Hello! My name is Scarlett Weir and I’m writing this from the future. Time-zone-wise from Seoul to Pittsburgh anyway! I’m a rising senior in the School of Computing and Information, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Information Science with a minor in Economics.

From June through the end of July, I will be interning at the Medical Imaging Informatics Laboratory (MediSC) within Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) as part of the IIP: Seoul program. I chose this experience because it allowed me to combine a study abroad experience with several of my academic and professional interests in technology, healthcare, and research! 

One thing I was especially curious, and nervous, about was getting a firsthand look at workplace culture in South Korea. I had read about differences in communication styles, teamwork, and professional expectations, but I believed the best way to understand those differences was to experience them myself. After my first week at work, I can happily say that everyone has been incredibly kind and welcoming. Even with occasional language barriers, my coworkers have gone out of their way to make me feel comfortable, answer my questions, and help me adjust. Their patience and friendliness have made the transition much easier than I expected.

I’m already learning so much from the people around me, both professionally and personally, and it’s made me even more excited for the rest of the summer. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work alongside such talented researchers while experiencing life in Seoul, and I’m grateful for everything this experience has already taught me in just one week.

Outside of my internship, I’m excited to experience as much of Seoul as I can. I’m looking forward to exploring more neighborhoods, trying foods I’ve never had before, visiting historic sites, and finding a few favorite cafes and hidden gems along the way. 

This week has already been a dream, I can’t wait to see what the next seven will bring!