Internship

Elli’s Experience at FNF Korea

Please introduce yourself and let us know what motivated you to do an internship at FNF Korea.

Hello everybody! I’m Elli, and I study Early Modern & Modern History and Political Science at the University of Freiburg. At university, I started learning Korean, dug into Korean history, and did some research on Korean politics. After gaining theoretical knowledge, I sought an opportunity to practically apply that knowledge, working at an international political foundation in Korea. So now here I am, as an intern at FNF Korea, exploring the potentials of international cooperation.

What were the most important things you learned when you worked with FNF Korea?

During my internship, I was assigned all kinds of tasks, which was a great opportunity to get deep insights into the different components of a political foundation’s work. I worked on research projects, took care of translations, and assisted with events, which was an amazing networking opportunity. The internship also allowed me to pursue my own research interests and sharpen my understanding of Korea by writing own articles. Throughout my time at FNF, my most impressive experience was, how mighty language as a key is.

I am so grateful to all the amazing colleagues at FNF Korea. The incredibly welcoming and appreciative atmosphere at work was beyond all expectations. Coming here as an intern was definitely the right decision.

Was the work at the FNF office and life in Korea different from what you expected?

As the situation on the Korean peninsula is constantly changing, so are the topics of FNF Korea’s projects. It has proven best to be open to any kind of topic, as the projects might change within the time span from your application to the actual start of your internship.

As for life in Korea, it is surprising at times how efficient everything is, but then again, at times some services might not be available for foreigners. After all, life as a foreign resident is much different from a tourist’s stay. And finally, actively seeking contact with locals is the key to the most unforgettable experiences.

To whom would you recommend an internship with FNF Korea?

If you’re interested in the work of political foundations, international relations, and, of course, Korea, you should not miss out on this experience. It is a great opportunity for everyone who has an interest in Korea that goes beyond touristic activities. You should be curious to learn about the country and its people, but also local issues, while being willing to adapt to the ways of Korea. Plan your stay thoroughly, so this internship will become a valuable experience.

Any advice or warnings for potential future interns?

While Korea is just as modern a country as Germany, there are still many cultural differences, and things you take for granted back home might not be as you expect them here. So be prepared for all the bigger and smaller challenges. However, the colleagues at FNF are super supportive, so don’t be afraid of the unknown. Aside from that…

• Don’t be nervous about the internship. Just enjoy the tasks assigned to you, and you’ll have a great experience.
• It’s definitely not a requirement for a successful internship, but Koreans will be absolutely delighted if you know some Korean.
• You might not have much time for touristy activities during the internship, so if you have time, you should definitely stay for some additional weeks to travel.
• Go out and try as many new things as you can. Cause who knows, when you’ll come back to Korea.