Hi, my name is Saeon and I am currently doing my work placement at the Communications & Library Department at Goethe-Institut London. I previously studied History of Art for my undergraduate degree and am now pursuing a Master’s in Arts Administration and Cultural Policy.
Q. What did your daily tasks look like?
My days are quite varied! I support the team across different areas each week and conduct independent research on a wide range of topics. As I am also part of the Library team, I mainly focus on researching German literary scene and its authors, which I thoroughly enjoy. If there is an in-house event, I also help with logistics like check-in or filming.
One of my main responsibilities is contributing to the "Library Spotlight," which started in January 2025. Each month, the librarian and me selected one or more book and introduced them through the Culture newsletter and the Goethe-Institut London’s Instagram account to engage a broader audience with our curated collection. The selected books often tie into current events and cultural themes, such as book launch or exhibitions.
I find it both fascinating and funny that I, a Korean, am introducing German literature to English-speaking readers! But they really are worth a read, no matter where you come from.
Q. What’s something new you’ve learned about German culture?
Before starting my placement, I didn’t know much about German culture. But through reading and researching German literature, I have discovered so many hidden gems. One of the most interesting aspects has been the growing visibility of immigrant literature in Germany. A personal highlight was the book launch of Djinns by Fatma Aydemir, which we hosted at the Goethe-Institut London in February. I even got my copy signed by the author!
This experience gave me a new perspective on how culture can reflect social change and give voice to diverse communities within a country. I found it especially meaningful to see how German literature is not limited to a single identity but embraces complexity and multicultural narratives. It also made me think about how cultural institutions like the Goethe-Institut play an important role in amplifying these voices and making them accessible to international audiences, including me.
Q. What is the biggest challenge while working at the Goethe-Institut and how did you address it?
The German language! I knew it would be a challenge and have been trying to familiarise myself with it since the beginning of my placement. It can be frustrating sometimes when I can’t grasp the meaning of certain words or sentences – especially since German is such a nuanced language.
Writing editorial pieces for the Library Spotlight has also been tough at times, as understanding the full context of book can be tricky. However, I’ve come to appreciate the process. I learn something new every day, even from the German settings on my laptop! One particularly helpful resource has been the Easy Readers collection in the library, which is designed to support German learners at various proficiency levels. Having access to these materials has definitely helped me feel more supported in my language learning journey.
Q. How has this placement influenced your career goals or academic interests?
The placement definitely has deepened my interest in cultural diplomacy and the role of public institutions in shaping international cultural exchange. As someone studying Arts Administration and Cultural Policy, I’ve been able to see how theory translates into practice.
Working closely with the Communications and Library teams also sparked a new interest in cultural communication, especially how language and literature can be tools for fostering cross-cultural understanding. It’s made me consider pursuing a career in international cultural policy, perhaps at an organisation that works at the intersection of culture, education and diplomacy.
Thank you and auf Wiedersehen!
