Proving that the impact of international education lasts well beyond the return flight home, SAF Korea recently brought together dozens of former scholars for an evening of connection, reflection, and forward momentum.
Held on March 14 at the SAF Korea office in the trendy Myeongdong district in Seoul, the nearly three-hour alumni event welcomed around 30 returning students for an evening of networking, career insights, and shared stories. Attendees included SAF Korea alumni, along with students affiliated with IES Abroad Seoul, SAF Japan, and SAF China, making it a true celebration of cross-border connections.
Kicking off the evening was SAF Korea Director Suyeon Lee, a familiar face for many in the room. Her opening seminar encouraged students to view their time abroad not as a standalone experience, but as a stepping stone for what’s next. She spoke about the ways students can translate what they learned overseas into their careers, be it through resumes that get noticed, job interviews, or their personal brand on platforms like LinkedIn. Her message was clear: every opportunity back home, from internships to networking events, is a chance to keep that international momentum going.
After her talk, the space shifted into a more casual setting, with students gathering over a buffet to swap stories and reconnect. Alumni mingled with peers across programs and countries, finding common ground in the challenges, joys, and lasting lessons of their time abroad.
The evening wrapped up with two student testimonials that highlighted just how transformative those global experiences can be.
First up was Dohyeong Kim, a Hanyang University student who joined SAF’s custom Nanotechnology and Material Science program at the University of Technology of Compiègne (UTC) in Paris in Summer 2024. Speaking in English, he shared how the three-week program not only deepened his research skills – particularly in molecular dynamics simulations – but also gave him the confidence to pursue a new direction: integrating AI into semiconductors. His improved language skills and academic confidence even helped him take part in a joint research and business opportunity with Bruker in Shanghai, a leading name in scientific instrumentation.
Next, Sumin Lee, a Sungkyunkwan University graduate, shared how her year in the Berkeley International Study Program (BISP) from Fall 2023 to Spring 2024 helped her bridge two passions: textile design and interdisciplinary linguistics. Her academic experience at UC Berkeley shaped her approach to building a standout design portfolio – so much so that after returning to Korea, she joined a local design collective where she now works on everything from book layout to editing and promotion, especially for Japanese audiences.
Events like these reflect SAF Korea’s ongoing mission: to support students not just during their time abroad, but long after they’ve returned. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy for alumni to be swept up in schoolwork, job searches, and everyday pressures. But gatherings like this are a reminder of how much they’ve already accomplished, whether it’s greater confidence, cross-cultural communication skills, or a clearer sense of purpose.
Through initiatives like career-focused sessions and the IES-SAF Buddy Program, SAF Korea continues to offer spaces where students can grow, stay connected, and keep using the English and global mindset they built abroad.
Because studying abroad isn’t just a chapter – it’s the beginning of your story. Learn more about upcoming alumni events or connect with an advisor to explore how SAF can help you launch your own global journey.
