paid internship abroad
There are many fantastic opportunities which await international students when they intern in South Korea. Source: Anthony Wallace/AFP

How exciting would it be to participate in a paid internship abroad, with nearly all of your expenses covered? It is possible with the GIFT Internship Programme in South Korea.

If you’re a third or fourth-year engineering student who’s interested in ferrous technology, which delves into the iron and steelmaking process, then consider this internship as a stepping stone for you to extend your knowledge and skills in the field.

The best part about this paid internship abroad is that it gives you global and practical exposure in the field at one of the best universities in South Korea: Pohang University of Science and Technology, ranked 71 in QS World University Rankings 2023. The internship will last approximately four weeks, notes Youth Opportunities.

While the summer internship will commence in July 2022, there’s also a winter internship, which is expected to begin in January 2023, said reports. It’s worth noting that at the time of writing, the university has not updated its website to show its winter internship recruitment, so do keep your eyes peeled for updates. The following information is based on details available online.

Before we delve further into the details and perks of this scholarship, let’s explore some interesting facts about South Korea.

paid internship abroad

South Korea is home to some of the best entertainment scenes in the world, which international students get to experience if they study or intern in the industrialised country. Source: Anthony Wallace/AFP

Paid internship abroad: Why South Korea

South Korea went from being one of the poorest countries in the world to a global economic powerhouse — it goes without saying that the country is a force to be reckoned with. There’s more to the country than being home to K-pop stars and some of the best skincare products in the world.

It has also become a global innovation hub, with innovations such as inflatable isolation wards to flexible screen television that are improving lives. South Korea is also famous for major conglomerates like Samsung, Hyundai and Lotte Group.

The country was also recently listed as Asia’s best student city, which makes it all the more appealing to consider a paid internship abroad in South Korea.

Looking to experience the best ramen or kimchi around? You won’t get a more authentic experience of Korean cuisine than in the country where it originated.

South Korea is also known for its entertainment scene. Bask in the shopping experience which features anything from eclectic K-pop to hipster fashion, to marvelling in the nightlife scene in some of South Korea’s busy entertainment districts. The opportunities abound for foreign interns are not to be missed.

GIFT Internship Programme: Things to know

Funding

The GIFT Internship programme is fully-funded. You will be entitled to the following benefits:

  • Accommodation in a university dorm
  • A return economy class ticket, offered only once
  • 500,000 South Korean won for living expenses, which span four weeks
  • Transportation assistance
  • Gain practical work experience to enhance your CV

Eligibility criteria

You may apply to this internship opportunity if you are an international student from any country.

You must also be enrolled in the third or fourth year of an undergraduate programme. There is no restriction with regards to your country of origin, ethnic or religious background, gender or age.

This scholarship also encourages female students to apply.

How to apply

You must complete the application form for this internship programme correctly and completely. Provide official academic transcripts in English too.

You should attach a personal statement to go along with your application, which highlights your study plans. It is required that you submit an English proficiency exam result too (TOEFL or the equivalent).

Application deadline

You must submit your application for the GIFT Internship programme by November 30, 2022 for the January 2023 intake, notes Youth Opportunities.

For details or queries, visit the university’s website.