Sustainability in Seoul: My First Week
By: Joshua Yang, CAS ’23
Joshua sitting at his desk doing some work.
International Development in Seoul
I initially applied to the GRIP International Development in Seoul program because I am passionate about sustainability and economic development, both of which were key sectors explored in this program. I really wanted to experience South Korea by immersing myself in the country, while also pursuing my academic passions in a way that could assist social impact initiatives globally. Thus, when I heard about this opportunity to work at 4EN, a startup dedicated to reducing waste in manufacturing products and sequestering carbon, I was really excited to start work and continue my pursuits.
Coming to Seoul, there was a lot on my mind in the lead-up to my first day of work: in addition to being my first experience living outside of the country, the pandemic had meant that this would be my first experience working in the office and not remotely for a summer internship. Although I am Korean-American, my Korean is certainly not suitable for a business Korean environment, and so I also wondered if my Korean might be necessary in the work environment and improved through my time working in Seoul.
On my first day, I went to the office and met my supervisor and the CEO; throughout the course of the day I got to meet the different team members and as the week progressed, through conversation with my supervisor and others, I gained a better understanding of the company structure and business model. Interacting with my helpful coworkers and doing independent research helped me understand 4EN and my objectives for the internship. Although I was unsure of what to expect, having been here for about a week I am much more confident I can contribute to this company’s sustainability goals and their plans for carbon sequestration and waste reduction. With opportunities to research carbon credit markets and hopefully work off of previous sustainable development research I have conducted, I am really excited by 4EN’s mission and future. Additionally, with the opportunity to travel to Indonesia next week and help out with the oversight of a biochar-manufacturing plant’s construction, I am excited about this internship and all it has to offer.
On top of that, I have had a wonderful time getting to know everyone in the office! The office largely speaks Korean, not English, and I really see this as a crucial opportunity to learn how to speak Korean better and more conversationally. As we go out to lunch together and learn about each other more, even cleaning the office together and playing soccer, I look forward to getting to know my coworkers better as people and becoming better connected to life in South Korea.
The Global Research and Internship Program (GRIP) provides outstanding undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to intern or conduct research abroad for 8 to 12 weeks over the summer. Participants gain career-enhancing experience and global exposure that is essential in a global workforce.