Where are you from, and what are you currently studying, and at which institution?
I'm from South Korea, and currently I'm completing my Diploma of Nursing at TAFE SA.
What motivated you to choose Adelaide over other Australian cities for your studies?
I spent a lot of time deciding which state to study in. While on my Working Holiday, I visited many states, including Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT and Victoria, but not South Australia. Choosing South Australia was therefore a bit of a risk for me, as I had never been here and did not know what to expect.
When I researched South Australia, especially Adelaide, I found that it is known as a safe and welcoming city with a strong reputation for education. I came across StudyAdelaide, which provided lots of helpful information about institutions and student life here.
As someone who enjoys a mix of city and nature, Adelaide felt like the perfect fit. After doing all the research, I felt confident to start my journey here.
How did you select your course and institution?
I chose TAFE SA for several reasons. Firstly, it is a government-supported institution, which made me feel confident about its reliability and quality.
Secondly, they were very supportive whenever I contacted them. They also have a dedicated international student support team, which has helped me a lot throughout my studies.
Lastly, TAFE SA’s Diploma of Nursing is structured differently from university programs. It directly guides students towards the Enrolled Nurse (EN) qualification, which was exactly what I was looking for.
I was really nervous about studying nursing in English. But since starting, I’ve followed the guidance from TAFE SA about study strategies and enjoy attending expos and StudyAdelaide events to make connections and learn more about opportunities. Without this support, I honestly think I might have given up. I’m so grateful to Adelaide, TAFE SA and StudyAdelaide for helping me along the way.
What are some of your favourite things to do in Adelaide?
Whenever I have time outside of studying and working, I love going on short trips around Adelaide, especially to places like the Fleurieu Peninsula. My absolute favourite thing is visiting the beautiful beaches. It’s one of the reasons I chose Adelaide. The beaches here are free, stunning, and offer so many activities such as swimming, surfing, walking, running, and even beach volleyball. Compared to the more crowded beaches in other states. Adelaide’s beaches feel calmer and safer. The sunsets here are honestly the most beautiful I’ve seen in Australia.
Learn more about Joy's story in the video below:
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