I started my internship at the SNU IGSR last Thursday, January 9, and was immediately put to work translating and supporting the SHANUM program. The SHANUM program is a volunteer service course offered through SNU to both domestic and exchange students, and its activities target vulnerable demographics in Seoul. There was definitely no easing in to my internship; as the only native English speaker in the office, I am asked to translate (both print materials and live!!) every day, in addition to providing administrative support. It’s pretty nerve wracking, especially because I only understand about 80% or less of what’s being said. There’s a lot of pressure when translating on the spot, but my comprehension is slowly improving, and I’ve been practicing my Korean a lot more as well.

For my first informational interview, I interviewed Professor Injae Lim from Konkuk University, who teaches courses on applied teaching for students who want to become educators. I learned a lot from her experiences, especially in regards to the cultural differences and gendered expectations of South Korea and the US, and gained insight into the difficulties and rewards of pursuing both a family and professional career.

Professor Lim began as an English literature and linguistics major during her undergraduate years at SNU before moving on to obtain a master’s degree in English education and a doctorate degree in applied linguistics at Columbia University. Although professorship was the ultimate goal, she did not know what subject she would end up teaching. While pursuing her education and subsequent career, Professor Lim encountered a lot of setbacks and obstacles, both from society as well as her family and friends.

After finishing her graduate program in the US, Professor Lim came back to Korea because of her husband. As a Korean national, working in Korean academia had benefits of cultural and linguistic familiarity for Professor Lim, as well as access to social life and institutional affiliation. However, on the flip side, she was exposed to rigid and demanding societal and cultural expectations, and the Korean academic scene was cluttered with paperwork and administrative duties concomitant to Korean professorship that American counterparts, once tenured, often do not have to deal with.

Women of Professor Lim’s generation were often encouraged to stay home after completing their education, especially if their husbands were able to earn enough money to support the family. Thus, many women stopped working after their kids were born, as in the case of Professor Lim’s friends. In addition, the perpetuation of a gendered bias against working women persisted, and still persists, even among women. Many mothers are ambivalent about their daughter or daughter-in-law working; the latter is praised when she achieves something great, but is blamed if members of her family are struggling or falling behind in work, school, etc. Due to the lack of consistent support, there is a lot of second guessing and self doubt, especially because the success of children often reflects the mother’s accomplishments and sacrifices. At one point in her life, Professor Lim decided to work less after seeing her daughter fall behind in school.

It was very insightful to listen to Professor Lim recount her professional journey and the constant juggling and balancing of family and career. At each stage of her life were the same problems and same questions, and her number one advice was to sleep less and work more. The interview made me think a lot about what I want in my future, and if working in Korea is even feasible for my interests and needs. Although I still don’t quite know what field I want to work in post grad, I have begun to think more about the pros and cons of working abroad, as well as the logistics and cultural nuances that often go unnoticed.