SAF Korea recently celebrated a major milestone by hosting its inaugural alumni network event with Yonsei University, one of South Korea’s oldest and most prestigious academic institutions.
On August 22, 2024, the opening ceremony brought together participants from Yonsei’s Global STERN (Study + Intern) program, which gives students the opportunity to combine academic learning with hands-on, real-world experience while studying abroad.
The gathering created a lively space for SAF scholars to connect, share career advice, and offer valuable guidance to future students as they gear up for their own study abroad adventures.
To make the occasion even more resonant, Yonsei University invited three career coaches who gave advice on pursuing international careers. These experts offered practical tips for navigating job markets in South Korea, Europe, and the United States, providing especially valuable insights for those looking to explore global opportunities after graduation.
A standout moment of the reception was when IES Abroad internship alumni shared their stories of working in major global hubs like Milan, Dublin, and London. Their reflections on personal growth and professional development during their time abroad made a visible impact on the audience, which included several SAF students from the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 cohorts.
Seojeong Kim, an alumna of the IES Abroad Dublin Full-Time Semester Internship Program, reflected on her Spring 2024 experience as a Media and Communications intern. She explained how her internship helped her grow, giving her a unique perspective that she couldn’t have gained in her home country, South Korea.
"Being inspired by my supervisor and colleagues every day helped me build a lasting work ethic that will guide my future career...While you might think this could be achieved through an internship in Korea, I believe the holistic learning experience came from fully immersing myself in a different work culture." - Seojeong Kim, SAF Korea Alumna
She went on to emphasize the open and flexible work environment at Community Foundation Ireland, shaped by its European roots and focus on charity work.
“This atmosphere made it easy for me to ask questions, share career concerns, and think about the kind of work-life balance I want in the future,” Kim added. “Experiencing a work culture that valued not just productivity but also individual well-being and respect for differences made me reflect on the type of career and life I truly want to create for myself.”
Through its partnership with IES Abroad Centers around the world, SAF is grateful to be able to give students the chance to experience some of the most enriching cities – from cultural hubs like Barcelona and Milan to historically significant cities like London and Dublin, where students can also immerse themselves in English language environments.
This inaugural event, rich with individual stories and occupational insights, set the stage for future SAF Korea alumni gatherings, fostering a strong network of globally-minded students and professionals.
We’re excited to continue providing transformative internship opportunities through our IES Abroad Centers, helping SAF students from Korea, China, Japan, and beyond take the next step in their global journeys. For more information about Yonsei University’s Global STERN program, upcoming alumni events, or other study abroad opportunities, contact an SAF advisor today.
