CIEE Expands Affordable Access to U.S. Internship and Training Programs for Korean Students
Authored By:
New Seoul Office to Support Korean Students and Institutions
The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), a global nonprofit leader in international education and cultural exchange, has expanded its BridgeUSA (J-1 visa) internship and training programs in Korea, offering current students and recent graduates direct access to affordable and career-defining opportunities in the United States.
This initiative, supported by the opening of its new Seoul office, underscores CIEE’s commitment to making cultural exchange and global work experience more accessible. Through special program fee promotions, CIEE’s direct-to-student model in Korea provides students with a more accessible pathway to gain meaningful work and cultural experiences in the United States.
Local Expertise, Global Impact
The CIEE BridgeUSA Korea office in Seoul is staffed with a dedicated team of cultural exchange professionals who guide students through every stage of the BridgeUSA journey, from application, J-1 Visa sponsorship, and internship placement to on-the-ground support in the U.S. CIEE BridgeUSA Korea Director, Minkyung Sohn, brings a wealth of experience in the Korean market including sales, marketing and educational and cultural exchanges. A former CEO, Minkyung has been acknowledged for her operational leadership and understanding of the importance of creating new opportunities for Korean youth. CIEE’s local presence ensures personalized services and a deeper understanding of Korean students’ unique needs.
A Trusted Partner in Global Exchange
For decades, CIEE has supported Korean students in U.S. exchange programs through partnerships with leading universities and agencies. The launch of a direct-to-student program marks a natural next step in this commitment, ensuring that more students can access life-changing global opportunities. CIEE BridgeUSA Korea offers opportunities for internships and training in the United States building on solid partnership with local institutions and easy accessibility.
Empowering the Next Generation of Global Citizens
"International experience transforms not only students' careers but also their perspectives on the world. By expanding BridgeUSA access in South Korea, we're ensuring more young people can build skills, confidence, and connections that last a lifetime.. The BridgeUSA program isn’t just a cultural exchange program—it’s public diplomacy at its very best. Through immersive experiences, BridgeUSA participants gain firsthand knowledge of American culture, values, and institutions" said Martine Mangion, Senior Vice President for International Exchange Programs.
For more information about CIEE BridgeUSA South Korea and its programs, visit ciee.co.kr or follow @cieekoriea_j1 on Instagram and CIEE J1 Korea on Facebook.
Contacts
• Minkyung Sohn, Director, South Korea, CIEE: msohn@ciee.org, +82 10 9972 1592
• Byungsoo Kim, Sales Manager, South Korea, CIEE: bkim@ciee.org, +82 10 9965 9950
• CIEE BridgeUSA Korea: contact@ciee.co.kr
About CIEE
Founded in 1947, CIEE is the world’s leading nonprofit cultural exchange and study abroad organization. From its origins as the Council on Student Travel, CIEE has grown to support more than 30,000 participants annually through BridgeUSA programs and has hosted over 1.5 million students worldwide. In South Korea, CIEE partners directly with government and higher education institutions to expand access to affordable global experiences, including internships, training, and professional development abroad.