Before beginning my internship in Seoul, I viewed leadership as something that came from taking initiative, organizing people, and helping a group accomplish its goals. Throughout college, I had opportunities to develop these skills through class projects, campus organizations, and my role as President of Open Studio. I enjoyed bringing people together, sharing ideas, and making sure everyone felt included. While I considered myself a confident leader, most of my leadership experience came in environments that were familiar to me. I was surrounded by people who shared a similar culture, language, and expectations, which made communication feel natural.

My internship abroad challenged that perspective in ways I did not expect. Moving to South Korea meant stepping into an environment where I had no established reputation and often faced a language barrier. Instead of relying on confidence alone, I had to become more observant and adaptable. I quickly realized that leadership is not always about speaking the loudest or having the most ideas. Sometimes it is about listening carefully, respecting different perspectives, and finding ways to communicate despite cultural differences.

One of the biggest lessons I learned came from working alongside my coworkers. Everyone approached problems differently, and there were moments where I had to slow down and understand why people communicated or worked in certains ways before offering my own opinion. This taught me the importance of patience and flexibility. Rather than assuming my way of thinking was the best approach, I learned to appreciate the value of collaboration. Even small conversations throughout the workday helped me better understand Korean workplace culture and reminded me that leadership also means being willing to learn from others.

Outside of the office, living abroad pushed me even further. Throughout my time in Seoul, I met people from many countries and backgrounds. I found myself to be very comfortable reaching out to new people and genuinely enjoying staring conversations. Before I knew it, I found myself asking questions and creating connections wherever I went. Looking back, I realized that this was also a form of leadership. By being open, approachable, and authentic, I often helped others feel comfortable enough to open up as well. Whether I was talking with coworkers during lunch, meeting travelers at hostels, or spending time with interns, I learned that making people feel welcome can have a positive impact on a group.

This experience also changed the way I think about confidence. Before coming to Korea, I believed confidence was mostly about believing in yourself. Now I see that confidence can also encourage others. When one person is willing to step outside their comfort zone, it often gives others permission to do the same. I noticed this in group settings where simply starting a conversation or including someone who was standing alone could completely change the atmosphere. These moments showed me that leadership is not always tied to a title or a formal position. It can be demonstrated through everyday actions that help build trust and strengthen relationships.

Another area where I have grown is my ability to adapt. Living and working in another country required me to be comfortable with uncertainty. There were times I did not fully understand the language, the customs, or even what was expected of me. Instead of becoming frustrated, I learned to ask quesitons, observe, and adjust. These experiences helped me become more resilient and reminded that effective leaders do not need to have all the answers immediately. They simply need to be willing to learn and continue moving forward.

Overall, this internship has expanded my understanding of what it means to be a leader. I still value initiative and confidence, but I now recognize that leadership is equally about empathy, adaptability, and the ability to positively influence the people around you. My time in Seoul has shown me that some of the strongest leaders are not necessarily the loudest people in the room. Instead, they are the ones who make others feel valued, encourage meaningful connections, and lead by example through their actions. As I return home and continue my education and career, I know these lessons will shape the way I work with others and help me become a more thoughtful and effective leader.