KOREA FOUNDATION

KF Global Challenger Internship Letter

I began work as an intern at the Salzburg Global Seminar (SGS) in Salzburg, Austria last September, and my internship will continue through the end of this year. After my position was confirmed, I learned through the KF orientation session and from previous interns about what to prepare and how to complete my work. Thanks to this help, I began my time in Salzburg without much difficulty.

I spent my first week receiving simple training for internship duties and research, and soon had been assigned specific seminar sessions for which I provide support. There are three program interns (including myself) and one development intern, and sessions were allocated to each of us in consideration of our schedules and our fields of interest. I was assigned to five sessions and one event.

The first session I worked for was a three-day Global Corporate Governance Forum in early October entitled “Friend or Foe—How Should Directors Face Disruptive Risk?” It was attended by high-profile professionals engaged in corporate management who held in-depth discussions about elements that may cause risks to management, including innovative technology and environmental, geopolitical, and security issues. The session provided me with a very special and valuable learning opportunity that I could not have found elsewhere. I also really enjoyed having conversations with the participants during meals and breaks.

When not occupied with preparation for specific sessions, I carry out routine assignments and preparation for future sessions. I do developmental work such as research to help create next year’s programs and review materials related to people who will participate in sessions over the next month or two. I also manage the fellows’ database, filing information about previous participants and library materials, as well as studying ways of utilizing software for communication with the general public and with people at outside institutions.

Salzburg is a historic city of art and culture. The local language is German, but most people are fluent in English so life is not so difficult for those who cannot speak German. When an intern receives a welcome packet filled with useful information about life in the city that will help them have a wonderful time when not occupied with work.

Salzburg Global Seminar (SGS) Salzburg, Austria Lee Ju-won

Austria CSIS Politics Researcher