Exploring New Horizons: Angie Turcios’ Global Internship Journey in Seoul

Angie Turcios, a dedicated student assistant in the Office of the Dean and Vice President of the Women in Business Club at the UW Bothell School of Business, recently completed a transformative international internship with Gen.G Esports in Seoul, South Korea. As she pursues her Bachelor of Arts in Management Information Systems at UWB, Angie’s experience abroad provided her with invaluable insights and personal growth, setting her up for a promising future in the global business world.

For Angie, the path to securing this internship began with careful research. “While I was looking for the perfect study abroad programs, I stumbled upon one of UWB’s partner programs, CIEE. The application took a lot of revising and waiting, but in the end, it was all worth it.” With support from the UW Bothell School of Business Mentorship EDGE program, Angie connected with her mentor, Datyous Mahmoudian, who played a crucial role in preparing her for this journey. “Without his help, I don’t think I would have been as prepared as I was before I left.”

Reflecting on the coursework that bolstered her confidence, Angie credits her organization and management classes for equipping her with essential skills. “From learning how to manage a team to practicing my financial skills, it was all worth my hard work in class.” Her business education gave her a foundation, preparing her to navigate both the professional and cultural challenges of working abroad.

Adjusting to South Korea’s unique work culture was an eye-opening experience. Angie noticed stark differences in workplace dynamics, describing how Korean colleagues fostered a strong sense of camaraderie. “In the U.S., work culture often focuses solely on work-related conversations. In Korea, you get to know people beyond just work. My intern group even did bonding activities, like spending the weekend together and visiting traditional saunas. These were memorable moments that truly deepened our connections.” This shift in work culture, along with the new technology tools she used, enriched her understanding of global business practices.

Looking back, Angie feels her time at the School of Business has been pivotal in preparing her for global experiences. From encouragement in the Dean’s Office to faculty insights on international work, UW Bothell has supported her every step of the way. Her advice for students considering an international internship was, “Don’t be afraid to try new things. Keep an open mind and see the world from a different perspective. Take advantage of the moment you are in.”

This internship at Gen.G Esports has been a milestone for Angie, shaping her future career aspirations and fueling her passion for global business. She returned with fresh skills in team management, cross-cultural communication, and an expanded vision of what’s possible on the international stage.

Written by Riley Ovall, Communications and Events Specialist