Meet Kihwan Kim, the latest star of our Alumni Spotlight series! Growing up in South Korea, Kihwan always dreamed big, picturing himself working in his country’s automotive industry and collaborating with people from around the world.
That global dream eventually took him halfway across the globe to a place few might expect: the University of Arkansas, a leading research university in the southern United States.
There, he spent a year studying mechanical engineering, sharpening his language skills, and building friendships that would last a lifetime. From celebrating his first U.S. holidays to learning how to connect across cultures, Kihwan’s time abroad opened doors and his horizons.
Today, he’s helping drive the future of mobility at SK On, one of Korea’s leading electric-vehicle battery companies, turning his passion for innovation into real impact.
This is the story of how one determined student found success in America’s heartland and how that experience powered his path toward his dream job in sustainable technology.
Tell us a bit about yourself – your home university, where you studied abroad, and what you’re doing now professionally.
Hello! My name is Kihwan Kim. I majored in Mechanical Engineering at Soongsil University, and through the SAF program, I studied for two semesters – Spring and Fall 2018 – at the University of Arkansas in the United States.
After returning to Korea, I began my career at Hyundai Motor Group and now work at SK On, where I am responsible for procuring components for electric vehicle batteries. Altogether, I have been working in this field for about six years.
Why did you choose to study abroad through SAF?
When I started university, my goal was always to become a procurement specialist in the automotive industry. Because so many parts are sourced globally, strong communication skills are essential. However, I often found myself tongue-tied when speaking with foreigners and wanted to overcome that weakness – so I decided to join a two-semester study abroad program to build the global mindset and confidence my future career would require.
How did SAF help you prepare for studying abroad?
If I had tried to prepare for studying abroad on my own, it would have felt overwhelming – almost impossible. But SAF guided me through every step, from handling paperwork and scheduling to providing detailed support procedures. They even shared practical information about daily life abroad, so all I had to do was follow along. Especially during busy semesters, their support saved me an incredible amount of time and allowed me to focus on my studies and preparation.
Were there any challenges that came up while you were abroad? How did you overcome them?
One unexpected challenge was getting injured while I was abroad. Being hurt in a foreign country can be stressful, but thanks to the student insurance arranged through SAF, I was able to receive treatment without any problems. The SAF team also offered kind support through these unexpected situations, big and small, which helped me complete my study abroad experience smoothly and safely.
What cultural differences or surprising moments do you remember from your time abroad, and what did you take away from them?
There are so many memorable moments from my time abroad, but one that stands out most was spending Thanksgiving break at the family home of a close American friend in Washington. We traveled together, enjoyed the holiday season, and I got to experience an authentic American holiday atmosphere for the first time. Interestingly, my friend’s father had served in Korea in the late 1990s, and his grandfather was a Vietnam War veteran. Knowing that made the family welcome me even more warmly – something I’ll never forget.
I was also invited to the U.S. Army Veteran Club at my host university. Even though I was just an ordinary young man who had completed mandatory service as a sergeant in the Korean Army, they were eager to hear about my experiences and perspective, and I even joined some of their activities.
Above all, the friendships I formed have lasted long after I returned home. I still stay in touch with many of them online, and this year, I’ll be traveling back to the U.S. to attend one friend’s wedding.
In what ways did your study abroad experience influence your future career path?
During my time in the U.S., I took mechanical engineering classes, joined team projects, and even participated in an undergraduate research program in my professor’s lab over the summer. Through these experiences, I gained far more than just language skills – I learned how to collaborate naturally with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, a skill that continues to shape the way I work today.
Today, my daily work involves constant communication with global partners. I negotiate with clients like Ford, Volkswagen, Daimler, and Nissan, and frequently visit suppliers’ local plants for on-site discussions. Without my SAF experience, I might have felt overwhelmed in those situations – but the skills I gained helped me approach them with confidence and even led to a CEO Award early in my career.
And personally, how did your study abroad experience change you?
Beyond improving my English, the most valuable outcome of studying abroad was overcoming my fear of communicating with people from different cultural backgrounds. During my time in the U.S., I worked and collaborated with students from diverse cultures and perspectives, which helped me develop the confidence and adaptability I now rely on every day.
Many Korean students are excellent at foreign languages, but working directly with international partners presents a different kind of challenge. Gaining real experience communicating and collaborating with people from abroad provides a huge advantage when facing similar situations in your career.
Looking back, how do you think SAF helped you – and students like you – become more globally minded?
These days, global communication skills are becoming essential not only in manufacturing but in nearly every industry. And the SAF program was a fantastic opportunity to build those skills in a very real way.
What advice would you give to students considering studying abroad today?
If you’re thinking about joining SAF, don’t hesitate – just take the leap. I can say with confidence that you won’t regret it. If possible, I highly recommend staying for at least two semesters; the longer you stay, the richer and more meaningful your experience will be.
Thanks to SAF, I was able to build the career I had always dreamed of and make memories that will last a lifetime. I hope you’ll take this opportunity and make the most of it!
