Participating in the Michigan State University Human Resources and Labor Relations (HRLR) master’s study abroad in Seoul, South Korea was an incredibly valuable opportunity to expand my understanding of global human resource practices, employment relations, and organizational strategy.

Throughout the program, our cohort engaged with organizations and institutions across a variety of industries. One highlight was visiting Hyundai Motor Company’s assembly plant, one of the largest automotive manufacturing facilities in the world. Touring the facility and participating in a Q&A with their team provided insight into large-scale manufacturing operations and how workforce management supports efficiency and innovation.

We also met with representatives from the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss labor policy, workforce development, and the broader industrial relations landscape in South Korea. These conversations helped provide context for how national institutions and employers shape employment practices within the country.

Additional visits included multiple Samsung locations, where we learned about employee training operations and the company’s global research infrastructure, and LG Electronics (CNS), where we explored how artificial intelligence is being integrated into HR processes and organizational decision-making. Our cohort also visited Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine to learn about healthcare delivery in Korea and connected with faculty at Ewha Woman's University to gain academic perspectives on Korean employment relations.

Receiving a scholarship made it possible for me to participate in this international learning experience and fully engage with the opportunities the program offered. It allowed me to gain firsthand exposure to global organizations, deepen my understanding of international employment relations, and connect classroom learning with real-world practices. I am incredibly grateful for the support that made this experience possible.

• Name: Symone King
• Status: Graduate
• Major: Human Resources and Labor MHRL
• Hometown: East Lansing, Michigan
• Program: Human Resource Practices and Employment Relations in South Korea