Tamara Rocco, RMIT

My name is Tamara Rocco from RMIT University Melbourne, Australia, and I recently received a scholarship to visit South Korea for one month. As part of the Australia-Korea Foundation's initiative, I took part in an internship at English-speaking radio station TBS eFM in Seoul. My experience was nothing more than enriching and an amazing opportunity.

South Korea provided me many firsts: first time travelling to Asia as a continent, first time tasting Korean food (with an emphasis on a lot of Kimchi and Dumplings), and first time visiting traditional art and fish markets. Going over in January was a wintery experience, however also allowed me to see snow for the first time, something that made the cold much more bearable.

The landscape of Seoul was beautiful, with high-rise buildings accompanied by mountains along the outskirts. On ground level, Seoul is a vibrant city that never stops. Its culture stands out in every aspect, with various palaces and museums displaying its ancient history and markets which stay open at all hours of the night.

Staying a month alone in South Korea, a country I was unfamiliar with, was made simple with an easy and reliable train system, signs written in both Korean and English, and friendly citizens who were always willing to help. For a country where English isn't the first language, the cultural barrier was minimal, making it a place worthwhile experiencing.