Hello to you who have landed on this blog! Today, we’re here so I can give you some insights into what it’s like to do a hospitality internship abroad in South Korea. South Korea is located in East Asia. It is quite a popular tourist destination, attracting many visitors due to its unique blend of ancient traditions and modernity. The country is well known for its breathtaking landscapes, delicious cuisine, and its dynamic atmosphere, making it almost impossible to get bored. Are you considering doing your hospitality internship in South Korea? Keep reading, and I’ll share my best tips to ensure you have all the details you need to make the most of your internship experience!
What is it like to do an internship abroad in the hospitality industry in South Korea? The advantages.
As I mentioned in the brief introduction to South Korea, it is a great place for hospitality internships. There are quite a few hotels in South Korea since it is a popular tourist destination. South Korea offers several advantages that will be highly beneficial for your professional career after your internship, whether you plan to work long-term in the hospitality industry or not. One of the biggest advantages of South Korea—and not the least important, in my opinion—is the opportunity to improve your language skills, particularly in English, but not only that. In South Korea, you will have plenty of chances to practice your English, especially in the hospitality sector, where you will interact with clients from all over the world. Even if you arrive in South Korea without any knowledge of the Korean language, this internship abroad will allow you to return to your home country with at least some basic skills in Korean. What could be better? Improving your English while also gaining a foundation in a new language? I think that’s truly ideal. Even if you have never studied Korean before, I still recommend learning a few basic words before going to South Korea. This will show your motivation and willingness to ensure your internship goes smoothly. I suggest learning at least “hello,” “goodbye,” “thank you,” and “please” before your departure. It may seem like little, but it’s already a good start. Another major advantage of doing a hospitality internship in South Korea is the cultural immersion in a country with customs and traditions that are entirely different from those in European countries. Of course, every European country has its own customs and way of life, but you will feel an even stronger sense of cultural discovery in South Korea. During your internship, you will quickly realize that South Korean culture is deeply rooted in traditions. If I can give you a small piece of advice before you leave, it would be to understand that hierarchy is highly respected in South Korea. Keeping this in mind will help you adapt more easily and show respect in your new workplace. Upon arriving in South Korea, you will also quickly notice that most infrastructures are very modern and technologically advanced. I find this aspect particularly exciting to discover, and it can also be quite reassuring.
What is it like to do a hospitality internship abroad in South Korea? The hospitality industry in general and types of internships in hospitality
The hospitality sector in South Korea is very dynamic, and as mentioned earlier, it is a popular tourist destination. In fact, tourism in South Korea is on the rise, as it becomes an increasingly popular destination, especially for its luxury hotels and well-known international chains. Keep in mind that the standards in the hospitality industry in South Korea are quite high, and customer service team members are expected to be top-notch. Don’t forget to smile and be polite, even though I’m not worried about that for you, but it’s always good to remind.
In the hospitality sector in South Korea, you can either work at the front desk or in the service area. If you are in a high-end hotel with restaurants, you may work in one of the hotel’s restaurants. If the hotel doesn’t have a restaurant, you could work in the service area, for example, for breakfast. If you have some experience in hospitality or are studying hotel management, you might be assigned some management tasks. Some hotels in South Korea may also host or organize events, and if you have an interest in that, you could also be involved in event organization. As you can see, depending on your motivation and interests, you could take on evolving tasks during your internship in the hospitality industry in this country.
How is doing an internship abroad in hospitality in South Korea? Life on-site.
South Koreans are very strict about respecting the rules, and this also includes punctuality. Being late during your internship in South Korea will be looked down upon. This is an important point to keep in mind, as it would be a shame to be viewed negatively by your colleagues or hierarchy over a simple cultural difference. If you’re slightly prone to being late, it shouldn’t cause stress or pressure. You just need to adapt your habits and approach during your internship in South Korea. Trust me, if you respect the rules, punctuality, and hierarchy, there is absolutely no reason your internship won’t go smoothly, and everything will go well. Life on-site also involves adaptability. Keep in mind that Koreans have certain expectations when it comes to work, and if you meet the requirements, especially in terms of professional attire at the start of your internship, everything will go perfectly well. You just need to be adaptable and forget the habits you may have from your home country. Speaking of professional attire, the dress code is generally quite strict in South Korea, especially in the hospitality sector.
How is doing an internship abroad in hospitality in South Korea? Activities to do during your free time.
Of course, during your internship in South Korea, you will have some free time where you can enjoy other activities. If you are interested in Korean culture or simply want to learn more about it, know that there are many museums in South Korea that you can visit on your days off. Since you’re in South Korea, I also recommend visiting one or more temples. They are truly fascinating and provide an opportunity to learn even more about this country.
If you’re like me and love food, don’t hesitate to try street food by visiting local snacks that will allow you to taste Korean specialties like tteokbokki, which is a spicy rice cake. I’ll let you discover other Korean culinary specialties once you’re there.
I don’t know if you’re a karaoke fan, but know that it’s a very popular activity in South Korea. Don’t hesitate to go out with friends in South Korea and try karaoke nights. I know it’s not for everyone, but it seems like a must-do to me.
To summarize everything I’ve told you, South Korea is a great destination for doing an internship abroad in hospitality. You’ll have numerous opportunities and so many things to learn and discover. Clearly, whether it’s for your internship or outside of it, you won’t have time to get bored in South Korea if you’re curious and want to immerse yourself in the local culture. Also, don’t hesitate to travel around the country and not just stay in the city where you’ll do your internship. In my opinion, the purpose of being abroad is definitely to explore the country as much as possible. If you’ve made your decision and want to take the leap to do an internship abroad in South Korea, and you want International Horizons to support you in your internship search, don’t hesitate to contact us via the contact page on our website. A team member will get back to you soon to discuss your desires and your internship project abroad. In the meantime, feel free to check out our blog on local customs in South Korea to learn more about this fabulous country and test your English level here. See you soon in a new blog!