Q. Can you please introduce yourself?
My name is Alexander Anthony, but you can call me Alex. I am a business student from Universitas Prasetiya Mulya in Indonesia. I have a strong passion for cultural exchange, public speaking, and promoting global awareness. Currently, I am an intern at VANK, where I contribute to projects that introduce Korean history, culture, and tourism to the world.
Q. What aspect of Korean history / culture would you like to learn while being at intern at VANK? What aspect of Korean history / culture did you learn?
Before joining VANK, I was particularly interested in learning about Korea’s diplomatic history and how it shaped the country’s global identity. I wanted to understand how Korea overcame challenges in the past and how it promotes its heritage today.
During my 47 days here, I have gained a much deeper understanding of Korean culture and society beyond what I initially expected. I have learned not just about historical sites like Dondeokjeon Hall in Deoksugung Palace, which represents Korea’s modernization efforts, but also about Hangeul, the Korean writing system. Understanding the story behind Hangeul’s creation by King Sejong the Great gave me new insight into Korea’s commitment to education and inclusivity. Hangeul was designed to be easy to learn so that common people could read and write, and this reflects Korea’s strong cultural value of knowledge accessibility.
Additionally, my work on petitions related to Korea has allowed me to explore Korea’s soft power strategies and global influence. One of my key contributions involved petitions promoting K-Drama and K-Movie tourism trails, which highlighted how Korea’s entertainment industry plays a role in increasing cultural appreciation and attracting visitors worldwide. Through this, I realized the power of cultural storytelling in shaping Korea’s image globally.
Being in Korea for over a month has also helped me better understand Korean society, from its work ethic and collectivist mindset to its deep respect for tradition and innovation. Living here, interacting with locals, and working at VANK has shown me how history, language, and cultural diplomacy all intertwine in shaping Korea’s identity on the global stage.
Q. What aspect of your country’s history/culture would you like to tell people in Korea and around the world while being an intern at VANK?
As an Indonesian, I want to introduce the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Indonesia, from batik and wayang kulit (shadow puppetry) to our deep-rooted traditions in music, dance, and storytelling. Indonesia is an archipelago with more than 17,000 islands and over 300 ethnic groups, each with its own unique customs and traditions. I believe that sharing this diversity can help others appreciate how Indonesia, like Korea, balances modernization while preserving its cultural identity.
Beyond cultural heritage, I also want to share my perspective as an Indonesian and how we, as a society, perceive other countries—especially Korea. Indonesia has a high level of admiration for Korea, not just because of K-Pop and K-Dramas, but also due to Korea’s rapid economic growth, strong national identity, and global influence. Many Indonesians see Korea as an inspiring example of a country that successfully modernized while still holding onto its traditions.
At the same time, I think it’s important to talk about how Indonesians interpret global cultures. We are a very open-minded and social people who love learning about other cultures, but sometimes, our understanding is shaped primarily by pop culture and media. This is why I believe cultural diplomacy efforts—like what VANK is doing—are crucial in helping people gain a deeper and more accurate understanding of a country beyond just entertainment and trends.
Through my time at VANK, I hope to bridge cultural perspectives between Indonesia and Korea, fostering more meaningful cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
Q. How did you get interested in Korea?
My interest in Korea started with its cultural influence, particularly through K-Dramas, K-Movies, and K-Pop, which introduced me to the country’s modern entertainment and creative industries. As I became more exposed to Korean media, I started noticing how much effort Korea puts into storytelling, visual aesthetics, and world-building, which made me curious about the history and culture behind it.
However, my fascination with Korea truly deepened when I started learning about its history, traditions, and national identity. I was especially intrigued by how Korea overcame historical hardships and rebuilt itself into a globally influential country. Unlike many other nations, Korea has managed to preserve its cultural roots while rapidly modernizing, which I found incredibly inspiring. I also became interested in how Korea promotes its identity on a global scale—whether through Hangeul, historical sites, traditional arts, or diplomacy—to ensure that its story is told accurately to the world.
Beyond history and culture, I also became deeply interested in how Korea functions as a country—from its governance and economic development to its societal values and work ethics. I wanted to understand how Korean people view things, make decisions, and approach work and innovation. Korea is known for its strong sense of discipline, efficiency, and teamwork, and I was eager to learn how these values shape Korean society and contribute to its success.
Another aspect that caught my attention was Korea’s strong sense of unity and resilience. The way Korean society values hard work, perseverance, and collective progress reflects deeply in its cultural and economic achievements. From historical struggles to technological advancements, Korea has shown the world how a nation can transform itself while holding onto its heritage.
This curiosity led me to discover VANK, an organization dedicated to cultural diplomacy and correcting misinformation about Korea. Through this internship, I was able to experience Korea beyond what is portrayed in pop culture and gain firsthand insight into its rich history, diverse cultural heritage, diplomatic efforts, and work culture. I learned that Korea is not just aboutentertainment but also about strong national identity, historical preservation, and global influence.
My time at VANK has further deepened my appreciation for Korea and strengthened my passion for understanding cultures beyond the surface level. This experience has inspired me to explore how cultural diplomacy can shape international relations and how countries can use history, heritage, and work culture as tools for global engagement.
Q. How did you get to do an internship at VANK?
I got this opportunity through a rigorous interview process conducted by AIESEC, an international youth organization that connects students to global exchange and internship programs. Through AIESEC, I was introduced to the VANK internship program, which aligned perfectly with my interests in cultural diplomacy and international relations.
To prepare for the interview, I studied and learned about VANK’s mission, Korea’s diplomatic efforts, and cultural promotion strategies. This helped me showcase my understanding of global issues and my passion for bridging cultures. After passing the interview, I joined the VANK internship program, where we underwent an onboarding process to learn more about our role in promoting Korea’s history, culture, and international presence.
This internship has been an incredible opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects while also deepening my knowledge about Korea’s cultural diplomacy and soft power strategies.
Q. Tell us about what you did while working at VANK.
During my 47 days at VANK, I worked on several projects focused on promoting Korean history and cultural heritage internationally, particularly in Indonesia. One of my key tasks was researching how to effectively promote Deoksugung Palace to an international audience, ensuring that its historical and cultural significance is properly understood, especially by Indonesians. We explored ways to highlight its role in Korea’s modernization and diplomacy, making it more appealing to global audiences.
Additionally, we conducted research on Korean artifacts, particularly those located outside of Korea. This research aimed to better understand the significance of these historical artifacts and how they are perceived internationally. This was an important task, as cultural artifacts hold deep historical and national value, and learning how they are presented abroad helps in developing strategies to strengthen Korea’s cultural identity.
Another unique experience was when we had the opportunity to share our perspective as Indonesians about Taekkyeon, Korea’s traditional martial art, during a session with the Taekkyeon Committee. This discussion was insightful as we exchanged thoughts on how martial arts contribute to cultural identity and how both Korea and Indonesia have unique ways of preserving traditional practices while adapting to modern times.
Beyond this, we worked on several petitions aimed at promoting Korea’s culture and tourism, including:
● K-Drama and K-Movie tourism trails, highlighting how Korean entertainment influences tourism and encourages fans worldwide to visit filming locations.
● Petitions related to Hangeul and its global influence, emphasizing its historical
significance and its role in spreading Korean culture internationally.
Additionally, we had a visit from a committee specializing in Korean cultural heritage and overseas artifacts, where we were able to engage in discussions about the importance of preserving Korean historical artifacts globally. This was a valuable moment as we were able to contribute our perspectives as foreign interns, providing insights into how Korean culture and history are perceived from an international viewpoint.
Throughout this internship, I also had the invaluable experience of working in Korea and learning about its work ethic. Being here for 47 days allowed me to experience firsthand how Korean professionals approach teamwork, discipline, and efficiency. I gained a deeper understanding of Korea’s strong work culture and dedication to excellence, which plays a crucial role in its success in many industries.
Overall, this internship provided me with the opportunity to actively contribute to meaningful projects while immersing myself in Korean culture, history, and work ethics.
Q. Are there any moments you remember the most while working at VANK?
One of the most memorable moments during my internship was the day we visited Deoksugung Palace for the MOU signing ceremony. It was a special experience because we not only got to witness an important collaboration between VANK and the Royal Palaces and Tombs Center, but we also had the chance to share our perspective as Indonesians on how to promote Korea’s cultural heritage internationally.
What made the experience even more meaningful was that we wore batik, Indonesia’s
traditional clothing, as a way to represent our own culture while participating in a significant event for Korea. It was a proud moment because it symbolized the cultural exchange between Indonesia and Korea, showing how two nations with rich histories can come together to support heritage promotion.
Walking through Deoksugung Palace, seeing its historical significance firsthand, and
participating in discussions about its international promotion was truly an eye-opening
experience. It reinforced the importance of preserving historical sites and ensuring that they are presented accurately to the global audience.
Another moment that stood out to me was working on petitions related to Hangeul. Learning more about the history and global influence of Hangeul made me appreciate its uniqueness as a writing system. Our petitions focused on spreading awareness about how Hangeul was created to be accessible and inclusive, ensuring literacy for all people. Through this, I realized how language can play a crucial role in shaping a nation’s cultural identity and global presence.
Beyond the work itself, one of the most unexpected and heartwarming parts of my internship was how kind and welcoming everyone at VANK was. At first, I thought I would just be like any other foreign intern, but from the very beginning, the atmosphere was incredibly warm and inclusive. I never felt like an outsider—they treated me with so much kindness, and it made my experience even more special.
We didn’t just connect at work; we also had opportunities to experience life in Korea outside of the office. One of the best memories was when we visited an Aquarium Park in Seoul, which was a really fun experience. The team also gave us amazing recommendations on places to visit, helping us explore Seoul in a way we wouldn’t have been able to on our own.
We also had meaningful cultural exchanges, where we shared stories about our respective cultures, traditions, and personal experiences. It was fascinating to see both the differences and similarities between Korea and Indonesia, and these conversations gave me a newfound appreciation for both cultures.
Overall, working at VANK was not just about the projects—it was about the people, the
experiences, and the cultural connections. It was a fun, rewarding, and unforgettable time, and I am truly grateful for the kindness, friendship, and memories I made along the way.
Q. What do you plan to do after finishing the internship at VANK? What is your dream?
After finishing my internship at VANK, I will continue to reach for my dream of becoming an entrepreneur. I have always been passionate about building something meaningful, and this experience has further strengthened my global perspective—something that will be invaluable in my journey ahead.
Through the VANK internship program, I have learned a lot, especially on an international scale. I have gained insight into how Korea functions, from its work ethics to its approach in cultural diplomacy. I also discovered how diverse Korea is, with its rich history and culture, which has given me a deeper appreciation for how nations preserve and promote their heritage on a global stage.
Beyond knowledge, this experience has helped me become a better person by developing both my soft and hard skills. From communication, teamwork, and cultural awareness to research, strategic thinking, and project management, everything I have learned here will surely help me in my future endeavors.
This internship has been an invaluable experience that has broadened my horizons, and I am excited to apply everything I have learned as I work towards my dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur with a global mindset.
Q. What would you like to say to foreign friends that are thinking of applying for an internship at VANK?
Being at VANK has been an incredible and eye-opening opportunity for me. It’s truly a
once-in-a-lifetime experience where you not only gain knowledge but also develop skills, meet amazing people, and immerse yourself in Korea’s culture and history in a way that no ordinary internship can offer.
If you’re thinking of applying, I highly encourage you to go for it. But also, make sure to prepare well for the interview because once you get accepted, the experience will be incredibly rewarding. You’ll have the chance to engage in meaningful projects, contribute to cultural diplomacy, and see firsthand how Korea promotes its heritage internationally.
One of the biggest takeaways from my time at VANK was understanding how Korea
functions—not just in terms of history and culture, but also in its work ethics, societal values, and global influence. The way Korea blends tradition with modernity, discipline with creativity, and local identity with international engagement is truly inspiring. Working here has helped me develop both soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, as well as hard skills like research and strategic thinking.
Beyond the work itself, what makes this internship truly special is the people you meet. The VANK team is incredibly supportive, and you’ll get to exchange ideas, share perspectives, and learn from one another in a way that enriches your global outlook. The weekly meetings and brainstorming sessions were some of the most enjoyable and valuable parts of my experience because they allowed us to collaborate, refine our ideas, and grow as a team.
So if you’re looking for an internship that is unique, insightful, and filled with hands-on
experience in cultural diplomacy, then VANK is the perfect place for you. Be open-minded, proactive, and ready to learn, because this internship will give you an entirely new perspective on Korea, cultural heritage, and international engagement.
In the end, I can confidently say that my time at VANK has changed the way I see cultural diplomacy and international cooperation, and I will always be grateful for the experience and the unforgettable memories I made here. If you get the chance to be part of this program, embrace every moment of it—you won’t regret it!
Q. Lastly, what would you like to say to VANK?
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to VANK for this incredible experience. Thank you for creating a platform where young people can actively contribute to cultural diplomacy and make a meaningful impact in promoting Korea’s history, culture, and tourism worldwide.
This internship was not only educational but also incredibly fun. I had the chance to meet amazing people, exchange perspectives, and learn from one another, which made the experience even more valuable. Whether it was working on petitions, discussing cultural topics, or participating in meetings, every moment was an opportunity to grow and connect with inspiring individuals.
The past 47 days have been an unforgettable journey, filled with new knowledge, teamwork, and cultural exchange. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of VANK and for the unforgettable stories we created together.
Thank you, VANK, for this wonderful experience—I will always carry these memories with me!