One challenge I faced during my internship was adjusting to the work culture. I found that the Korean workplace is very intensive yet reliant on coworker relations. During lunchtime, most of the time, my coworkers would all go out for lunch as a team. I knew that teams often shared meals, but I found this to be unexpected because of how often it was and that they also expected me, an intern, to come along with them. It was one thing to be the only culturally American on the team during work, but having a sudden change of scene at the dining table felt odd during the initial week or two. I had to almost switch identities from being very professional and respectful to all of the members of my team, especially my manager, to sharing about my life experiences and personal life over a Korean barbecue grill. I came to appreciate that the Korean workplace is a place to foster not only professional skills, but interpersonal skills. I eventually came out of my shell more and was much more natural over team lunches and dinners, while still maintaining my professionalism during work hours. This in particular, became one of my favorite parts of my time in Korea, because I know that I would have to get lucky to get this experience back.
I found the Korean workplace intensive and yet very reliant on colleague relations. Being the only culturally American team member during work was one thing, and switching identities from professional and respectful in the office to relaxed and conversational over a Korean barbecue lunch taught me valuable interpersonal skills. After a week or two, I came out of my shell and felt more natural at team lunches while maintaining professionalism during work hours.