Expanded horizons, the ability to move out of comfort zones and eye-opening cultural awareness are some of the many benefits gained by Australia media and communications interns who travel to Korea, backed by funding from the Australia–Korea Foundation. And that includes interns Elliot Brennan and Joanna Chen who have blogged extensively about their experiences and since applied their new-found knowledge into their final studies and media work.

Adrian Hernandez, Internship Coordinator, Undergraduate Program, Department of Media and Communications, University of Sydney, says the value for the students is exposure to Korean culture and Korean media outlets and systems. The university has long-standing agreements in place with TBS eFM, an English language radio station, and the Korea Herald newspaper.

'Korea media is so different to Australia media,' says Adrian. 'At the end of their exchange, the students are positioned to apply the theory they learn here about reporting overseas. It's especially valuable for those wanting to pursue a career as a foreign correspondent.'

Alexandra Wake, Journalism Lecturer, School of Media and Communications, at Melbourne's RMIT, agrees: 'The students get to work in some of Korea's best news outlets and they bring new skills back to Australia to further their studies and get work in the industry. Several interns have leveraged their experience and secured really great jobs. The media see their expanded horizons as valuable as they do the students' desire to move out of their comfort zones.'

The University of Sydney and RMIT in Melbourne both send four students a year to Korea–two in summer and two in winter.

Elliot and Joanna, both studying for their B.A. (Media and Communications), were selected for their month-long overseas internship in Seoul by the University of Sydney as part of a rigorous competitive process. Both were inspired to learn about Korea and have since inspired others in Australia to do the same.

Their four weeks in Seoul were filled with everything from initiating locals to Vegemite to exploring the offerings of the electronic mecca of Myeong-dong, the foreigner friendly Itaewon, and the high life in Gangnam.

In his blog, Elliot wrote about the sheer energy of Seoul, indulging in the great Korean past time of walking during lunch breaks, travelling to the top of Namsam Mountain, and exploring vibrant local markets. 'I discovered that Seoul is a modern Asian city right there next to Tokyo, Beijing and Hong Kong,' he wrote.

Elliot says he learned that while around 27,000 Korean students study full-time in Australia, less than 100 Australians do so in Korea.

'Korea has an outstanding education system and the problem is simply a lack of knowledge,' wrote Elliot. 'When Australians think of Korea, they think of Psy [South Korean singer-songwriter], the war, and the North … I can testify that South Korea extends far beyond those tokenistic representations. If more Australians knew of the opportunities over there I suspect the exchange figures would be much healthier.'

During her internship, Joanna discovered there is no shortage of mountains to climb in Korea and she loved the outdoors and her leisure time. On a more serious note, she learned a tremendous amount working at TBS eFM, which broadcasts an extensive range of programs, including news, current affairs and those focusing on music and culture. Joanna produced several radio programs and participated in a special evening celebrating the Korea–Australia Free Trade Agreement.

Four more students–two from the University of Sydney and two from RMIT–will head to Seoul in mid-2015, so stay tuned for news of their adventures and insights.

The Australia–Korea Foundation (AKF), established in 1992, promotes bilateral relations between Australia and Korea, including through annual grants.