What inspired you to work for VOYAGE Korea?
We have been working for more than 20 years, starting with supporting students in American high schools and sending international students to Korea and other English-speaking countries.
From 2014, we started taking international students into high schools in Korea, as well as colleges and universities. We also run special programs such as K-POP, Korean language courses, camps, etc.
Describe a typical day at work.
Our normal working hours are 10 to 17, but we also work on weekends when students arrive.
On a typical day, we start by checking emails and receiving phone calls from customers and our partner agencies. We visit our accommodations, schools, and universities, and we regularly meet partner agencies when they visit Korea.
Meeting with our partners.
Why do you do what you do?
Over the last 25 years, we’ve had many stories with international students and our partner agencies.
Our work is like our life. Caring services for others are our company’s values and the reason we have been working in this field for over 25 years. We keep developing our programs so that we can make better progress for people around the world.
What is your favorite part of your job?
As a director in the company, I focus on finding international partners and representatives in their home countries.
My favorite part is getting to know each other, building relationships with partners and customers. Also, I like to join field trips as an assistant to our instructors. Many students call me "Big Daddy," and I like to communicate with them.
In Vietnam fair.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
International sales, promotion, sales representation, and field experience are my strong points and advantages.
I’ve traveled to over 30 countries, over 20 states in America, and visited over 500 schools worldwide. These experiences and my career background are a very strong foundation for my job.
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
The market keeps changing suddenly due to unexpected reasons, including generational shifts.
So we focus on developing our programs, training staff, and cross-checking with clients through their feedback. Business ups and downs are normal, but the important thing is how we manage safe, qualified programs and keep improving and training.
What are some current projects you are working on?
- Korean Language Study – For both juniors and adults, including language study with activities.
- K-POP Immersion Camp – Held at the most famous arts high school, where one of BTS' members graduated.
- K-Living – A 4 to 12-week program for foreigners to live in Korea, including a 6-day trip to major cities.
- Korean Top 20 University Pathway – A foundation program for international students aiming to enter Korea’s top 20 universities.
My photo.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
I may advise myself before leaving to take time and not hurry. Preparing stuff and packing luggage is the most enjoyable time.
Booking flights, accommodations, checking routes, and what to eat—searching for this information is part of the reason we travel. Traveling alone is fun and can help reflect on life seriously.
Why should someone choose VOYAGE Korea over competitors?
In this field, we are very unique and one of the frontier organizations.
For our program development, we still try our best to create the best solutions. We communicate with schools, field staff, related representatives, our staff, students, and international partners. We have very special know-how in our education programs.
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
As mentioned earlier, our organization has lasted over 25 years in the same business field. We’ve been successfully managing our operations.
Our mission is to establish our own school in the near future. We are working with our partners to set up schools, both in Korea and other countries.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
We hope our participants will get unforgettable memories in Korea, along with educational knowledge, Korean friends, and higher education degrees or diplomas.
For international candidates, we hope they have the best memories during their stay and feel welcomed to return after the program. We also hope they will influence their next generations positively.
Together with partners.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
These days, the world is too small, and we feel inspired to share Korea with the world.
We want to show our culture, language, lifestyle, education, and people. Friendly sharing about Korea will create more friends, better communication, and stronger community networks. Knowing more people from other countries reduces conflict.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
As I mentioned, travel helps us reflect on past years and gives us new energy when we return to work.
Generally, people want to rest with friends and family. Travel brings fresh power and always teaches us how to live and how to build relationships with people and communities. Travel is the most powerful energy for recharging life.
