Internships Abroad, GRIP The Power of Friendships Abroad

GRIP: Media in Seoul (Sponsored by the Kim Center)

Friendship. My summer experience was full of friendship and fun. I came into the GRIP: Media in Seoul program without knowing anyone else who accepted the position, so I naturally felt slightly nervous when I arrived in a new country. However, the Penn cohort made it so easy to settle in and explore different places together. We immediately bonded over the delicious food, endless shopping, and infinite photobooths. Exploring Seoul with the Penn cohort and the other interns made the experience exponentially more exciting and adventurous. We encouraged each other to try new foods, and the Korean speakers helped guide us through the subway system and Korean neighborhoods.

Together, we learned about Korean culture and traveled around the city with maximum efficiency. Hence why friendship is the word that resonates most with my summer experience. The lovely time I’ve had in Seoul so far is a product of the vibrant city and the people I’ve been exploring the city with. I am so glad the GRIP program has brought us together, and even though I came in without knowing anyone else in the cohort, I will be leaving with a new number of close friends.

Friendship allowed me to tackle Korea to the fullest, as I never felt alone and never felt the need to stay inside by myself. There were always a few people who were free enough to explore after work, and our walking and talking sessions around the city kept me moving. We covered countless neighborhoods, my favorite so far probably being Hongdae. Hongdae has numerous cafes and shops that feel young and fresh, especially its dog and cat cafes.

I also had the privilege of spending my weekdays with kind co-workers. We grabbed lunches together, and they suggested recommendations from a local perspective. They were extremely considerate, and we would chat about our lives over a meal. One of my co-workers asked me what my favorite animation was and proceeded to watch the film over the weekend and give me her full review. Their openness to meeting me and accepting me as a summer intern was incredible, and I am thankful for the chance to have met them.

Whether it be my internship cohort or my co-workers, I was lucky enough to experience many friendships in Seoul. Friendships that helped me to feel comfortable in a foreign country, and which I will cherish forever.