The University of Utah Asia Campus Career & Internship Development Center sent over 40 students to work at the Incheon Port Authority hosted by Kim’s M&T. This event introduced students to a unique opportunity supporting luxury cruise passengers from Celebrity Cruise Line (Royal Caribbean) at Incheon Port.

With an information session & orientation training held on campus, these sessions offered an in-depth overview of the Cruise Buddy program, designed to connect local university students with the growing number of international cruise tourists visiting Incheon. Students will assist passengers with directions, language support, and basic hospitality services—contributing to a welcoming first impression of Korea.

During these sessions, participants learned about the program’s core responsibilities, qualifications, and working schedules, including opportunities to meet travelers from all over the world. The initiative not only allows students to serve as cultural ambassadors but also enables them to develop valuable soft skills such as cross-cultural communication, teamwork, and customer service.

Many attendees expressed enthusiasm about joining the program, viewing it as a chance to expand their horizons while giving back to the community. For students pursuing careers in hospitality, tourism, business, or international relations, this opportunity was especially appealing. Others appreciated the chance to practice their English and other language skills in a real-world setting.

The Cruise Buddy program reflects CIDC’s continued efforts to provide meaningful experiences that help students build both their resumes and global perspectives. As Incheon’s cruise tourism continues to grow, this initiative also represents a broader movement to engage young professionals in Korea’s global-facing industries.

Thank you to Kim’s M&T for their partnership, and to all the students who took part of this program.