Q1.Can you briefly introduce yourself?

My name is Le Khanh Huyen, and I am a fourth-year student at Kookmin University, majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Media Communication. Before coming to Korea, I spent one year studying Korean language and culture at the University of Foreign Language Studies of Vietnam National University, Hanoi. In 2021, I was awarded a scholarship from Kookmin University, and that opportunity made the decision easy—I packed my bags and came here with a very simple goal: to study hard and graduate.
Over time, however, my journey became about much more than earning a degree. Living abroad challenged me to grow faster than I expected—academically, professionally, and emotionally. Today, 
I see myself as not only an international student but someone who has learned to navigate two cultures, two languages, and two different visions of the future.
What field is your current internship in, and what type of company do you work for?

I am currently interning at a mid-sized logistics company specializing in maritime transportation and vessel operations. The company's headquarters are in Korea, with branches in China, Vietnam, and Singapore, which makes it a truly international environment. Our core business revolves around coordinating sea freight, managing vessels, communicating with global clients, and handling import and export operations.As an intern, I assist with communication between overseas partners, documentation, shipment coordination, and market-related research. Because logistics is deeply connected to global trade flows, geopolitical trends, and currency fluctuations, I quickly realized that this industry is far more dynamic than I initially imagined. Every email, every shipment schedule, and every negotiation reflects how interconnected our world really is.

Q2. Why did you decide to stay in Korea after graduation? Was this your plan from the beginning?

To be honest, when I first arrived in Korea, I did not plan to stay after graduation. My original goal was clear: complete my studies and return to Vietnam to build my career there. However, as I progressed through university, my perspective gradually changed.Many international students, including myself, graduate one to three years later than peers in our home countries because we spend additional time studying the language and preparing admission documents. During our university years, we also balance part-time jobs and academic responsibilities, which means we often lack early internship exposure compared to domestic students. In Vietnam or Korea, students often begin internships as early as their first or second year, strategically building their professional profile.
At one point, I asked myself honestly: “If I return home immediately after graduation, will I truly be competitive?” That question shifted everything. I realized that staying in Korea for at least a short period would allow me to gain structured corporate experience in a highly competitive market. It was not about abandoning my home country; it was about strengthening myself before returning.

Q3. A recent survey showed that 65.5% of international students hope to remain in Korea after graduation, but only 36.2% hope to work in Korea. Do you relate to this?

I completely understand this contrast. Korea is incredibly convenient and efficient. Public transportation is punctual and accessible, delivery services are fast, and daily life feels structured and safe. There are countless cafes, cultural spaces, and entertainment options that reflect modern youth trends. It is easy to fall in love with the lifestyle.
However, employment is a different story. The hiring process is competitive, interview standards are high, and corporate culture places strong emphasis on hierarchy and etiquette. Many students 
enjoy living in Korea but feel intimidated by the pressure of entering the workforce.

Q4. When did you begin preparing for your internship?

I started preparing in my second year after attending a career development class. That lecture felt like a wake-up call. I realized that graduating with just a diploma would not be enough. From 
that moment, I began “upgrading my spec,” a term Koreans use for earning certifications, joining extracurricular programs, improving Korean and English skills, and even studying an additional foreign language.I also spent time researching industries that matched my personality and strengths. Logistics appealed to me because it combines global communication, analytical thinking, and market awareness. After identifying my target industry, I created semester-by-semester action plans to systematically build the skills required by companies in that field.What was the most difficult part of the application process? 

Preparing for interviews was by far the most difficult. Resumes can be edited with feedback from seniors or digital tools, but interviews are entirely personal. They reveal your confidence, composure, and authenticity.I once failed an interview not because I lacked knowledge, but because I wasn’t confident. That experience taught me that competence alone is not enough—you must also project belief in yourself. Confidence appears in your posture, tone, eye contact, and even your smile. Since then, I have done mock interviews repeatedly as practice, not only to refine my answers but to strengthen my presence.

Q5. Did you ever feel it was harder because you are a foreigner?

Yes. Positions open specifically to foreigners are limited, which intensifies competition. Companies typically expect foreign candidates to bring added value—such as strong multilingual ability or deep understanding of their home markets. Therefore, language proficiency and market knowledge are critical benchmarks.
In many cases, knowing one foreign language is insufficient. To stand out, you may need fluency in two or even three languages. The expectation is high, but I understand it from a business perspective.

Q6. On the other hand, were there advantages of being an international student?

Absolutely. While Korean candidates often compete through numerous certifications and awards, I bring cross-cultural adaptability and firsthand understanding of the Vietnamese market. 
My multicultural background allows me to interpret perspectives differently and communicate across borders more naturally.

Q7. Did your university support you?

Yes. I participated in a career fair preparation program organized by the international student office at Kookmin University. They provided resume coaching, mock interviews, and direct guidance before the actual fair.Additionally, professors in the Department of Business Administration offered valuable insights into Korea҆s import-ex- port market trends and even connected me with industry 
professionals. Those conversations helped me bridge the gap between theory and real-world practice.

Q8. What has surprised you the most during your internship?

The work-life balance has surprised me the most. Even as an intern, I am included in company welfare programs. For example, once or twice a week, employees are given one to two hours to 
engage in stress-relieving activities like painting, and the artwork is later displayed internally.
Compared to many companies in Vietnam, where work intensity is often prioritized over well-being, this approach felt refreshing. 
It showed me that productivity and mental health can coexist.

Q9. What aspects of Korean workplace culture are still challenging for you?

“Nunchi,” or the ability to read unspoken expectations, remains a challenge. Many senior managers are significantly older, and meetings often involve specialized terminology and deep discussions. Under the pressure of hierarchy, it can be difficult to immediately ask clarifying questions. This pushes me to prepare thoroughly before meetings and continuously expand my professional vocabulary.

Q10. What advice would you give to other international students preparing for internships or jobs in Korea?

Start early and believe in your own potential. Do not underesti- mate the power of confidence. Technical skills and language ability are essential, but mindset determines endurance. There 
will be rejections, misunderstandings, and moments of doubt, but each experience refines you.Most importantly, do not see yourself as “less than” because you are a foreigner. Instead, recognize that your multicultural identity is a strength. If you prepare strategically, be resilient, and remain authentic, opportunities will eventually align with your effort. 

                                                                                                                                                                                               Hua Shuohan

                                                                                                                                                                                               The Kookmin Review Reporter
                                                                                                                                                                                               huashuohan@kookmin.ac.kr