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After many turns, I found myself back in the Middle East. The UAE, the very first country I ever visited during one of the most challenging times of my life, holds a special meaning for me and left me with a deeply positive impression.After starting my independent life in Seoul, I became involved in a variety of activities and projects. As part of this, I began to actively use LinkedIn. At first, I engaged passively—mainly uploading content about my activities such as participating in programs in Japan or attending startup camps. But later in the year, I began following and connecting with people who were active in the region I was most interested in—the Middle East.It was around this time that I came across the LinkedIn profile of Daniel Han, the CEO of the company I now work at. I followed him, and since he often shared news and insights related to the Middle East, I found myself regularly keeping up with his posts. When I learned that he would be hosting a seminar in Korea about entering Middle Eastern markets, I decided to attend so I could introduce myself and gain insights. Before attending, I prepared a small gift. As anyone who follows me on LinkedIn knows, I enjoy drawing as a hobby, so I designed a character illustration for him as a present (laughs).Through the seminar, I gained valuable insights into the current Middle Eastern market and business environment, and I was also able to meet and greet him in person, which was very meaningful. Although the event was busy and we didn’t have much time to talk, I was later given the wonderful opportunity to have lunch with him in Korea. Over lunch, I spoke candidly about my experiences and concerns regarding my career direction. After listening, he suggested that I try working at his company. I was thrilled. And that’s how I began a three-month unpaid internship at Turning Point MEA.<figure id="figure-z0unff5avkmeuldu5h"><img id="z0unff5avkmeuldu5h" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1cBwkWgBSWTVFkrfrQMdkvJV808SHexGglY4VYIBGCDpBvHaYNn39bDXU154AwlC.jpg" alt="internship experience" title="internship experience" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 70%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="70%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1cBwkWgBSWTVFkrfrQMdkvJV808SHexGglY4VYIBGCDpBvHaYNn39bDXU154AwlC.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 70%;"></figure>During the first three months of my unpaid internship, my initial focus was on marketing tasks. I primarily worked on planning and creating LinkedIn content for the company, which helped me gain a deeper understanding of the organization and its operations. At the same time, I studied various videos and materials related to the Middle East, allowing me to gradually build knowledge about regional issues, trends, and market conditions.Around May, I attended a startup event held in Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do, where I had the opportunity to meet my CEO and the company’s partners in person. I was truly impressed watching them run our company’s booth in the “Global Pavilion,” engaging with many attendees and communicating with professionalism and confidence. It was a moment that deepened my respect for their leadership and expertise.That day, I also had the honor of meeting the Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do. He expressed strong interest in collaboration with Middle Eastern countries and offered both encouragement and valuable advice, making it a very meaningful occasion for me.<figure id="figure-4ybivn91ebmeulf9nw"><img id="4ybivn91ebmeulf9nw" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2e3eWI2b3AoDJ8beQdD9Ukf6Bkr8iwxDRfcrPF6wleU76tmkIlHgz1xSpgdVqJKh.jpg" alt="office communication" title="office communication" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 0% 100%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="0%" data-positiony="100%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2e3eWI2b3AoDJ8beQdD9Ukf6Bkr8iwxDRfcrPF6wleU76tmkIlHgz1xSpgdVqJKh.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 0% 100%;"></figure>In June, our company hosted a seminar on expanding into the Middle East at a hotel in Gangnam, Seoul. I assisted with the entire process—from preparation to on-site operations.As part of the preparations, I sent out cold emails to a wide range of potential participants, including prospective clients, companies, students, and local government agencies who might be interested in Middle East market entry. Through these efforts, we successfully recruited around 70 attendees. I also managed the guest list and supported event operations on the day. This included preparing and arranging the attendee list and name tags to ensure smooth check-ins, photographing and filming throughout the seminar, and creating content for LinkedIn and Threads.<figure id="figure-y3n7024rgimeun007s"><img id="y3n7024rgimeun007s" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/eJhm5qtIcF5tneYacJMBytPprPJBwLjbgFeo8YreZXWAQ0Miv89QhiQaROWHKRXX.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/eJhm5qtIcF5tneYacJMBytPprPJBwLjbgFeo8YreZXWAQ0Miv89QhiQaROWHKRXX.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>After the event, I summarized the key insights gained and published them as a LinkedIn newsletter, ensuring that the knowledge shared during the seminar could reach a wider audience beyond the attendees.<figure id="figure-uwp2m23i7jmeulovjo"><img id="uwp2m23i7jmeulovjo" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/22yUHryAycOsihQIqYWk9a4r8cdklESSXiJjGNIQ96fBIeOJOg7CrMj8vT5cMrT1.jpg" alt="time management" title="time management" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/22yUHryAycOsihQIqYWk9a4r8cdklESSXiJjGNIQ96fBIeOJOg7CrMj8vT5cMrT1.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;"></figure>Building on my passion and contributions, in July I officially signed an internship contract and transitioned into a paid internship. With this new role, I began taking on more in-depth responsibilities.My main tasks now included studying our client companies, conducting competitor research, identifying potential buyers, and directly sending cold emails to those buyers to initiate connections. These activities allowed me to engage more closely with the business development side of our work and understand the processes behind global market entry.Although it has only been a short time since I formally started this work, over the past five months of working alongside the CEO, I have already gained invaluable insights and learned a great deal. This internship has not only deepened my understanding of the Middle Eastern market but also expanded my perspective on international business as a whole.<figure id="figure-zia87r04djmeulp4e3"><img id="zia87r04djmeulp4e3" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/19L7OqSputysVUeTqNHJsmZKTrQeCkubOFogy0vRVfFmIfCJtBrjVPk9mgPkzC5Q.jpg" alt="personal growth" title="personal growth" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/19L7OqSputysVUeTqNHJsmZKTrQeCkubOFogy0vRVfFmIfCJtBrjVPk9mgPkzC5Q.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>From a professional perspective, I have gained several key insights through this internship:First, the importance of understanding the company and conducting competitor research. When I first began working on buyer discovery, I struggled because I lacked sufficient knowledge about our own company and was not familiar with identifying competitors. This made it difficult to generate high-quality leads. However, through various meetings with client companies, I realized just how crucial it is to thoroughly understand the company, its products, and the overall market landscape. By studying internal materials, developing a clear grasp of our product offerings, and analyzing competitors, I have been able to improve the quality of buyer discovery and contribute to more meaningful results.Second, gaining insights into the current landscape and future vision of key Gulf countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Initially, I entered this role with only a general curiosity about the Middle East and little concrete understanding of the region. But while working alongside my CEO, I studied reports and resources from institutions such as KOTRA and KITA, read specialized literature, and regularly compiled both domestic and local Middle East news into newsletter-style reports. These activities greatly expanded my knowledge of Middle Eastern markets, trends, and national visions. This intellectual growth has not only strengthened my ability to identify potential buyers but has also enhanced the overall quality of my work. For me, this represents one of the most meaningful areas of personal and professional development.Beyond professional skills, I have also gained many personal insights during this internship. Above all, what I am most proud of is the fact that I have had the opportunity to work directly with my CEO, Daniel Han. Throughout my work, I met and spoke with many people, and every single one of them shared only positive feedback and stories about him, which left a deep impression on me.In reality, no matter how hard one tries, it is natural to sometimes receive negative feedback or to encounter outcomes that don’t align with one’s plans—such is the nature of human relationships. Yet, everyone I met had only praise for my CEO, and after working with him for the past five months, I can wholeheartedly agree.As a leader, he is both highly capable and genuinely good-hearted. In work, he is precise and thorough, always giving direct feedback and encouraging open communication. His attention to detail and straightforward feedback have been invaluable to my growth. When errors arose, he guided me to correct them quickly, and when better methods existed, he encouraged me to learn, adapt, and apply them boldly to move in a better direction.On a personal level, he listened sincerely to my career thoughts and concerns, remembering even the small things I shared. Whenever opportunities or useful information came up, he would share them with me. Thanks to his guidance, I have been able to refine my résumé, think critically about how to promote myself more effectively, and pursue my own growth with greater confidence.Most importantly, working under a leader who genuinely supports and encourages my personal development has given me both warmth and confidence. This support has empowered me to challenge myself more, embrace new opportunities, and push my boundaries further than I otherwise might have dared. <figure id="figure-tbihae3bsdmeun3821" class=""><img id="tbihae3bsdmeun3821" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/5QYroFGlpZamL2vIFf0Ez7lu99pOdA6dsgp3WtBQ3nDTu4wbuv6Zg1Gg3tpQjUnU.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/5QYroFGlpZamL2vIFf0Ez7lu99pOdA6dsgp3WtBQ3nDTu4wbuv6Zg1Gg3tpQjUnU.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;"></figure>He is not only an excellent person but also an outstanding leader. Everyone I have met has spoken highly of him, and I wholeheartedly agree. I truly consider it an honor to have the opportunity to learn and grow under such a great mentor. Just as he has given me so much support, I aspire to continuously reflect on the value I can create, grow through that process, and ultimately become both a “growth-driven professional” and a reliable “teammate” who can deliver meaningful results.Today as well, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my CEO, Daniel Han, for always supporting my growth and development.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Episode 6. “Can I become a Middle East Expert?”

While working at IBK in July, I also had the opportunity to participate in the Korea-Japan University Student Exchange Program hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I was honored to serve as a student representative at the 2024 Korea-Japan Exchange.In July, Japanese students visited Korea first. I took on the role of assisting with the opening ceremony, welcome address, and ensuring that all activities ran smoothly.<figure id="figure-w8jhoe3hfymeukuvx2"><img id="w8jhoe3hfymeukuvx2" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/37t1HjOSbFJrpfzGDLiXAjhR909kvLhak2xSI1heOPj0p7XvNgwGoCTZaeF34Uj2.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/37t1HjOSbFJrpfzGDLiXAjhR909kvLhak2xSI1heOPj0p7XvNgwGoCTZaeF34Uj2.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> Together with our team, we guided the Japanese students to major landmarks in Korea, including traditional palaces and historical sites. We also introduced them to Korean traditional food experiences, and of course, we took some must-have film photos that everyone loves to capture when visiting Korea (laughs).<figure id="figure-0gnpzlnxpqmeukvi6y"><img id="0gnpzlnxpqmeukvi6y" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1atjL9uouKKYgbfRfaJtigDZQO8vEBVjR0KpTqQHPqpLgfWL21BgyvkAaOeHRBPW.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1atjL9uouKKYgbfRfaJtigDZQO8vEBVjR0KpTqQHPqpLgfWL21BgyvkAaOeHRBPW.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>Later, we attended the Korea-Japan Festival at COEX, where we visited the booths run by the Japanese students. Since there was an opportunity to rent traditional outfits inside COEX, I wore a hanbok, and actively took part in promoting the program by participating in the official video shoot of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and even giving an interview. It was a truly engaging and memorable experience.<figure id="figure-ns5llq8fmqmeukocy8"><img id="ns5llq8fmqmeukocy8" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1fzlQBaqnYqJyvHwBvmNYPHKRqLx8DMGAILS8kiD9eg1lmks0Gl9FahENmCxdiHz.jpg" alt="students cultural exchange" title="students cultural exchange" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 50%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="50%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1fzlQBaqnYqJyvHwBvmNYPHKRqLx8DMGAILS8kiD9eg1lmks0Gl9FahENmCxdiHz.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 50%;"></figure>From August to October, I continued communicating online with the Japanese students, working together on a project aimed at proposing solutions to common challenges faced by both Korea and Japan. Our team’s topic was low birth rates and population aging, and we explored how each country could address the issue individually while also seeking areas of collaboration where both nations could work together. After completing the project, I traveled to Japan in November.In Tokyo, we visited the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where we attended a lecture by a diplomat on Korea–Japan relations. The session provided us with valuable insights into the current political relationship between the two countries, the challenges they face, and the long-term outlook. <figure id="figure-5s5r6jbfopmeukyh68"><img id="5s5r6jbfopmeukyh68" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2cuQqOQYSRWreii3M1CrbTPKthXrGnN0cRsOqRSyL2MevIzLZZk3aXxCxVG5Qsvd.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 5% 65%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="5%" data-positiony="65%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2cuQqOQYSRWreii3M1CrbTPKthXrGnN0cRsOqRSyL2MevIzLZZk3aXxCxVG5Qsvd.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 5% 65%;"></figure>During the official dinner that followed, I had the honor of representing the Korean students by delivering a message of appreciation to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the distinguished guests who organized the event.<figure id="figure-tqa34k7eolmeukzewy"><img id="tqa34k7eolmeukzewy" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13VeAMyFDGCbZvCv4yk2eUyBWyh7jkxr4wH1SdP5nW93sy0auy052vok0qmThpJU.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 60%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="60%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13VeAMyFDGCbZvCv4yk2eUyBWyh7jkxr4wH1SdP5nW93sy0auy052vok0qmThpJU.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 60%;"></figure>We also visited Hosei University, one of Japan’s prestigious institutions, where we engaged in meaningful discussions with local students. These conversations revealed how young people in Korea and Japan perceive issues such as marriage, childbirth, and employment, and highlighted some of the cultural differences that shape these perspectives. It was an eye-opening opportunity to understand one another more deeply.On the final day in Tokyo, we reunited with the Japanese friends who had participated in the Korea leg of the program, and together we presented the research findings we had prepared over the past two months on low birth rates and aging societies. Beyond our topic, we also listened to presentations on various other social issues in Korea and Japan, including economic challenges, cultural differences, and unemployment. The experience was profoundly meaningful, offering a wide range of perspectives on the pressing issues shared by both societies.<figure id="figure-h4yj7hcp1meukomsm"><img id="h4yj7hcp1meukomsm" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13NKAbTC7KYu0XqCjlVjry1IJSFZJzW8B0eIcNNrT6pddEAKa1PcC0DGXL7OLp6z.jpg" alt="students discussion panel" title="students discussion panel" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13NKAbTC7KYu0XqCjlVjry1IJSFZJzW8B0eIcNNrT6pddEAKa1PcC0DGXL7OLp6z.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>After wrapping up the schedule in Tokyo, we traveled to Okinawa, where we visited major public institutions as well as the local office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Among the activities in Okinawa, two stand out most vividly in my memory.The first was our visit to the Okinawa Prefectural Government and the discussion with the Governor. Okinawa, much like Jeju Island in Korea, has been actively working to strengthen cooperation in the field of startups, and the Governor showed great interest in this area. I had the chance to ask various questions regarding the current state of collaboration between Jeju and Okinawa in the startup ecosystem, as well as whether there were future plans to organize startup camps for students from both countries. Being able to engage in such a meaningful dialogue was truly valuable.<figure id="figure-lz7rw80nzmeul1w36"><img id="lz7rw80nzmeul1w36" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/fc1ne6Qr5CfYsn4XyJSjwAraYkKTm2g22EbXQ8zUT9JZcGcwbQHoKlbt6KEYTLBY.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/fc1ne6Qr5CfYsn4XyJSjwAraYkKTm2g22EbXQ8zUT9JZcGcwbQHoKlbt6KEYTLBY.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>The second highlight was our visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Okinawa, where we spoke with a serving diplomat. Given Okinawa’s historical background, there is a strong interest in defense-related issues, and I asked questions about Korea–Japan cooperation in this area, as well as whether there might be interest in collaborating on Korea’s advanced defense technologies, such as MUM-T using drones. The conversation provided me with a range of new insights into potential avenues for cooperation between the two countries.<figure id="figure-eexwd1uq5meukoxuo"><img id="eexwd1uq5meukoxuo" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/269ASveQPJfc5EqPoXXmQgMnDHPtCvaSLrPGyRrRIk5uQy8l7gluhiKa7KM09WL8.jpg" alt="student group friendship" title="student group friendship" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/269ASveQPJfc5EqPoXXmQgMnDHPtCvaSLrPGyRrRIk5uQy8l7gluhiKa7KM09WL8.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>The final part of the Okinawa program was a homestay experience with a local family, giving us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in daily life there. I spent a day with an elderly woman who lived alone, sharing meals of traditional Okinawan cuisine and even trying my hand at playing a traditional musical instrument.In the evening, she shared personal stories from her life, and through those conversations, I was able to reflect on the value of genuine human connection and communication. It was a warm and meaningful experience that left a lasting impression on me.<figure id="figure-ek3dbfnjn8meul31ve"><img id="ek3dbfnjn8meul31ve" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9MYLOTEDhWsjIPdqRg6KTmUeRKKmCVo6CdzkhvvIaeOe4OFFq0LrmWIzT7WMIWai.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 95%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="95%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9MYLOTEDhWsjIPdqRg6KTmUeRKKmCVo6CdzkhvvIaeOe4OFFq0LrmWIzT7WMIWai.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 95%;"></figure>For my overall performance in this program, I was honored to receive the Grand Prize for outstanding participation. In addition, our team achieved excellent results and was awarded First Place for our group project.<figure id="figure-52nas4p5xmeul3ht7"><img id="52nas4p5xmeul3ht7" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1eyd9OyziCd0reju9Fh5Hp2ygrKueawhQT8lCyWxuaZUaJGRJmQDCp5aZGxoCfZo.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 85%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="85%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1eyd9OyziCd0reju9Fh5Hp2ygrKueawhQT8lCyWxuaZUaJGRJmQDCp5aZGxoCfZo.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 85%;"></figure>It was an incredibly rewarding experience, not only because of the recognition but also because I was able to gain diverse insights, broaden my perspective, and build meaningful connections with wonderful people. I truly consider this program a valuable and enjoyable chapter in my journey.

Ep 5. Korea–Japan Exchange Program- Global Insights

Starting in June, I prepared for interviews and studied finance in order to secure an internship in the financial sector. When I was writing my application, I made sure to include all of my experiences and career background without leaving anything out. I applied to two banks—IBK (Industrial Bank of Korea) and Hana Bank. Unfortunately, I was eliminated during the document screening for Hana Bank, but I successfully passed the first round at IBK and was invited to the second-round interview.At the time I applied, around 6,000 people had applied for the summer internship program. Out of them, only 300 interns would be selected, and I was surprised by how competitive it was. Before preparing for this interview, I hadn’t realized that so many people wanted to work in the financial sector. Through this internship preparation, I came to understand for the first time that a large number of young people in Korea aspire to pursue stable careers.<figure id="figure-zsygud4k47meuidyou"><img id="zsygud4k47meuidyou" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1bLaInKOigFAl1592K23aSy6flHFLSu0lQM96F2XmB41YBilOTteKirtWlfdnZw3.jpg" alt="blogging" title="blogging" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 60%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="60%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1bLaInKOigFAl1592K23aSy6flHFLSu0lQM96F2XmB41YBilOTteKirtWlfdnZw3.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 60%;"></figure>The second-round interview consisted of two parts: a group interview and an individual interview. In the group interview, candidates were asked to debate a topic presented on the spot. The topic given to my group was the National Pension System, and I argued that the active use and expansion of private pensions could serve as an effective alternative to the challenges Korea faces with the national pension. I was able to gain the support of the majority of the group, which earned me a strong evaluation in this round.The individual interview followed, where I answered both personal and general questions based on my résumé. Many of the questions focused on my experience in interpretation and protocol-related roles. In my responses, I emphasized key insights I had gained from those experiences, particularly highlighting customer management, communication, and service. I believed these qualities were especially relevant, since working in a bank involves directly engaging with customers and providing financial services, where strong communication skills and service experience are essential.<figure id="figure-dt7bvcfjbkmeuie9b9"><img id="dt7bvcfjbkmeuie9b9" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2btkg8nOoThZydqiidzVywCtEpROkpkTCNIJvdXYjoxW8FrAqLMmS4BGIjHenTsX.jpg" alt="content calendar" title="content calendar" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: null% 45%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="null%" data-positiony="45%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2btkg8nOoThZydqiidzVywCtEpROkpkTCNIJvdXYjoxW8FrAqLMmS4BGIjHenTsX.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: null% 45%;"></figure>After the interview, I continued spending my time working in various part-time jobs, such as interpretation and project management roles. Then, in early July, I received the news that I had been accepted into the IBK internship program. Right after receiving the acceptance message, I began working, officially starting my internship. During the first week, I was registered in the HR system as an intern and issued an employee ID card. It was my second official employee ID, following the one I had received while working at the Secretariat of the Korea–Africa Summit, and I was truly delighted.The branch where I was assigned had a relatively older customer base, which meant many people faced difficulties handling basic financial services. As a result, the branch had a constant flow of walk-in customers every day, keeping us very busy. At first, my responsibilities focused on assisting customers with tasks such as paying taxes online through digital kiosks and making smart transfers via mobile banking applications. Later, I was able to gain more in-depth experience with financial operations such as issuing bank cards, managing bankbooks, and handling BPR.Among all my assignments, the most meaningful work was managing documents for real estate mortgage loans. I was responsible for reviewing and registering customers’ property documents in the system, checking for missing paperwork, and contacting clients when necessary. Through this, I was able to build substantial hands-on experience in financial operations and gain valuable insights into banking practices.<figure id="figure-dnuilutcgmeuieifk"><img id="dnuilutcgmeuieifk" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/353rRdema72FIFFu9D3kfkJngn99HqfNVuDpRfex6MtL1tjztpdiVDwXYyKuzsdk.jpg" alt="social media promotion" title="social media promotion" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 70%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="70%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/353rRdema72FIFFu9D3kfkJngn99HqfNVuDpRfex6MtL1tjztpdiVDwXYyKuzsdk.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 70%;"></figure>In the third week of the internship, we participated in a workshop held in Chungju, Korea. Early in the morning, we gathered in front of IBK’s headquarters and headed together to Chungju. The two-day workshop was packed with activities.On the first day, we were divided into teams to practice group interviews and work on a startup project. Since most interviews in the Korean financial sector involve being given an unexpected finance-related topic on the spot and preparing a product plan or idea within a set time before presenting it, this workshop allowed us to simulate and practice that exact format. Later, we also had the opportunity to meet with startup companies selected by IBK. As a team, we worked on assignments to identify potential improvements for these startups and propose new product ideas they could consider developing.On the second day, we attended sessions with representatives from IBK’s HR department, where we learned about the HR system, the bank’s desired talent profile, and useful tips related to recruitment. We also practiced team-based presentation interviews (PT interviews).Overall, through this workshop program, I gained valuable experiences ranging from practicing financial-sector interview simulations to developing business proposals for startups. It was an intensive but rewarding opportunity to strengthen both my professional and practical skills.<figure id="figure-q0ydohz7zsmeuietgi"><img id="q0ydohz7zsmeuietgi" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1aDrY13EMs6hbARBtoyEWWKEZR5jjJYpvt4tMI39EClm2ma7FEaJdfAIj6JPAWt3.jpg" alt="analytics dashboard" title="analytics dashboard" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 85%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="85%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1aDrY13EMs6hbARBtoyEWWKEZR5jjJYpvt4tMI39EClm2ma7FEaJdfAIj6JPAWt3.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 85%;"></figure>During my five-week internship at IBK, I was able to gain the following insights:First, when assisting customers, it is essential to view their inconveniences from their perspective rather than my own. Many elderly customers struggled with tasks that seemed very basic to us, such as digital banking or even passbook management, often finding it difficult to operate the machines or press the right buttons. While digital devices and banking services may feel second nature to us, they are not necessarily familiar to those who lived in a time before such technology was widespread. I realized that it is important to provide step-by-step support starting from the very basics, with patience and clarity.Second, in order to learn and grow, I could not remain a passive employee. Both the branches and headquarters are extremely busy, so it is unrealistic to expect senior employees to always provide close guidance to interns. If I wanted to gain more experience, I had to actively think about how I could add value to the branch and take initiative by asking, “Is there anything I can help with?” This proactive approach opened doors for me to experience a wide range of tasks. For example, when I expressed my interest to the deputy branch manager in gaining more hands-on experience, I was encouraged to try out many different responsibilities—such as collecting signatures outside the branch, visiting other branches, and observing real banking operations.Third, through presentation tasks (PT), I noticed the growing demand and interest across the financial sector in digitalization and AI-driven financial products. This trend is evident in the overall direction of the banking industry today. Therefore, for future interns preparing for interviews or product-planning presentations, I believe it would be advantageous to prepare ideas related to digital or AI-based financial product development, as this could increase their chances of success.<figure id="figure-osvroaecqvmeuju50z"><img id="osvroaecqvmeuju50z" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3JKvpQr8GudRHtZc3kiXoI0BuriTJJkPUsozIgeA8fZyV0iHWqUoz1eMLcTC92ay.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 65%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionX="50%" data-positionY="65%" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>As the summer heat began to fade, my second internship came to an end. One of my goals for the year was to gain experience in the financial sector, and I felt proud to have accomplished it. More importantly, it was a meaningful time that allowed me to reflect on which career path and role might suit me best.Most of the people I worked with during this internship have since gone on to secure positions in the financial industry, and I occasionally hear updates from them on Instagram. It’s always uplifting to see so much good news.All in all, it was a summer filled with valuable insights and experiences that I will carry forward with me.

Episode 4. Becoming an Intern at IBK, a Leading Korean Bank!

Life in Seoul became busier after working at the Korea-Africa Summit.The summit officially wrapped up around June 8, and not long after, I started receiving a lot of interpretation offers—probably because the résumé I had uploaded to an interpretation agency platform was picked up by the algorithm.From June 11 to 14, I was asked to take on the role of event PM at the Seoul International Food Industry Exhibition, the largest fair held during the Korea Food Expo at KINTEX. Since I didn’t have any major commitments after finishing the summit, and because the PM’s role mainly involves tasks like compiling interpreter lists and overseeing booth operations, I figured it wouldn’t be too overwhelming—so I accepted.Once the decision was made, I headed to KINTEX on the first day of the event. This was actually my second time visiting KINTEX for work. During the summit, I had been so busy that I couldn’t take in the venue at all, and since this time my focus was again on booth operations, I knew I wouldn’t have much chance to look around either (laughs). Well, I thought, maybe someday I’ll have the leisure to explore the booths properly.At the event, the vice president in charge gathered all the interpreters, PMs, and staff, gave us an introduction, and shared a few reminders. That’s when we learned that one interpreter had canceled at the last minute. The VP asked if one of the PMs with strong English skills could step in as a replacement—and as you might have guessed, that ended up being me (laughs). The fact that my name tag hadn’t been pre-printed was proof enough that the position change was made in a hurry.And just like that, my very first interpreting assignment began.<figure id="figure-menawojo1kmes4epbd"><img id="menawojo1kmes4epbd" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/90jJz8okrqRLGaIYLsocfr2kiOvM3eEJLjrNiPA9rGBic8zgjtHY3mXuJitx5rBd.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 80%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="80%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/90jJz8okrqRLGaIYLsocfr2kiOvM3eEJLjrNiPA9rGBic8zgjtHY3mXuJitx5rBd.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 80%;"></figure>The company I was assigned to turned out to be very popular, so our meeting schedule was packed to the point where I barely had time to eat. Still, I truly enjoyed it. I felt that experiencing firsthand how to promote products, hold meetings, and even make sales would be a valuable asset in the long run.On days when it was tricky to carve out time for a proper meal, I would just wander around the booths instead. It was fun to explore products from different countries and observe how business deals were conducted. Oh, and at one point, I “kidnapped” Mr. Mujigtiger, who was wandering around the booths, and managed to take a photo with him (laughs). He was absolutely adorable.<figure id="figure-89iay7mzwmes4gd9l"><img id="89iay7mzwmes4gd9l" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/12KO6ye7NDyy0A5XEKcpKYjnlchgVKqeZl42zsYUcezV9FRFvfiDLckB1cvpeAm4.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 35%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="35%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/12KO6ye7NDyy0A5XEKcpKYjnlchgVKqeZl42zsYUcezV9FRFvfiDLckB1cvpeAm4.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 35%;"></figure>On the last day, after the meetings ended and before wrapping everything up, I had some extra time and was able to have a long conversation with the company’s president, Mr. Fernando. Over the four days of the event, he treated me like a daughter and shared many kind words. He told me that I seemed to be someone who studies hard and isn’t afraid to take on new challenges, and that he believed everything I pursue in the future would go well. The way he looked me in the eye and shared his advice and encouragement slowly and sincerely still gives me a lot of strength today.The CEO of the booth next to ours, who was also close to Mr. Fernando, often came by to chat during the event. On the last day, he too shared some words with me, saying, “You’re such a beautiful young lady with a promising future.” I don’t think I’ve ever felt such warmth from a simple comment. Because Mr. Fernando had spoken so highly of me, many of the neighboring booth representatives also shared kind words, and even the vice president praised me a lot. I felt truly proud and grateful.<figure id="figure-th8rovgxrgmes4ha7b"><img id="th8rovgxrgmes4ha7b" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1EbHbu0kzz1mNAtwZ18WxWsJBmMtbGz9niVxLs4TUJyneGsmCc2uiCW68RRFCtsm.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 100%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="100%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1EbHbu0kzz1mNAtwZ18WxWsJBmMtbGz9niVxLs4TUJyneGsmCc2uiCW68RRFCtsm.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 100%;"></figure>After the booth operations wrapped up, Mr. Fernando suggested that I join him for a meeting with CJ, and before I knew it, I ended up accompanying him for the rest of his schedule in Korea. Thanks to him, I got the chance to visit CJ’s live commerce studio, as well as Lotte Tower, where we enjoyed a delicious meal together and shared many conversations.Before he returned to the U.S., I could tell he felt quite sad to be leaving. In fact, he had asked me to interpret at his booth again for this year’s event, and I had accepted. Unfortunately, due to some personal matters at home, I couldn’t attend this time and wasn’t able to see him. It’s already been more than a year since we last met, and I find myself missing him from time to time. Still, I’ve kept in touch with his son, Diego, through Instagram, so I hear little updates every now and then (laughs).<figure id="figure-r18jb8s31mes4i2tk"><img id="r18jb8s31mes4i2tk" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/aRxSEFlfWT1LdLxGnJJgcWLYTimCJzAZNRrmJqwpYQYdhLM1aV4oILiD73Sy2LzZ.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/aRxSEFlfWT1LdLxGnJJgcWLYTimCJzAZNRrmJqwpYQYdhLM1aV4oILiD73Sy2LzZ.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Diego is a wonderful person as well—knowledgeable, smart, and with a charming smile. Sometimes he asks quirky questions, and whenever he does, I can’t help but think of how much he resembles Mr. Fernando. I truly hope I’ll have the chance to see them again, maybe at the end of this year or next year.One little TMI: Mr. Fernando’s LinkedIn profile picture is actually one we took together. Every time I see it, it makes me smile. During the entire event, I used to call them “My American Father” and “My American Family.” (laughs)My very first interpreting assignment remains a truly valuable experience, filled with wonderful memories and moments. Even now, it still feels that way.After finishing my work at KINTEX, I spent some time going to various interviews. I believed that gaining long-term experience, such as through an internship, would be beneficial for my career, and personally, I also considered it very important to experience organizational life. Working fixed hours, performing assigned tasks on a routine basis, understanding workplace hierarchies, and learning how to carry myself in a professional environment—these are all essential elements of social and professional life. Even if I might not be someone who naturally fits into repetitive organizational routines, I still believe these are valuable lessons to learn and practice for the sake of future work and relationships.While preparing for interviews and application documents, I found myself with quite a bit of free time. Rather than letting it slip away idly, I decided to make use of it by taking on support work for events at the Italian Embassy on weekends, as well as working with the textile industry secretariat during an exhibition held at COEX.The support work I did for the Italian Embassy event remains memorable in a different way. It was held in August, and since I was helping with outdoor promotions, I vividly remember how unbearably hot it was. Because it was a promotional event, I dressed somewhat formally, and wearing sneakers didn’t quite feel appropriate—so I ended up standing in dress shoes for four hours straight. Needless to say, my feet were in terrible shape (laughs). Still, I thought to myself that this, too, would become a valuable experience.<figure id="figure-huizi04h9hmes4jv0y"><img id="huizi04h9hmes4jv0y" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13R3SDTbMcX2gLxq2skv3i5I1cFEGLumlOTEL4HqD7AtOmZQKGDP0ioe7vhd2N6l.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 40%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="40%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13R3SDTbMcX2gLxq2skv3i5I1cFEGLumlOTEL4HqD7AtOmZQKGDP0ioe7vhd2N6l.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 40%;"></figure>Compared to that, working with the secretariat for Preview in Seoul felt a little less demanding. My tasks included walking around to help manage the booths, assisting with contract status checks and meeting reports, and supporting with English communication whenever it was needed, as well as helping out with general announcements.Since there were quite a few Chinese and Taiwanese companies participating, I even tried using my limited Chinese. To my surprise, it went fairly well (laughs). Simple phrases like “Please write this down,” “Wait a moment,” or “I’ll check for you” came back to me, probably because it hadn’t been long since I graduated from high school where I had studied some basics. It felt rewarding to actually use them in practice. Then again, it’s also very possible that those representatives were just quick-witted and understood my clumsy Chinese out of sheer kindness—me speaking in gibberish, and them graciously making sense of it (laughs).<figure id="figure-k4om5xkhrbqmes4l73l"><img id="k4om5xkhrbqmes4l73l" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1dCszHGGH2q8HN181VuoQf9Vw9IL57YeR3KdhW9r8mOvYdejh94tXaT469N7O1Aa.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1dCszHGGH2q8HN181VuoQf9Vw9IL57YeR3KdhW9r8mOvYdejh94tXaT469N7O1Aa.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>After spending a relatively calmer September, in October I was assigned to my very first export interpreting role. Since it was my first time handling export table interpretation, I was extremely nervous. If you look at the setup of the table, there are usually two representatives from the company I’m supporting, and across from them two representatives from the counterpart company, with me sitting right in the middle to interpret and assist. The moment I got the offer, I spent about a week running through every possible scenario in my head and studying the company thoroughly (laughs).At that time, I worked as an interpreter for a company called Lola’s Fine Sauce. Since I had already studied the products in depth, I had also thought a lot about their strengths—the key selling points—and reflected on what aspects might appeal most to potential buyers. Thanks to that preparation, I was able to actively highlight the products during the contract discussions, making sure their value really came across.<figure id="figure-l0fbxm3ysjmes4kmtd"><img id="l0fbxm3ysjmes4kmtd" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/25bbFaTJJG1zIJRC5xkCvplluwmRvCNuj7I8nrXTfEsCzwHHkx1JuLuuC6wO3OwC.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 70%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="70%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/25bbFaTJJG1zIJRC5xkCvplluwmRvCNuj7I8nrXTfEsCzwHHkx1JuLuuC6wO3OwC.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 70%;"></figure>That day, after my interpreting assignment, I received positive feedback in three key areas.First was my appearance. Many people don’t come dressed neatly or prepared, but I was told that my clean and professional outfit, along with a well-groomed image, left a favorable impression and helped a lot. I’ve always believed that appearance matters—especially in business meetings and negotiations. Even in everyday life, most of a person’s first impression is shaped by attire and outward presentation. This experience reminded me once again how important it is to be mindful and well-prepared in that regard.Second was my attitude. I wasn’t just performing as an interpreter, but also showing an understanding of the company itself and taking an active role in sales. Because I knew the company, its products, and the key selling points, many buyers who were hesitant to communicate in English directed their questions to me in Korean. I would then explain things to them, and afterward summarize the discussion for the company’s representatives. This allowed the meetings to progress more smoothly and quickly, and the buyers’ needs were met more precisely—leading to follow-up meetings as well. Toward the end, one buyer who had previously worked in the UK praised me extensively, which also led to compliments from the vice president (which I was very proud of).Third was my proactive communication. Not all buyers are outgoing, so I would gently encourage product testing when I sensed they were interested but hesitant. If they seemed uncomfortable, I offered small sample packs from different product lines instead. Since meetings were often hectic, I also made sure buyers didn’t leave without catalogs or samples, always double-checking with them before wrapping up. I was told that this attentiveness and support left a strong positive impression.Looking back, I realize that I—a talkative young person who once fell in love with foreign languages during a difficult time—managed to overcome hardships through their charm. Ironically, what began as a kind of escape has now become a turning point in my life, opening up countless opportunities. I am still deeply in love with languages, and there are so many more I wish to learn. Reflecting on it now, I think it was around this time that I began to dream of living abroad for a month, traveling to different countries, connecting with people, sharing love, and experiencing life to the fullest.

Episode 3. Talkative Girl Who Loves Foreign Languages.

Ep 2. Nothing but challenges and new beginnings.

In December 2023, I left for the UAE (United Arab Emirates) with nothing but two suitcases as big as my body. I often get asked why I chose an Arab country—where I had no connections at all—as the very first place for a long-term stay abroad.Why did it have to be the Arab world? Why did I feel the need to escape reality?When I first started running my extracurricular activities blog, I wrote a year-end reflection post that resonated with many people and received a lot of love. It even gained significant attention on LinkedIn. Today, I want to share that story here as well. Because this is the most important story—the one that explains why I love the Middle East so deeply, and why it had to be the Middle East.After returning from the UAE, I suddenly found myself feeling how quickly life in Seoul—started so recklessly—was rushing by. When snow falls on the streets and Christmas trees sparkle on every corner, I suppose anyone would feel the same way.Today, I want to write honestly about my story. I called it an “end-of-year reflection,” but in truth, it’s less a reflection and more a piece about me as a person.My first overseas stay—and my first long-term residence abroad—was in the UAE. People always ask me why I chose a Middle Eastern country, one with which I had no ties at all. By now, I’ve grown used to that question. But around this time last year, I was at rock bottom—physically and mentally.It was the result of many different factors piling up, but if I had to sum it up in a single phrase, it would be: “Why live at all?”I worked so hard, pushed myself endlessly, yet the harder I tried, the worse the results seemed to be. Even my first attempt at living on my own was plagued with miserable problems.For example, part of one wall in my room was soaked and had to be stripped bare for two weeks. On top of that, my bathroom drain clogged constantly, flooding the floor no matter how often I cleaned it—forcing me into daily battles with it.They say misfortunes come in clusters, and that couldn’t have been more true for me.My family moved to a new house as well, but the new place was riddled with issues, leaving me without any space that gave me peace of mind. Add to that the full isolation of the COVID lockdowns… it felt like living in hell.I tried to keep myself afloat with optimism—working hard in my classes, winning scholarships, throwing myself into schoolwork. But the emptiness never went away. I often felt a sense of futility, as if none of it mattered.The harder I worked, the more hollow I felt. The college life I had once imagined drifted further and further out of reach under the weight of COVID. I didn’t even get the chance to make friends my own age.Even the friendships I had before entering college began to unravel around this time. Looking back, I don’t think it was my fault. If the same thing happened now, I would probably just cut ties and move on. But back then, it was my very first year of college, and with everything going on, making new friends felt impossible.In the end, to fill the void inside me, I tried many different things. Along the way, I cut ties with anyone who tore me down with negative words. Inevitably, I became isolated.There was one friend I had grown close to, even though we attended different schools. But at that time, they were going through their own hardships. Both of us were at the brink of collapse. Now, we don’t keep in touch. Looking back, I think we drifted apart simply because neither of us had the emotional capacity to support the other during our worst times.At first, I tried to overcome all these terrible circumstances with positive thinking. But after nearly two years of forcing myself to laugh and act like a clown, my body and mind were completely torn apart. I felt like a rag—shredded and worthless.Before taking a leave of absence, during finals week, everything I had been holding in exploded at once. And yet, I still sat there studying, desperate to hold onto my scholarship. I cried while studying, cried while going to the gym. In hindsight, I was already deeply depressed, but I told myself I was fine—I was just “enduring.”Eventually, I reached my limit. Everything felt miserable. I wanted to die. No matter how hard I tried, nothing improved. Nothing around me got better.I began to think: Maybe if I died, things would finally improve.I had always thought of myself as optimistic, mentally strong. But even self-delusion has its limits. I wished I could die—whether by starving or wasting away. Anything felt better than the misery of crying myself to sleep every day.Before leaving for the UAE, I lay in bed, crying, overwhelmed by thoughts of death. And then, suddenly, a thought crossed my mind: If I really wanted to die, why wasn’t I doing it right now? Why wasn’t I jumping off somewhere?The truth was, I was afraid. Terrified. Yes, I was a coward—too afraid to die.And if I wasn’t going to die, then how was I going to survive this miserable life? As much as I didn’t want to, I began retracing the series of events that had led me here.After a sleepless night, I came to a conclusion: I had to face my problems head-on. I was already at rock bottom. Even if I failed, I had nothing to lose.That’s when I chose the UAE. The reason was simple. Nobody there would know me. There was virtually zero chance—maybe one percent—that I’d run into anyone who did. So, without roaming service, with nothing but two massive suitcases, I left.<figure id="figure-1y0pjmgsxhemervrq3j"><img id="1y0pjmgsxhemervrq3j" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/245rRoxwxWAfDSq0LfO2durCLrl99SFRmfUWUpUSKoqJQocHWjXK1qtd1sqO4Ygy.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 20% 75%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="20%" data-positiony="75%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/245rRoxwxWAfDSq0LfO2durCLrl99SFRmfUWUpUSKoqJQocHWjXK1qtd1sqO4Ygy.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 20% 75%;"></figure>Yes, I chose to escape reality. Because isn’t that better than choosing death?Thus began my first life abroad—without plans, without preparation.For three months, I didn’t keep in touch with anyone back in Korea. It might sound like an excuse… and to some extent, it actually was. But since I didn’t set up roaming, I couldn’t use messenger apps without Wi-Fi, and making international calls was obviously impossible. So in a way, I naturally ended up with a perfect excuse not to keep in touch (laughs).In the time I had outside of studying, I met a lot of people. I grew close with my classmates at the language institute, and while riding the metro around the city to explore. Since I was on a language program and didn’t have much extra money, I started cooking meals instead of eating out. Through that, I naturally became close with my roommates as well.<figure id="figure-ugghwu8e9merw2y4k"><img id="ugghwu8e9merw2y4k" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/29gE1Q8mz7ITlsbuQ27cLG1IpvenLEI4jQMo27OYwMn0Usfra0xtWHpDiyu9sXib.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/29gE1Q8mz7ITlsbuQ27cLG1IpvenLEI4jQMo27OYwMn0Usfra0xtWHpDiyu9sXib.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>On weekends, when I didn’t have classes, I would bake cookies or make cakes and share them with my friends.We laughed and chatted without a care as we enjoyed them together, and though I had been here for less than a month, I found myself smiling far more often.<figure id="figure-mfumnbragsmerw3gc7"><img id="mfumnbragsmerw3gc7" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/16rqaGtXOeXozczRzjygGln3q4S7hfOQAwHMAlA43SNmHPoBXEoT0Na06WlhzKYR.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 30%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="30%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/16rqaGtXOeXozczRzjygGln3q4S7hfOQAwHMAlA43SNmHPoBXEoT0Na06WlhzKYR.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 30%;"></figure>Of course, I had been constantly reflecting on the causes of my problems, trying to find solutions, and doing everything I possibly could. So in a way, the changes I experienced were only natural.Still, adapting to life abroad wasn’t easy for someone like me, who had come with nothing but my own body and no prior knowledge of this place. If I had a lot of overseas experience, it might have been different. But as a complete beginner who suddenly ended up in a country with hardly any Koreans, the struggle was inevitable.At that time, there was a friend who reached out to me—a friend from Colombia. Thanks to him, I was also able to improve my Spanish. For someone like me, who knew nothing, his kindness came with no strings attached. After school, I would often join him and other Latin American friends to explore different places and enjoy delicious local restaurants.<figure id="figure-eb9z7ptxskmerw5lp7"><img id="eb9z7ptxskmerw5lp7" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2epTwOmbeCCI2LMz2ltYdxFzSk2G1iotpNOaEQKQ5RhMYF2j3cN1139D9GeCbAkq.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 60% 70%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="60%" data-positiony="70%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2epTwOmbeCCI2LMz2ltYdxFzSk2G1iotpNOaEQKQ5RhMYF2j3cN1139D9GeCbAkq.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 60% 70%;"></figure>At that time, I didn’t even know the basics—how to get a transportation card, how to take the shuttle bus, or where to buy groceries at a cheaper price. He helped me with all of these things so that I could live on my own for the three months I would be here. And he did it all without expecting anything in return.He had planned to stay for only two weeks, but before leaving, he shared with me everything he knew and gave me deep, thoughtful advice about the struggles I had been facing.After he left, I made up my mind: during my three months here, I would try to completely break away from my old habits and negative ways of thinking.I began waking up at dawn to meditate and started going to the gym every day. By cooking and sharing delicious, healthy meals, I learned how to simply enjoy the moment. Above all, I learned what it means to offer kindness without expecting anything in return.<figure id="figure-ocwwbb0f99merw7fig"><img id="ocwwbb0f99merw7fig" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1aRV5Vs92Fx2OdI04XbZR3D3tAZHY38VYKMRn9A5hkAtqcYVwPYt90mtdD02t8t2.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1aRV5Vs92Fx2OdI04XbZR3D3tAZHY38VYKMRn9A5hkAtqcYVwPYt90mtdD02t8t2.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;"></figure>For the first time, I spent my birthday in a truly meaningful way here. It was then that I realized just how dull and uneventful my life had been up until that point (laughs).Birthdays and Christmas had always just felt like ordinary days to me. I guess it was because, back then, I simply didn’t have the mental space or emotional capacity to celebrate such things.Around midnight, I heard someone knocking on my door. When I opened it, my classmates were standing there with a cake and balloons, singing “Happy Birthday.” I can still remember that moment vividly.<figure id="figure-qhmhu5h2samerw8ldi"><img id="qhmhu5h2samerw8ldi" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/5BNkVwvaHMFkMwMmntEtV1M1Q9VSwhqjjBGYHx3ch4qrnqOMPfx8jczAyMV9QAOn.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% 35%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="35%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/5BNkVwvaHMFkMwMmntEtV1M1Q9VSwhqjjBGYHx3ch4qrnqOMPfx8jczAyMV9QAOn.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% 35%;"></figure>I think that was the turning point when I was able to shift my mindset—this time, in a positive direction. For reasons I can’t quite explain, I was surrounded by “positivity kings,” and because of them, I found myself smiling a lot more too.Toward the end of my language program, I video-called my parents, and my mom told me she was quite surprised when she saw me. She even said that maybe my true personal color was the UAE all along.At first, I wondered how I would ever get through three long months… but when the time came, I didn’t want to go back home. I was afraid that once I returned, everything would just be the same again (laughs).Before returning to Korea, I spent a lot of time seriously thinking about how I wanted to live my life moving forward.The conclusion I came to was simple: just go to Seoul and try doing what I want to do.For someone like me—a hardcore planner—it was actually a huge challenge. I thought that maybe not making any plans at all could be the best way for someone as rigid as me to change. So after unpacking my bags back in Korea, I went straight ahead and signed a one-year lease in Seoul.

Ep1. Why did you chose 'UAE'?

D'SCOVER

Middle East Speciallist, working in Business Accelerator company between MEA and Korea's companies as a intern. 3 languages(English, Spanish, Arabic). this is my portfolio for arabic and english users