Seoul
INTERNSHIPS IN
Seoul, South Korea
As the capital and largest city of South Korea, Seoul is steeped in a 2,000 year history and offers visitors a chance to experience the heart of Korean culture. After the 1950s, the city experienced a rapid economic and population growth, and now South Korea is a global leader with a thriving economy. Additionally, as a city, Seoul holds about 20% of Korea’s population, and its metropolitan area holds the sixth highest population in the world.
Students will be able to visit four UNESCO world heritage sights in the city, and will have an opportunity to experience the culture that has taken to the global stage. Korea exports a number of manufactured items, but the impact of its cultural exports also must be recognized, with K-Pop becoming a more than 5 Billion dollar industry and K-Dramas and Korean food, becoming more recognizable worldwide.
Internship Duties & Sectors
Internship assignments vary and are highly customizable. Explore the dropdowns below to learn more about the unique characteristics this location has to offer for internships in each sector.
Art + Design
Boasting the most art openings per square mile, interns are surrounded with galleries and exhibitions that will inspire their creative side. Additionally, in the Chungdam-dong district, Nature Poem is a famous six-story building that houses eighteen art galleries!
Business + Accounting
From small startups to the headquarters of large international companies like Samsung, Seoul is home to thriving businesses. Interns can work at any number of these, and will be provided with real-world experiences that will help prepare them for the global economy.
Data Science
Data Science is a field of ever-growing importance across industries. The need for workers in this field is growing exponentially, and students will be able to work at any number of businesses and organizations that will need research and analytical work performed.
Education
South Korea has a literacy rate of around 98%, and as a culture places a high value on education. Additionally, English has sometimes been described as the ‘second-language’ of Korea, so students may work in a variety of different educational opportunities.
Environment + Sustainability
South Korea has been an international leader in their commitments to green growth. After the rapid economic growth and urbanization, the country recognized a need for sustainability. In collaboration with international bodies such as the United Nations, South Korea developed 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which include projects such as zero hunger, sunstainable cities, responsible consumption, affordable and clean energy, and more. Interns will be able to contribute to this field and will likely work for organizations with goals of sustainability, conservation, and the protection of biodiversity.
Journalism + Communications
After a period of heavy media censorship that existed prior to the 1980s, South Korea lifted these heavy regulations and now the press is thriving. News is largely consumed digitally, and these come in the form of newspapers and magazines, television networks, and websites. Students will be able to experience a different communication culture, especially since South Korea is known to be a ‘high-context’ culture.
NGO + Nonprofits
South Korea is the home to a large number of NGO’s and Nonprofits from a variety of different areas. These organizations can range from tackling mental and physical health, animal welfare, poverty and homelessness, food insecurities, international relations, and more. This is a place where you can make a difference and learn from the inside just what these organizations can do.
Social Sciences
Although much of the large industries in Seoul are around technology and manufacturing, tourism is a large and significant economic driver in South Korea. Additionally, South Korea has geopolitical significance in its relationship with surrounding countries, and as a US ally in the area. Placements could include the areas of international affairs, politics, tourism, hospitality, and more.
STEM + Healthcare
Electricity and technology are some of the largest industries in South Korea, as it is one of the largest manufacturers of electronic goods. Additionally, South Korea has universal healthcare, and interns who work in South Korea will be able to see modern and efficient medical facilities.
*Please note that not all STEM and Healthcare-related internship placements earn 12 credits or last for 8 weeks.
STEM + Healthcare Advisor:
Elly Vandegrift, ellyvan@uoregon.edu
Questions?
Please contact Yifang Zhang, GlobalWorks Program Manager
Email: globalworks@uoregon.edu
Phone: 541-346-5088
Asia
GEOGRAPHIC REGION
10 million
2020 POPULATION
Korean
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
8 weeks
PROGRAM LENGTH
Furnished Apartment
HOUSING