This blog post introduces how overseas training or field experience can be expressed as a unique strength in travel and tourism cover letters.
Background
“The Best Choice I Ever Made”
Until middle school, I was just an average student living an ordinary life in Korea. Studying, club activities, or even hobbies felt like repetitive routines without any special interest. My parents often asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” but I never had a clear answer. My father, who worked as a diplomat, always told me, “See the world broadly and forge your own path through diverse experiences.” His life—choosing to live abroad under difficult circumstances and walking the path of diplomacy—constantly conveyed a message to me: to find the courage to challenge myself.
Yet for a long time, I had neither a clear resolve to go abroad nor any specific dream. Then, entering high school brought change. I majored in Chinese at a foreign language high school, and my perspective gradually shifted. Many friends around me had already studied abroad or were preparing to do so. I, too, began to fear the thought of simply preparing for college entrance exams, graduating, and living an ordinary life. So at some point, I asked myself, ‘Is this life I’m heading towards truly the life I want?’ After much contemplation, I chose a new challenge: studying abroad instead of focusing solely on university entrance exams. Looking back now, I can confidently say that decision was the best choice I ever made in my life.
When people think of studying abroad, they usually imagine Europe or the US, but I chose Northeast Asia. Since I was majoring in Chinese, my goal was to further develop my language skills and gain expertise in related fields. So, I planned a six-year academic journey: first two years in Taiwan, followed by two years in Hong Kong, and finally two years in mainland China. I set the goal of graduating from university and returning home according to that schedule. I worked hard to build a deep understanding not only of the language but also of the culture, markets, and trade within the Northeast Asian region.
During this period, I naturally acquired various languages including English, Chinese, and Taiwanese. For my major, I chose the field of exchange and trade between Northeast Asian countries and studied it diligently. It was a valuable time where I could cultivate both international awareness and practical skills through real-world local experiences and communication, going beyond mere academic knowledge. Building on this experience, I now aspire to contribute in fields related to international exchange. What began as a vague challenge became a major turning point that shaped who I am today; it was this choice that gave me the confidence and conviction I possess now.
The phrase “pioneering a new path” can sometimes feel burdensome. Yet looking back, it was precisely because it was a path I chose myself, not one laid out by others, that it felt more valuable and meaningful. The choice to study abroad held significance beyond mere academics; it became an opportunity to view my life with greater breadth and depth. Moving forward, I intend to continue challenging myself and growing, building upon this experience.
Overseas Training Experience
“A Special Journey of Learning Through Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China”
When I first decided to study abroad during high school, the first place I arrived at was Taiwan. Attending a Taiwanese high school, I studied in an environment where I could directly use and experience Chinese, naturally improving my language skills. This period truly became a significant catalyst for my linguistic growth. However, simply excelling in language didn’t automatically build natural relationships with local students. While I could communicate mixing English, Chinese, and Taiwanese, the gap stemming from cultural differences wasn’t easily bridged. The school system had similarities to Korea’s, but there were significant differences in class schedules, learning pace, and assignment methods.
To adapt to these differences, it was crucial to seek help from others rather than trying to handle everything alone. To get closer to my classmates, I took the initiative to approach them. Following their recommendation, I joined the school band club. Singing as a vocalist in the band club gave me the opportunity to perform a wide range of songs, from Taiwanese tunes to pop hits. This activity naturally helped me build friendships with many classmates. Gradually adapting to local life one step at a time, I eventually left for Hong Kong after high school graduation to begin my university studies.
In Hong Kong, I initially majored in International Trade, then later went on an exchange program to China. Since I had planned to study for two years in each country, I worked hard to learn as much as possible in a short time. My exchange destination in China was Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province. There, I completed required credits while also taking various major courses. I gained a broad perspective by engaging with various fields like economics, international trade, logistics, and service and communication. Through diverse liberal arts courses, I also cultivated the skills necessary for international exchange.
Life in China extended beyond mere academics. I worked part-time as an overseas tour guide locally and served as a Korean language instructor on campus, teaching Korean to local students eager to learn. Given the high interest in Korean culture and language in China, I could share my knowledge and engage in meaningful exchanges. These experiences transcended simple learning; they were precious times where I learned to convey my values and communicate effectively within a different cultural sphere.
Thus, the training experiences I accumulated while successively passing through Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China were more than just ‘overseas experiences’ for me. Beyond merely learning languages and cultures, the process of building relationships with people and adapting to new environments allowed me to understand myself more deeply and gradually clarify the direction I should take moving forward. Now, using this entire journey as a stepping stone, I aim to pursue meaningful work in a broader world.
Life Philosophy
The belief that “You reap what you sow”
I live my life placing deep significance on the word ‘effort’. I believe that anyone who steadily moves toward their goals, by whatever means, can never be denied. I, too, have lived by this belief. For instance, when learning Chinese, I consistently put in the effort, driven solely by the desire to improve. When pursuing certifications, I studied daily through online courses on my own, and that accumulated effort ultimately led to excellent results. As a result, my Chinese proficiency improved noticeably, which greatly helped make my study abroad experience smoother.
The same was true when studying trade or logistics. During my studies abroad, I had to balance foreign language learning with my major studies, so the academic burden was never light. The sheer volume of work felt overwhelming at first. However, I let go of negative thoughts and set my direction with the mindset of tackling one thing at a time within the given time. By approaching everything with this ‘one step at a time’ attitude, I found that no matter how large the workload, I could eventually manage it. Though I didn’t achieve major goals instantly, small accomplishments accumulated, allowing me to gradually move closer to my objectives.
Through this process, I realized an important truth: Great achievements are the result of small efforts accumulating. So, the idea of ‘approaching everything with sincerity, even if just a little at a time’ became my life’s motto. This motto wasn’t limited to just studying. The same applied to relationships. Whether with close friends or new acquaintances, relationships ultimately improved and deepened in proportion to the sincere effort put into them. The same holds true for challenging studies. Concepts that initially felt overwhelming gradually became easier and more familiar through continuous repetition and practice. I personally experienced that while progress may sometimes be slow, if the direction is correct, effort will ultimately lead you there.
Even now, I live each day holding onto the belief that ‘you reap what you sow.’ With the conviction that today’s small, consistent efforts will make tomorrow’s me stronger.
Career Experience
“Worked for 5 years at an aviation logistics specialist company”
After completing my studies abroad, I began searching for a field where I could apply the knowledge of trade and logistics I had learned in China to practical work. During this search, I joined a logistics company specializing in air freight. Working there for about five years allowed me to build substantial practical experience. The company was not large, and the number of employees was relatively small, so it took time to adapt to the unfamiliar environment initially.
As a newcomer to the logistics field, I handled basic tasks like managing client relationships, understanding logistics flows, and inventory management during my early days. Starting as an intern, I was often assigned relatively simple tasks rather than complex ones. My primary duties included practical work like inventory checks and ordering, coordinating shipping dates, and schedule management. I also handled organizing and managing documents related to incoming shipments. While these tasks initially felt simple and repetitive, once I started working, the days flew by so quickly I barely noticed. This was because the tasks themselves were time-consuming, and the volume of logistics to handle was substantial.
As time passed and I gained experience, the company began assigning me increasingly responsible roles. I took on more complex tasks like managing external vendors and internal personnel, which correspondingly increased both the workload intensity and the level of responsibility. Although I received handover training from senior employees, the sheer volume of work often left me feeling stressed. However, I held the belief that ‘nothing is impossible with effort,’ so I never gave up. I meticulously documented each step of the work processes, gradually building my own step-by-step manuals. This persistent effort eventually allowed me to independently manage the entire workflow. My professionalism and diligence were recognized by the company, and I even had the pleasure of receiving a bonus.
After leaving that company, I worked at an airline in a fixed-term position. There, I also handled aviation logistics-related tasks, though the work was more office-based than before. Experiencing both workplaces made me realize that managing diverse logistics flows hands-on at a specialized logistics company suited my disposition better than office work at an airline.
Based on these experiences, I developed a strong desire to return to working in the logistics field. It was during this process that I came across your company’s career position opening, leading me to apply. Your company is recruiting for a Logistics Manager position within the airline sector. With my substantial practical experience in this field and my airline work background, I am confident I can adapt to the role faster than anyone else. Drawing on my hands-on experience, I aspire to perform more specialized and systematic logistics management tasks at your company and grow together with you.
