I left Paris for Seoul, where I’m navigating internship life with Enkostay and discovering what it really means to live in South Korea.
I never really knew what to expect before coming to Seoul. I had ideas, of course K-dramas, vibrant streets, amazing food but nothing truly prepares you for the moment you actually land and realize:
this is my life now.
As a student from Paris, choosing to do my internship here felt both exciting and unreal. Even though I did my research before coming, everything changed so quickly and everything became so different from what I was used to: the language, the pace of life, waiting for the traffic light to turn green before crossing, and expecting every dish to be spicy. These are small habits for a local, but they completely change a foreigner’s perspective on life.
Even though it might seem stressful and scary to go to a foreign country where I didn’t know my way around, I knew that coming to South Korea and doing my internship at Enkostay would give me more than I ever imagined.
Joining Enkostay was the most significant part of my experience here. During my first few days, everything felt new: new people, new tasks, and a corporate culture different from what we’re used to in France. Even though it might seem stressful and scary to go to a foreign country where I didn’t know my way around, I quickly realized that this experience would teach me much more than just professional skills.
I know the beginning is going to be difficult. Wanting to make a good impression by working nonstop, not daring to ask for things for fear of bothering anyone, wondering if it was a good idea to come here, telling myself I won’t have time to enjoy Korea. But I also know that this is just a natural phase that will help me realize that work-life balance isn’t just a buzzword but a real necessity for everything to go right.
MY MISSIONS
During my internship, I’ll have the opportunity to put into practice what I’ve only learned in school marketing, communication, and international social issues as well as learn new things. My main tasks will be creating contents to help people who need assistance or have questions about Enkostay or life in general in South Korea, this would aslo help me to learn more about my internship. This might seem like a simple task, but marketing is all about those small yet crucial details that make all the difference (catchphrases, visuals, tone, etc.).
What I like about this internship is that I have the opportunity to explore different aspects of a company. I’ll have the chance to create content and appear in it as well.
MY OWN EXPERIENCE AS A CUSTOMERS AT ENKOSTAY
Luckily, I’m fortunate enough to be both an intern of the company and a customer. When I decided I wanted to go to Korea for my internship, the first thing that came to mind was the “housing” issue. “Will I be able to find a place?”, “Will it be a scam if I don’t know the company?”, “Should I use well-known platforms even if they’re expensive?” It was essential for me to find a website preferably Korean that wasn’t too expensive, offered plenty of options, was available in English, and was easy to contact in case of any issues.
South Korea is known for its extremely high real estate deposits, which can be really intimidating, especially for students like me or anyone coming here for the first time.
When I was accepted by Enkostay, I didn’t hesitate for a second. I started looking for a place right on their website, which is available in English, and I quickly discovered something that made all the difference: the apartments require no deposit.
For me, this was a huge relief. It made the whole process of moving to Seoul much more accessible and less stressful. Instead of worrying about high upfront costs, I was able to focus on preparing for this new chapter and adjusting to my new surroundings.
I also appreciated the great flexibility of the offerings. Whether you’re staying for just a few weeks or planning to stay in Korea for a longer period, there are options that truly adapt to different situations. As an intern, that flexibility was exactly what I needed.
Another factor that made a difference was the location of the accommodations. I’m lucky to be staying near Hongdae, which is a very lively area. Many of them are located near universities, public transportation, and neighborhoods full of cafes and restaurants. You can always find accommodations in quieter areas if you prefer.
This made my first few days in Seoul much easier, since everything I needed was already right at my fingertips.
Communication was truly one of the highlights of this experience: both the Enkostay team and the hosts were easy to reach, very responsive, and put me at ease right from the start. Especially when it comes to social differences that can sometimes be hard to understand as a foreigner.
The fact that the accommodations are already set up for the ARC is a huge advantage. It’s one less administrative task to deal with upon arrival in Korea, which, honestly, makes all the difference when everything is still new and a little intimidating. (Only applicable if you’re staying longer than 90 days).
Enkostay didn’t just help me find a place to live; it really allowed me to start my life in Seoul with more confidence and less stress.
THE LIFE SIDE
It’s only been a week since I arrived in Korea, and I already feel like I’ve experienced so many different moments. Every time I go out to explore the city, I honestly feel like I’m working out: between the steep hills, the endless staircases, and the sun beating down harder than I expected, I come home exhausted. But at the same time, it doesn’t bother me at all, because there’s so much to discover.
What really strikes me is how different everything seems. The food is completely new to me, the architecture of the buildings is so unique, and even the way people dress catches my attention all the time. I also love discovering cultural and religious sites: they have such a different atmosphere, one I’m not used to at all.
I’ve settled into a routine: going to E-Mart every morning and evening to get my favorite drink, strolling through the streets listening to music, and making vlogs for my friends. These little habits show me day after day that it’s possible to feel at home even on the other side of the world.
In a way, this first week has already shown me that living here isn’t just about adaptin . It’s about learning, observing, and slowly opening myself up to a completely different way of life.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Even though it’s only been a week, it’s been a completely new experience. It’s a dream come true, and I want to thank everyone who has been there for me from the Enkostay staff who welcomed me so warmly to the people I’ve met on the street, even if we only exchanged a few words. I’m so grateful to all of you because you’ve made all the difference.
Thank you for your interest !
Best regards,
Eva Glanger