Studying abroad is a fantastic way to expose students to new environments and cultures. Some of our Ducks like their experiences so much that they decide to pursue careers abroad. We caught up with Dahyun Kim, who is currently working in Nairobi, Kenya, but is soon relocating to Seoul, South Korea. Her experiences abroad have led her to have some great insight for students who are looking to pursue opportunities overseas.
Name: Dahyun Kim
Graduation Year: 2018
Major: International studies (Africa and economics focus)
Current Job: Program manager of East Asia programs at NetFreedom Pioneers
What is one thing you learned or experienced during your time at the UO that is helping you be successful on your global career journey?
At the UO, I was a part of ICSP program which allowed me to interact with international students from all over the globe. It not only expanded my knowledge in other countries through my friends’ experiences but allowed me to create lifelong friendships. In May 2022, I left Seoul to start traveling while working remotely, and I was so lucky to reconnect with them all over the world.
What words of advice do you have for students who want to live, work, or study around the world?
Stay humble, open-minded, and most importantly flexible.
Having the opportunity to live, work, or study abroad means you are privileged, period. Acknowledge it; stay humble and grateful for the opportunity. If you want to take a leap forward, and make a difference, think of ways how you could use your privilege to help your surroundings, especially the people in the country you are interacting with.
Stay eternally open minded. I recommend The Subtle Art of Not Giving F*ck, a book by Mark Manson. One of my favorite messages is that you are probably wrong and mediocre but there is nothing wrong with it. Accept the reality, and chill but stay open minded to continue to learn and grow. This will help you to become a better person without you hardly realizing it.
Flexibility is a key when living abroad. An incident will happen. Every day is filled with new experiences and news. Stay flexible and you will be surprised where that takes you to. Sometimes we need to loosen up to create some space for a lucky fairy to come into our lives.
What is one thing you wish someone would have told you before you graduated about the world of work, job searching, or career paths?
Everything that Oh, the Places You’ll Go! says in the book.
Who helped you the most during your time at the UO?
Abe Schafermeyer. He is no longer on campus, but you are our hero.