but also a deep appreciation for the human connections that have made this a truly unforgettable chapter in my life.

One of the most enriching aspects of this internship was the development of a diverse skill set that I am confident will serve me well in future endeavors. The experience underscored the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability, qualities that are indispensable in today's global work environment. It is evident that this chapter has been a transformative period of learning, self-discovery, and professional development.

My goals and expectations were blown out of the water with the professional internship. It directly correlated to my major and future career goals, and if anything made me want to go into the film and media industry more because of how interesting and fun it was. Before this experience, I was content to stay in the Bay Area, but the international experience of working with people of different backgrounds and nationalities made me want to live somewhere else, possibly in a different country.

While not directly related to my major, the internship has enhanced my writing skills and contributed to a future research paper. Working in a team-based setting helped me grow in leadership and communication skills. The marketing strategies I developed can assist in promoting environmental solutions in the future. The internship also contributed to my understanding of marketing, social media, and business in South Korea.