What inspired you to go abroad?
I have always wanted to experience living in another country while developing skills that would help me in my future career. South Korea stood out to me because of its culture and global influence, especially in beauty.
I believed that going abroad would allow me to step outside my comfort zone, gain international experience, and learn from professionals in one of the world's leading beauty markets. I was also excited to meet people from different backgrounds, improve my communication skills, and experience everyday life in Korea beyond what I had seen online.
Overall, I saw this as an opportunity for both personal and professional growth, and it turned out to be one of the most rewarding decisions I have made.
Why did you choose Korea Gapyear?
Seoul N tower
I chose the Beauty/SkinCare Internship because this internship perfectly matched my goals. I also chose Korea GapYear because they provided personalized support and have a local team in Korea who understand the needs of international participants.
They took the time to understand my interests and preferences, and matched me with an internship that suited my goals. Knowing that I had reliable support before and during my stay made the transition to living in a new country much smoother.
What was your favorite part about Seoul?
My favorite part about Seoul was that there was always something new to do. I loved exploring different neighborhoods, trying new cafés and restaurants, and discovering all the amazing skincare and beauty stores.
Getting around the city was really easy, and I always felt safe, even when I was out in the evening. I also enjoyed how Seoul mixes modern city life with traditional culture, so every day felt exciting and different. It quickly became a place that felt like home.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made my experience abroad extraordinary was that I was able to experience Korea as more than just a traveler. I was able to live in Seoul, work in the beauty industry, learn new things every day, and become part of the local culture.
I loved that even simple moments felt special, like trying a new restaurant, exploring a new neighborhood, or learning something new at my internship. Every day was a mix of familiar routines and new experiences, which made my time in Korea feel exciting and meaningful.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff supported me throughout the program by always being available and making sure I felt comfortable during my time in Korea.
I would like to sincerely thank Boa, Olivia, and the entire Korea GapYear team for their amazing support. They were always kind, helpful, and available whenever I had questions. I especially appreciated how they made me feel welcomed. They provided guidance and helped me adjust. Having a local team I could rely on gave me confidence and helped me enjoy my internship experience even more.
I also had the opportunity to join Korean language classes, which were incredibly helpful and made my daily life in Korea much easier. Learning basic Korean helped me communicate better and enjoy my experience even more.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
One thing I wish I had done differently during my time abroad is being even more proactive in exploring Korea and connecting with more people. At the beginning, I was focused on adjusting to my new environment and getting used to things, so I sometimes hesitated to try new things or start conversations.
Looking back, I wish I had pushed myself to explore more places, participate in more cultural activities, and practice Korean more often. However, this experience also helped me become more confident and open-minded, and I learned the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone when living abroad.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
yongsan park
A typical day during my time in Korea was a mix of learning and new experiences. The accommodation provided by Korea GapYear was conveniently located, so commuting was easy.
During my internship, I followed a similar schedule each day, but every day felt different because I was constantly learning something new and being involved in new experiences.
One of my favorite parts of daily life was exploring different places for lunch. I loved going out to find new restaurants and trying different Korean foods with my coworkers. Even though my routine was similar each day, there was always something new to discover, learn, or experience.
I think that is one of the best parts of living abroad—creating a new daily life while continuing to grow. Because every day was meaningful and exciting, the time passed so quickly.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
During my free time in Korea, I really enjoyed exploring Seoul and discovering new places. I loved visiting different neighborhoods, trying new cafés and restaurants, and experiencing Korean food and culture. Since Korea has so many unique places to explore, even a simple walk around the city always felt exciting.
I also enjoyed shopping for skincare and beauty products, which was especially meaningful because of my internship experience. Spending time outside, taking photos, and experiencing everyday life in Seoul helped me feel more connected to the city. I also continued learning Korean, which made my daily experiences more enjoyable and helped me communicate better with local people.
My free time was not just about sightseeing—it was about creating my own memories and truly experiencing life in Korea.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I stayed in a private room during my time in Korea. Korea GapYear informed me beforehand that the accommodation would be compact, but it was actually perfect. The room was comfortable, convenient, and provided a great place to relax after a busy day of my internship and exploring Seoul.
The location was also very convenient, which made commuting and exploring Seoul much easier. Overall, the accommodation was exactly what I needed and made my experience in Korea even more comfortable.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
One thing every future participant should know before starting this program is to come with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Internships are a great opportunity to observe, ask questions, and understand how the beauty industry works in Korea.
The more curious and involved you are, the more you will gain from the experience. There are many chances to learn from the people around you, discover new ways of working, and see things from a different perspective. If you come ready to learn and enjoy the process, this program can become a truly valuable and memorable experience.
I also recommend keeping track of your work, achievements, and the things you learn throughout the internship. These experiences became a valuable part of my portfolio. The more effort and passion you put into, the more meaningful and rewarding the experience will become.
Would you recommend Korea GapYear to others? Why?
Yes, I would definitely recommend this program and Korea GapYear to others. The biggest reason is the personalized support and care they provide throughout the entire experience. From the beginning, the team helped me feel prepared and comfortable, and having a local team in Korea made a big difference while adapting to a new environment.
The Internship was a great opportunity to gain real industry experience while also experiencing Korean culture. I learned a lot, met wonderful people, and grew both professionally and personally. I believe this program is a great choice for anyone who wants to challenge themselves, learn something new, and create meaningful memories in Korea.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
I think the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is the opportunity to see the world from a different perspective and grow as a person. Living in another country pushes you outside of your comfort zone and helps you become more independent, adaptable, and open-minded.
Through my experience in Korea, I learned not only about a new culture and industry but also about myself. I discovered that I could adapt to a new environment, communicate with people from different backgrounds, and enjoy challenges that were unfamiliar at first. Traveling abroad gives you experiences and memories that you cannot gain in the same way anywhere else.
Jeonju
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
My time abroad has given me a stronger sense of confidence and direction for my future. Before this experience, I was interested in the beauty industry, but after actually working in Korea and seeing how the industry operates, I gained a much deeper understanding and clearer goals.
I feel that this experience has given me an advantage because I now have real international experience, industry knowledge, and a better understanding of what I want to pursue. While others may only know about the industry from the outside, I have had the chance to experience it firsthand and learn from it.
This journey helped me grow, become more confident in myself, and take one step closer to my future goals.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel means more than just visiting a new place—it means truly experiencing it, learning from it, and allowing it to change you. It is about stepping outside of your comfort zone, understanding a different culture, and creating memories through real experiences.
My time in Korea was meaningful because I was not only traveling as a visitor, but also living, working, and learning in a new environment. I gained professional experience, built relationships with new people, and discovered more about myself along the way.
I believe meaningful travel is when you return home with new perspectives, greater confidence, and experiences that continue to influence your life even after the journey ends.