2020 겨울학기
이재원, 연세대학교 국제학대학원

Over the past five months, I had the pleasure of working as an intern at the East Asia Institute (EAI). With seventeen years of history, EAI is a think tank that represents South Korea and serves as a hub for a knowledge-based network in the East Asian region. When first applying for an internship, I strived to seek experience at a professional work environment outside of graduate school. I wanted to apply the theoretical knowledge I was introduced in a classroom scenario to the real world. Additionally, I wished to make useful connections outside of Yonsei. Overall, EAI was the perfect place to achieve all that and so much more.

My general duties & tasks from the internship included but not limited to the following:

• Translating and editing EAI’s working papers.
• Attending events, project workshop conference and seminars, and writing minutes of meeting (MoM) or transcripts in Korean or English.
• Supporting EAI research associates and project managers with additional research for designated projects, such as Global North Korea (Global NK) and Asia Democracy Research Network (ADRN)

To explain the projects very briefly, Global NK has its own website that intends to provide policy directions and publish materials on the North Korean issues in a more analytical and strategic manner based on the framework of Sanctions, Internal Transformation, Deterrence and Engagement (SIDE). ADRN was founded to examine the threats and challenges of Asian democracy and conduct research that can contribute to democratic development, transition and solidification. By participating in some of these project tasks, I was able to keep myself updated with the latest social and political issues in these regions. I had a first-hand experience witnessing the ins and outs of EAI and how think tank is operated as a whole. 

Lastly, I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to all the EAI people that treated me like family. I will never forget the “Intern Burger Day” we had every Fridays which brought us closer together. I’m sure my internship here has left me with a series of research and personal skills that enabled me to grow more as an individual at this stage of my career.