The first day at KGY was a lot more organized than any other similar situation I’ve been in. Naturally I was nervous about coming to a new place, but everything is so well organized and structured in a way that makes it very easy to get started   Jennika, Sweden (KGY Participant)  3 Month Program Development Internship in Seoul, South Korea

 

 

#My First Impression upon arriving in Korea

Arriving in Korea for the second time felt a lot more safe and familiar compared to the first time when you land in a completely foreign country across the globe and don’t know anyone. Moving from the silent forest on the countryside in Finland to the metropole that Seoul is with activity everywhere is quite the radical change, but sometimes that’s exactly what we need. Getting used to there being people, sound and stimuli all around me all the time was probably the most immediate shock. I simply forgot how active Seoul is. Was I anxious and worried about not adjusting well despite living here before? Absolutely. Was I excited about getting a completely new working experience, meeting my friends I haven’t seen in a year and exploring the city to create new great memories? Also yes. It’s never just one feeling or thought that arises when you put yourself in such an unfamiliar situation, but that’s the way it should be. 

 

#Recollection on my first day in South Korea

The first full day in Korea was well spent with my Swedish friend that I actually got to know through our exchange semester two years ago. With the same excitement and drive to do things differently than our peers back in Sweden, we ended up in Seoul once again. As per last time, we spent the first day doing what we do best, café hopping in Seongsu. Enjoying some great cakes and coffee, and then taking a stroll in Seoul Forest to enjoy the spring weather was a great start to this journey. However, my friend constantly had to remind me to slow down my walking pace, as most people here take their time to stroll around. Used to sprinting from one destination to the other, this was something I had completely forgotten. We ended our day with some well deserved shopping, as one should. This all sounds like a pretty chill and exciting day right? Yeah well that was until the fire alarm got off the first night at my accommodation at 4 a.m. Fortunately there was no actual fire, but I can’t lie and say it didn’t startle me.  

 

#My First Internship Day

The first day at KGY was a lot more organized than any other similar situation I’ve been in. Naturally I was nervous about coming to a new place, but everything is so well organized and structured in a way that makes it very easy to get started. All co-workers were extremely friendly and helpful, making the communication easy and comfortable. Based on my previous experience I expected more chaos, less introduction and just getting thrown into problem-solving, the way I’m used to. This experience was way more comfortable and structured in a way that works very well for me, who likes to keep it organized. You ease into how things work by completing easier and smaller tasks first - perfect for someone new.

 

#My Biggest Culture Shock 

Comparing Korea with Finland and Sweden, the two most notable differences according to my experience would probably be the hierarchical formality as well as something simple as traffic. Getting used to the levels of formality and using the right expressions depending on who you speak to, as well as being aware of body language is certainly difficult, but the more you use it the easier it becomes. Quite the adjustment had to be made coming from a country where you address your professor by their first name. The second one I mentioned, traffic, could come as a surprise to someone who hasn’t used Korean public transportation or had a motorcycle driving up the sidewalk right where you stand. Traveling around here you certainly need to keep your eyes and ears open, and hold on for dear life when taking the bus! 

Cultural differences are bound to happen when you travel to a new place, but that will also open your eyes to your own culture in ways you never thought about before.