01 Mar From Cameroon to Korea: A New Life 12,000 KM from Dwelling
Questioning what it’s wish to work abroad?
Johnson Penn used to marvel, as effectively – however quickly sufficient, he discovered himself flying from Cameroon to South Korea, and residing a brand new life in a special continent!
Initially from the central area of Africa, Johnson first flew to Korea to pursue his Grasp’s Diploma. He later discovered himself again within the nation to pursue the Renewable Power and Surroundings business, and now, nonetheless resides there to proceed his work.
Yup, nearly 12,000 kilometers from house!
From packing up your whole belongings to adjusting to a brand new setting, transferring abroad can really feel intimidating. That is very true in case you have a selected line of labor! A world of fear can overwhelm you should you select to stress about each single element. Would you be capable to make it by? Would your information nonetheless apply? We all know these worries are regular in relation to working overseas!
Fortunately, we had been in a position to discuss some extra to Johnson, who so brazenly mentioned with us his expertise of transferring to a brand new nation.
Absolute Internship: What was the motivation on your transfer overseas? Why did you select to maneuver to the town you reside in?
Johnson: I initially moved to South Korea to pursue a Grasp’s Diploma in Electrical Engineering and Entrepreneurship, and in a while returned to South Korea a second time for the aim of launching a startup and constructing it to turn out to be a worldwide firm.
AI: What was a tradition shock you skilled upon arrival?
J: I didn’t expertise any main tradition shock actually as I’m fairly open! Though I’d say I nonetheless discover the “having to look the opposite means when consuming alcohol in entrance of somebody older than oneself” a bit bizarre.
AI: What’s the greatest distinction you’ve gotten seen between your hometown and your present location?
J: The pace and customer support for certain – Korea is a rustic constructed round effectivity and pragmatism. All the things strikes at an unbelievable pace in Korea, even the federal government admin providers! What actually will get the guts although is the nice buyer care in South Korea: right here, the individuals will usually even go above and past simply to verify the client expertise is pleasurable and complaint-free.
AI: What do you would like you knew earlier than transferring?
J: I want I knew my Korean! Having the ability to converse Korean fully transforms your life expertise right here. There’s fairly a staggering distinction in appreciation of the native tradition and satisfaction of life in Korea between those that converse the native language and people who don’t. Even fundamental survival-level Korean could get you far.
AI: What’s your favourite factor concerning the place you reside? Favourite place to go or exercise?
J: What I like most about Korea is the individuals; they’re usually fairly welcoming. Additionally as an entrepreneur, it actually helps that the Korean authorities gives fairly a plethora of startup help within the type of startup training, enterprise mentoring & teaching, grants, and startup funding. Korean authorities help for startups is de facto unparalleled.
And should you’re a mountain hiker then Korea is for you! Moreover, as a result of Korea is a small peninsula, the ocean views are all the time inside a 3-hour drive wherever it’s possible you’ll be.
AI: What recommendation would you give to college students arriving to your metropolis for internships?
J: For college kids visiting Seoul on internship, I’d say ensure you benefit from your transient journey in Korea. Make mates right here and benefit from the native tradition. Apart from working exhausting on the workplace, additionally be certain that to attend commerce festivals and exhibitions, conferences, boards, and community with startups in your business of curiosity – you by no means know what nice alternatives might ensue from these interactions. All the very best!
Conclusion
It will possibly really feel intimidating at first to maneuver to a brand new nation, particularly should you’ll end up as part of the demographic minority. Johnson, who got here all the way in which from Cameroon, moved to South Korea – which has all the time traditionally been a single-race nation! Regardless of being African in a predominantly Asian nation, Johnson nonetheless did alter effectively to the tradition, and has made himself a brand new house. He continues to marvel on the effectivity and practicality of life in Korea, and has himself turn out to be part of what makes the nation a fantastic place to stay.
Interested by life in Korea?
Don’t miss the possibility to be taught extra about Korean internship alternatives! Get to know what Johnson loves a lot concerning the tradition, individuals, and nation once you take step one in direction of your subsequent journey.
