In my own (albeit) limited experience - you are correct in thinking that despite the low (or no) pay, the experience will be worth your while. It will also undoubtably open up many many possibilties in the future as people will be confident in your independence and ability to communicate with people from other parts of the world. It is not always about the actual design work but general experiences that make you a better person that are important.

However you are also correct to be concerned regarding visas and things of that nature. In a way they are right, in theory you can of course enter the country on a tourist visa and obtain the correct visa on one of your trips to the States. You may work in Korea, but (and this 'but' is huge) only if no-one finds out about it. This means you may want to be paid cash so that you have no bank accounts and things that can be detected by immigration officials.

Like you, I was told I could work (in Malaysia) on a tourist visa (because I was a student and blah blah blah...) but when I had problems with immigration my company told me to deny ever working for them, So obviously it would seem that I did need a work permit after all. (and in hindsight this is not a surprise) I worked in Malaysia, kind of illegally, for about a year - going to Singapore every 2 months to renew my tourist visa on re-entry to Malaysia. It was dodgy and by the end became increasingly difficult.

The other thing to consider is the length of your stay in the States, is it long enough to apply and get a visa before you are required to return to Korea?

In Korea I would imagine that english speaking people are becoming very popular. They are in Japan, where I now work. This may be part of the reason for their interest in you.

The thing to remember is that this eperience will NOT damage your chances of getting a job afterwards, it can only be a good thing career-wise. In my expeience anyway. Visa wise, it is a good idea to do your homework and you will be able to enjoy your time much more if you have the correct paperwork. Go to the Korean embassy in the States and see how difficult it is to get a Korean visa to work and what you need to have. Contract, foreign person registration card from Korea (something you need in Japan).

I have rambled and I am not sure if my points are well made, probably not - if you need more or more clear advice, let me know.

In the North?

*shudders...

Thanks joek, you've really helped me out. I may contact you more later. When you discussed not having any bank accounts, I'm assuming you mean bank accounts in Korea. I really don't want to start my professional career on the wrong side of the law.

I wonder what NCARB says about this. I wonder if I'll get any credit?

Obviously we are talking South Korea. Its interesting to note however, that my Korean friend thinks that it is ridiculous that I would be the least bit concerned about anything going on up in the North. Its amazing how different the news is spun in different parts of the world.

here in japan news about the north is always watched closely and people are nervous things but no, I don't think you would have to worry about the things going on there unless you actually found yourself that side of the border.

And yes, I did mean Korean bank accounts.

Brian, you can email if you like in the future, I don't think I can be a lot of help as I am unfamilar eith situations in Korea but of course I am happy to help if I can. Here is my email j.keating@ics.ac.jp

Of course, although it will depend on the fact what kinds of company you work for, experience in korea could be great, I think. Korea is one of asian countries in which architectural business is active. Moreover, they have very interesting tradition and culture. Although that country isn't well known in USA, its culture is as great as japan's. As far as visa, I think you need to go to Korean embassy and get a advice. Maybe it will most help you.

i looked into NCARB credit for work abroad and i think you get credit for 50% of your time. but this was pre-IDP so maybe it's different now.

the work will be helpful particularly if you are contemplating on working in Korea sometime in the future. Besides, going to Korea and experiencing a different culture is defintely worth your time. I'm assuming you speak korean?

Becoming part of the design team AND the representative will probably help you gain reputation in your firm and open opportunities for you both in the States and in Korea.

good luck

Well, I've shipped my portfolio to the company. They should be receiving it any day now. I'm trying not to think about it, because there is really nothing else I can do now but wait and see if they request and interview.

I'm a little concerned that my "avant garde" style of design(as my korean friend would say) is going to scare them off. But there's nothing I can do about that. It is what it is. My portfolio, resume, letter, etc. are about as professional as I can make them.

No, I don't speak Korean. However, should I get the job I'm excited about learning hangul. Its a wonderfully interesting language. Considering most professionals I would be dealing with speak English, I don't think it would be impossible for me to get by without speaking Korean. However, I'll be doing everything I can to learn the language. Maybe I can trade some cute girl some English lessons for some Korean lessons.