From Korea to outback kangaroos! 

Why did you choose Australia?

I wanted to practise my English and I wanted a break from work. In Australia I could get a visa easily, so I came here. With the working holiday visa I could also earn money for the trip. 

Where have you been? 

I studied English in Adelaide first, and then went to the Flinders Ranges to earn money. I’ve been to the Flinders Ranges, Port Augusta, Ceduna, Esperance, Albany, Margaret River. 

How did you organise your trip? 

I came here without plans. In Adelaide I found an education agent who helped me to get organised. I was afraid of ‘new’ jobs because my English was not good but I said: ‘Sunny, don’t be afraid, just try.’ 

 What were you doing in the Flinders Ranges? 

 I worked at a place called Arkaroola (Wilderness Sanctuary). I did everything. I started with house keeping, kitchen and other things. Two months later I could speak English better and my boss asked me to be the assistant of my chef. Finally I was a waiter. 

 How was it there? 

 When I arrived I was shocked, there are only mountains, stones. So different! I couldn’t understand anything – just nod and say “yes”. Then I met a really nice Australian girl called Kathy: she was always concerned about me, helped me with accommodation, food etc. I started to talk with her in English and she helped me, corrected my English. 

What did you most like about working in Australia? 

I had very nice colleagues. Everybody was crying when I left, even me. The Flinders Ranges are so different – no cars, not many people. I’ve lived in city for 24 years. I was lonely at first, but then I started to enjoy the landscape, sky, birds and looking at the stars. 

What was the best part of your trip?

I travelled with a Canadian friend. We borrowed a car and travelled 3500km together, talked to each other a lot. I could learn about Canadian culture and she about Korean culture. We travelled for two weeks and had a fantastic time.