My American Internship: Wontae K. of South Korea

Our "My American Internship" series features CIEE BridgeUSA participants who submitted entries to our photo essay contest. Wontae K. of South Korea worked as an electrical engineering intern at Astronic in Aliso Viejo, California.

When I first stepped into Astronics, I was filled with excitement and curiosity. As an intern from South Korea, every day in the U.S. has been an adventure – from learning technical skills on the production floor to navigating life in a new culture.

In the Receiving Department, I matched real components like resistors and ICs with the bill of materials (BOM), worked with X-ray machines, and learned the importance of precision and teamwork. Later, in the SMA department, I got hands on with real production lines and saw how every detail matters.

But what made this internship truly unforgettable were the people. My team members welcomed me with kindness, taught me patiently, and even helped me improve my English. Outside of work, I explored beautiful beaches, joined cultural festivals, and made international friends who feel like family.

This experience didn’t just help me grow professionally – it changed how I see the world. I learned to be more confident, adaptable, and open minded. I'm so grateful to the CIEE BridgeUSA Intern program for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Now, I carry not just new skills, but also unforgettable memories that I’ll treasure forever.