■ Adding a global perspective to practical experience

Hanyang University offers a variety of programs that connect students’ majors with real-world workplaces to help them explore practical skills required by employers as they prepare for their careers. These programs are designed to help students gather information for career decision-making, develop their abilities, and discover their potential. The Seoul Campus operates under the name HY-WEP (Hanyang Work Experience Program), while the ERICA Campus runs E-WIL (ERICA Work-Integrated Learning).

On-site internships are highly valuable as they allow students to cultivate essential workplace competencies. But what if this experience took place abroad? Hanyang University provides opportunities not only for students to enter leading domestic companies but also to work on a global stage, showcasing their skills and applying their academic knowledge. A prime example is the “Overseas On-Site Semester Internship Program.” This program allows students to earn academic credits while gaining job-related experience at overseas institutions partnered with the university. Students can develop global sensibilities by experiencing local corporate cultures, job duties, and practical English in authentic settings.

This program targets third- and fourth-year students, selecting participants through a rigorous screening process. Each semester, the variety of participating companies, job roles, and fields opens doors to students from diverse majors. The university’s Career Development Center reviews applications and conducts Korean and English interviews before recommending candidates to J1 visa sponsor agencies. While an official English proficiency score is not required, basic English communication skills are crucial.

■ Important differences from domestic 토토사이트 잘못환전s

Students should be aware of the differences from domestic on-site internships. First, applications are processed through overseas intermediary agencies. Students can view company postings from two agencies but must choose only one when applying. Payment requirements also differ: while domestic internships require companies to pay at least 75% of the minimum wage, overseas internships must comply with each country’s minimum wage standards.

토토사이트 잘못환전 employers often prefer students who can work for an extended period, typically around one year. Additionally, students need to plan for extra expenses, including intermediary agency fees (covering J1 visa processing, insurance, etc.), airfare, and local living costs. If the financial burden is a concern, students can explore additional support offered by the Human Resources Development Service of Korea for 토토사이트 잘못환전 job seekers.

The Overseas On-Site Semester Internship Program offers an unparalleled opportunity for students to grow in today’s global era. Beyond simply gaining overseas experience, it can serve as a crucial stepping stone toward a brighter future.

Experience a bigger world through the Overseas On-Site Semester Internship 토토사이트 잘못환전!

*Story shared by: Shim Hyun-ah (School of Economics, ERICA Campus, Class of 2019), LOTTE Chemical California, Inc.

While preparing for internships during her third year, Shim discovered this 토토사이트 잘못환전. Although she initially hesitated at the idea of working in a foreign environment, she was drawn to the opportunity to gain practical skills abroad and decided to take the leap. Her internship lasted a full year, from August 2023 to August 2024.

After applying and submitting her résumé, she underwent an interview at the university’s Career Development Center, which included an English interview. She then submitted her documents to IGE (International Global Exchange), which conducted a preliminary interview through its U.S. headquarters to assess her language ability and major before matching her with a company.

If students find a matched company suitable, they proceed with an interview, sign a contract upon acceptance, and begin visa processing. The 토토사이트 잘못환전 is conducted under a J-1 visa, requiring preparation of necessary documents and an embassy interview. Once she received her visa, she finalized arrangements with the company and prepared for departure.

Shim completed her internship in California, a region known for its diverse population. Because of this diversity, unexpected situations often arose. One memorable incident involved a language barrier: she had to call a hotel for a reservation, but the staff member, who was from Mexico, was not fluent in English, and Shim also struggled at that time. They ultimately used Google Voice Translate to complete the reservation and even encouraged each other to continue studying English afterward. In California, it’s often joked that “you can live without perfect English,” reflecting the accommodating attitude toward diverse accents and language abilities.

What she valued most was the chance to encounter new challenges that would have been impossible in Korea. Beyond merely gaining work experience, she engaged in projects from start to finish alongside international colleagues, cultivating real collaboration skills. Exchanging emails, participating in meetings, and sharing opinions in English were all challenging yet empowering processes that allowed her to recognize her potential.

Through this 토토사이트 잘못환전, Shim not only gained practical skills but also learned to adapt to new environments and connect with people from diverse backgrounds. The exposure to different working cultures, meeting styles, and communication approaches broadened her perspective and fostered a more open mindset. Her company had branches in California, Michigan, Alabama, and Mexico, giving her opportunities to interact with employees from various locations, which left a deep impression on her. Such experiences would have been impossible had she stayed in Korea. The 토토사이트 잘못환전 enabled her to deeply reflect on and appreciate diverse lifestyles, values, and working practices.

Most notably, after completing her internship, she received a visa sponsorship to continue working at the same company. This rare and valuable opportunity exemplifies the unique advantages of the Overseas On-Site Semester Internship 토토사이트 잘못환전.

The biggest challenge was dealing with U.S. administrative systems. The first crucial step upon arrival was obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN), similar to Korea’s resident registration number, required for employment, bank account setup, and daily life. While the paperwork was straightforward, the slow and inefficient processes were daunting. For example, even with a 10 a.m. appointment, she had to wait outside until 3 p.m. and was only admitted to submit her application at 5 p.m. Despite assurances that the SSN would arrive within two weeks, it took over three weeks, and when she inquired, she was simply told to “wait one more week.” In fact, she even received a response saying, “We don’t know why it hasn’t arrived. We already sent it.”

Such administrative delays are common in the U.S., and many agencies often deflect responsibility or provide vague guidance. For students planning to intern or study abroad in the U.S., it is essential to mentally prepare for these bureaucratic hurdles.

Through this experience, Shim not only improved her practical skills but also learned how to adapt to new environments and live harmoniously with diverse individuals. Although there were difficult moments, every step was a valuable learning experience that contributed to her growth. She wholeheartedly recommends this 토토사이트 잘못환전 to those who wish to explore a wider world.