It is honestly hard to believe that I have already been in Seoul for a week. The time has gone by so quickly that part of me still feels like I just arrived, but at the same time, I feel like I have already learned and experienced so much. Between starting my internship, exploring the city, and adjusting to life in a new country, every day has felt packed with something new.
I arrived in Seoul last Friday and started my internship at JHsustain the following Monday. Going into my first day, I expected to spend most of the week observing, attending introductions, and slowly getting familiar with the company. Instead, I was surprised by how quickly I was given meaningful responsibilities.
One of my first major tasks involved helping prepare a briefing for a meeting with a Chief Technology Officer and two of JHsustain’s directors. My partner and I were responsible for presenting a five-minute overview to help kick off a partnership discussion. As a college student who had only been in the office for a few days, it was both exciting and a little intimidating. At that moment, I realized this internship was not going to be about sitting on the sidelines and watching. I was being trusted to contribute to real projects with real-world impacts.
Outside of the office, Seoul has been just as exciting as the internship itself. The city feels enormous, yet somehow incredibly organized. I have been amazed by the public transportation system. The subway is clean, efficient, and makes it easy to get almost anywhere in the city. Coming from the United States, where public transportation can sometimes be limited, it has been a huge adjustment in the best way possible.
Food has also become one of my favorite parts of the experience so far. I have made it a goal to try something new whenever I can, and I have not been disappointed yet. Whether it is grabbing a quick meal after work or exploring a new neighborhood with friends, every meal feels like an opportunity to experience a different side of Korean culture. I knew the food would be good before I arrived, but I did not expect just how much variety there would be.
What stands out most to me about Seoul is the energy. People seem to move with purpose. The city is constantly busy, but it rarely feels chaotic. There is a rhythm to daily life here that I am still learning, and I find myself noticing new things every day. Even simple activities, like taking the subway to work or stopping at a convenience store, feel like opportunities to learn something about Korean culture.
What Industry Am I Working In?
JHsustain operates within the international development and sustainability consulting sector. The company works at the intersection of climate science, environmental policy, governance, and sustainable development. Their clients include governments, international organizations, and development agencies working to address environmental and climate-related challenges around the world.
Before starting this internship, I thought sustainability was primarily focused on environmental protection. While that is certainly part of it, I am quickly learning that the field is much broader. Sustainability consulting involves helping communities and governments develop practical solutions to complex problems. These can range from improving water governance systems to strengthening climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
What I find especially interesting is that the work combines both technical knowledge and human-centered thinking. The goal is not simply to create a solution on paper but to design programs and policies that people will actually use and benefit from long after a project is completed.
Skills and Strengths for Success
After just one week, I have already noticed several skills that seem essential for success in this industry.
First, communication is incredibly important. Much of the work revolves around sharing information clearly and effectively. Whether someone is writing a policy brief, preparing a presentation, or participating in meetings with partners, the ability to communicate complex ideas in a way that others can understand is critical.
Adaptability is another key skill. JHsustain works on projects across multiple countries and with a variety of partners. Priorities can shift quickly, and new information is constantly emerging. Being able to adjust and learn on the go is a major advantage.
I have also realized how valuable curiosity can be. During my first week alone, I found myself learning about topics ranging from mangrove ecosystems and Sri Lankan environmental policy to consortium bidding structures and professional networking strategies. The ability to research unfamiliar subjects, connect information from multiple sources, and present findings clearly is a skill that seems valuable in almost every aspect of this work.
Working in Korea’s Development Context
One aspect of this internship that makes it especially unique is being based in South Korea. Korea occupies a distinctive position in the international development world because it transformed from an aid recipient to a major aid donor within a relatively short period of time. That experience influences how many Korean organizations approach development work today.
I have also started learning about Korean workplace culture. Respect, professionalism, and relationship-building play an important role in professional interactions. Understanding these cultural expectations is just as important as understanding the technical side of the work itself.
At the same time, JHsustain works with partners across many different countries and cultures. Because of this, cross-cultural communication is essential. The most effective professionals are often those who take the time to listen, understand local contexts, and recognize that solutions cannot simply be copied and pasted from one country to another.
As I reflect on my first week, I realize that this experience is teaching me much more than sustainability and international development. It is teaching me how to adapt, think critically, and become comfortable stepping outside of my comfort zone. Just a week ago, I was nervous about navigating a new city, starting an internship in a foreign country, and finding my place in a professional environment halfway around the world. Now, with each new challenge, I feel myself becoming more confident and independent. Beyond the technical knowledge I am gaining through my internship, I am also learning about a new culture, developing valuable professional skills, and growing as a person. If my first week in Seoul is any indication of what is to come, I am excited to see what the next seven weeks will bring.
