Finding My Place in a Foreign Space: A Summer Internship in South Korea

I spent two months interning in Seoul, and it changed the way I see my career and myself. I joined Naeil SaengGak, a digital IT startup that connects small businesses and consumers, and contributed to Paul & Abe, its advisory arm focused on ideas linking South Korea and Southeast Asia.

I arrived with curiosity and left with confidence, meaningful project outcomes and a deeper love for the city.

Real work and real impact

I was trusted with meaningful responsibilities from day one. Research sprints developed into strategy decks, while weekly updates became client-ready presentations.

One project particularly stood out. Our team supported a cross-border initiative focused on Southeast Asia. I led the research, built the brief and turned our findings into a clear set of recommendations.

The work culminated in an unforgettable moment when I joined senior leaders to present our recommendations to the Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia. Sharing our analysis in that room showed me how much I had grown in just eight weeks.

Through this experience, I gained practical exposure to:

• Stakeholder presentations
• Cross-border strategy
• Client-ready research
• Outcome-focused project work

Skills I took with me

Throughout my internship, I developed both technical and professional skills. I learned to build financial models in Excel, strengthened my presentation and technology skills, and gained valuable experience working across languages and cultures.

By the end of my internship, one of my supervisors had expressed an interest in hiring me for a future project. As a first-time intern, that vote of confidence meant everything.

The key skills I developed included:

• Financial modelling and analysis in Excel
• Clear and concise stakeholder presentations
• Collaboration across languages and cultures
• Project ownership and disciplined weekly reporting

Life beyond work in Seoul

Outside work, I embraced the energy and vibrancy of life in South Korea. I cycled along the Han River, explored COEX Mall in Gangnam, visited the top of N Seoul Tower and experienced a Korean baseball game, the DMZ and a traditional Korean wedding.

I tried countless Korean dishes, went café hopping and became confident navigating Seoul’s efficient public transport system. There was always something new to experience, and the city rewarded curiosity.

Advice I would give my past self

• Be proactive. Confirm expectations, timelines and next steps early.
• Build a routine. A simple weekly plan creates momentum.
• Ask questions. Clarity saves time and builds trust.
• Explore with intention. Visit one new neighbourhood or café each weekend.
• Own your work. Prepare as if you will be presenting it. Opportunity follows preparation.

Start your own Seoul internship journey

Inspired by Reann’s experience? Explore our programs and learn how you can begin your own international internship:

• Explore internships in Seoul
• Learn how CRCC Global internships work
• Explore all CRCC Global programs
• Apply for a CRCC Global program

Editor’s note: This story has been lightly edited for clarity and length.