Marketing, Memories, and Milestones: Chizzy Nwosu’s South Korea Experience

1. Introduction and Background
   
   I am a 22-year-old Nigerian American female who recently graduated from George Mason University with a degree in Marketing. In the spring of 2021, during the Covid pandemic, I participated in a semester-long study abroad program in Korea. Unfortunately, due to restrictions, I couldn’t fully experience the country. I knew I wanted to return when life returned to normal. The CRCC Asia internship offered the perfect opportunity to boost my resume while rediscovering Korea in its true essence.
    
2. Motivation for Joining CRCC Asia and Choosing Seoul
   
   I chose CRCC Asia because of its structured internship programs, which aligned with my career goals. The chance to intern in Korea, a country I had grown to love, was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. Returning to Korea through CRCC allowed me to experience the culture without the limitations of the pandemic, while also gaining valuable work experience in my field.

3. Internship Experience
   
   I interned with Pentaflow, a customer experience (CX) company focused on generating promotional content for tech startups. My main task was designing their English website using the Wix Web Design platform. This was a completely new skill for me, and presenting the finished product to the company was a highlight of my internship.

   In addition to web design, I proofread and edited content with their design team, organized client information, and prepared for events like seminars. My Korean language skills improved significantly through constant workplace communication, exposing me to jargon I would never have learned otherwise. The friendships I made with colleagues added to the rewarding nature of the experience.

4. Challenges and Overcoming Them
   
   Adapting to Korea’s work culture was a challenge. The differences in workplace customs required patience and understanding, but I approached them with an open mind. Instead of getting frustrated, I viewed these differences as learning opportunities and slowly acclimated to the culture.
    
5. Long-Term Career Impact
   
   This internship confirmed my interest in marketing and opened a new door into the realm of user experience (UX). I discovered my love for UX while designing the company’s website—a field I now want to delve into further. The experience has broadened my career horizons and refined my goals.
    
6. Living in Seoul
   
   I stayed at a student dorm, where I built meaningful friendships with fellow residents. These friendships made exploring Korea as a group exciting and less intimidating. Immersing myself in Korean culture broadened my global perspective, helping me see life through a new lens. This global outlook will undoubtedly influence my future career and personal endeavors.
    
7. Memorable Experiences Outside Work
   
   My favorite moments included nightly dinners with friends and attending the Water Bomb Festival. Exploring Korea with my new friends was unforgettable. Whether it was a new restaurant, a pop-up shop, or a local festival, we made the most of every moment together, creating memories I will always cherish.
    
8. Lasting Connections
   
   I formed a close-knit group of friends with other interns at my dorm, and we continue to stay in touch. These connections made my experience even more meaningful and have become relationships I truly value.

9. Advice for Future Interns
   
   I would encourage future interns to go out every day. Even though I was only there for two months, it felt like four because we made the most of every day. Whether it’s trying a new restaurant, attending a festival, or exploring the city, make the effort to experience as much as possible.

   It’s also important to interact with other interns, especially those in your dorm. Exploring as a group makes the experience more fun and memorable. Keep an open mind, learn some Korean beforehand, and prioritize building connections at work and within the program.

10. Final Reflections
    
    I’m so happy I decided to do this internship. Initially, I was hesitant about going to Korea without knowing anyone, but I made friends within the program who I will cherish and keep in contact with for a long time. The two months I spent in Korea were the best two months of my life, and I’m grateful for the memories and experiences that will continue to shape my journey.

Chizzy’s CRCC Asia internship in Seoul demonstrates the power of embracing challenges, building connections, and stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Her time in Korea not only reignited her love for the country but also opened doors to new career interests and lifelong friendships.