Are you a dedicated college student wondering how you’re going to fit all of the fun, learning, travel, and interning into a short four years? Everyone says it and it’s true—college will fly by. Why not combine your hard work and aspirations with an internship abroad? You’ll gain professional skills, immerse yourself in a new culture (and business culture!) and perhaps even a new language, and you get to explore the world all in one.
Internships in Korea could change your whole life!
An extended time abroad will highlight to future employers that you are willing to go the extra mile (and in this case an extra few!) to put yourself out there, not to mention that you will have heightened intercultural competencies from working in an environment and culture that is different from what it would have been had you chosen a domestic-based internship. Get ready to beef up that resume and have the time of your life with an internship abroad.
Why choose South Korea for your international internship?
Annyeonghaseyo! (Hello!) The first of many friendly greetings you’ll hear during your internship in South Korea for international students. South Korea is known to be a welcoming and safe destination for travelers and the entire country is well connected by railway, making different attractions easily accessible no matter where you’ll be residing.
The ease of access and safety coupled with stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and delectable eats make it an ideal location worthy of a little extra time—during your internship abroad! Not to mention the rich history and culture found throughout the nation.
Aaaand the delicious food.
When you aren’t learning first-hand through your internship in Korea for English speakers, explore inside the walls of Gyeongbokgung, one of Seoul’s famed palaces, and catch the changing of the guards. You can also hike, or visit the golden beaches of Busan or Jeju Island.
Wondering how to get an internship in South Korea? Glad you asked!
How to get an internship in South Korea
1. Choose your internship focus
First thing’s first—what do you want to do? (What a loaded question, amiright?!) If a question of that magnitude seems a bit anxiety-inducing, you aren’t alone! You may already have an idea of what work you hope to be a part of for your internship in South Korea for international students, but if not, no worries. That’s why this is step #1.
This is a big opportunity for you so take the time to really think about what you want to get from this experience. Where do you hope this opportunity takes you? Are there skills you would like to add to your resume after you complete your internship? These are just a couple of the items to consider when really narrowing down which internship in South Korea for English speakers is most ideal for you.
Or, if you’re a student or recent grad, it can be helpful to choose an internship that aligns with your degree focus. Creative writing? Accounting? Communications? There’s an option for every area of study.
Do you have no idea where to start? Explore internship opportunities in South Korea on GoAbroad.com, and consider all your options!
2. Choose a destination in South Korea
Now that you have a better idea of the internship experience you’re searching for, the next step for how to get an internship in South Korea is narrowing down the location.
We’ve got South Korea established. (And honestly what a fantastic choice!) Now let’s dig a little deeper. Are you a city dweller who thrives in the hustle and bustle of millions or are you seeking a slightly quieter experience in a town a little less on the beaten path? Mountains or ocean? Climate concerns?
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with *any* destination in South Korea.
You might look to the iconic city of Seoul, with its endless neighborhoods to explore, the southern beach city of Busan, or perhaps a smaller city such as Daegu in the southeast or Gwang Ju in the southwest.
This new locale, wherever it is, will be your new home for a short while at least. Aim to make it somewhere where you’ll feel comfortable and look forward to residing. And regardless of where you choose, it will come with totally cool bragging rights that all of your friends are sure to envy.
3. Select your perfect internship
Decision time! Now it’s time to look at the actual internship opportunities—what’s out there and what matches with your preferences for your dream internship in Korea for English speakers! When considering internship program providers here are a few tips on what to look out for.
In the most concise sense, support. How is your potential program and employer going to support you? You’ll ideally want to keep an eye out for providers that not only have your desired internship, of course, but will also help you nail the interview for said internship.
Providers are also a great resource for help navigating the visa process, searching for accommodation so you know you’ve got a comfortable home base upon arrival, providing a packing list, and other tips on how to get the most from your experience and be successful. For example, Asia Internship Program (AIP) provides their interns with fully furnished accommodations that are within close proximity to their internship placements in South Korea. They also provide additional perks and features to the interns’ experiences according to the packages they have chosen.
Providers may also provide a greeter service upon arrival which can make flying across the globe to a new country a little less intimidating. You can also consider reviews from previous interns to help you in narrowing down which provider for your internship in South Korea is best for you!
4. Prepare for departure
Soon enough, you’ll be arriving for your international internship adventure!
One step closer! Can you picture everything coming together just yet? Have you booked your flight yet? If not, now is the time to make all of the logistical arrangements. Book your flight and visa appointment (if needed) and research ground transportation upon arrival for a smooth transition from airport to your new home. If this is a step that an internship provider is helping with, confirm the plan for arrival with them.
Other things to think about before departing are insurance, necessities, and money that you’ll need for your time away. For example, does your current insurance offer coverage abroad? Is there insurance coverage as a part of your internship? Take a look at your packing list and don’t forget to include necessities that may be hard to access outside of your home country.
READ MORE: Why You Should Get Travel Insurance & How It Works
If you are taking any prescription medication or have preferred hygiene products, you’ll want to make sure you have a supply to take with you for the duration of your internship. You can also research ahead of time to see what medications and products are available in South Korea so you have a better idea of what to pack.
Lastly, how will you access your money while you’re away? It’s recommended to travel with at least two cards—one to use and one to have as a backup. You’ll also want to notify your bank of your plans to go abroad. Don’t forget to ask for help from your internship or program provider. They should be happy to help you prepare for success!
5. Work hard, play hard
Sure, the overall objective of your trip abroad is to learn and grow through your internship. BUT here’s a major perk of an internship in South Korea for international students—learning and growth will take place just as much outside of your internship as they will during your internship. Research your new home (you’re excited, right?!) and things you want to do and explore while you call it home.
Make a list of items to accomplish when you aren’t on the clock. Go out with your new internship buddies to enjoy the Korean nightlife, take a weekend trip to one of the country’s picturesque landscapes or southern beaches, ride the K-wave at a K-Pop concert, taste test ALL the food, and dive into history as you stroll through the grand palace grounds. The possibilities are endless.
See the world AND enhance your resume!
Enjoy those awesome views from the top—you’ve earned it!
It’s a two-for-one. A win-win. And one that you’ll be recounting for the rest of your life. An internship in South Korea for international students will give you a new lens; you’ll have stepped outside familiar surroundings to immerse yourself in a rich, rewarding culture abroad and will have gained valuable skills for life (and work) in doing so.
Start with step one, and you’re on your way to seeing the world—AND enhancing your resume—with an incredible internship experience in South Korea!
Explore ALL Internships in South Korea on GoAbroad.com
This article was written with help from Asia Internship Program. Through a wide network of companies, start-ups, and NGOs throughout Asia, AIP connects foreign interns with customizable placements in Vietnam, Malaysia, China, Japan, Hong Kong, and beyond.
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