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Alissa and Sonia set for South Korean adventure

Alissa Woods grew up hearing of her mother’s adventures in South Korea.

Now the Bond University student will make her own memories in the country while studying on a $70,000 New Colombo Plan scholarship provided by the Australian Government.

“I've always been interested in South Korea as my mum lived there for a number of years while completing her PhD,” Ms Woods said.

“I'm interested in its legal system, culture and relationship with Australia, and am really looking forward to getting first-hand experience in an East Asian country as part of the NCP program.”

Ms Woods, a graduate of Fairholme College in Toowoomba, is studying Law and International Relations at Bond University and will complete an internship in commercial law in Seoul before studying at Yonsei University.

She hopes to gain insight into Australia's relationship with the Indo-Pacific and carry the knowledge into her future career.

“I'm also excited for the connections and friendships I'll make and am really looking forward to the experience.”

Fellow Bond student Sonia Clements also secured one of the coveted scholarships and like Ms Woods will study at Yonsei University, taking subjects in Korean language and pop-culture

Her internships will take in place South Korea in the field of entertainment and arts law, and in Singapore where she will gain experience in climate change law at the National Climate Change Secretariat.

Ms Clements, a graduate of St Leonards College in Brighton, Victoria, is studying Commerce and Law at Bond.

“I thought that immersing myself in a country (Korea) with such an interesting arts scene would give me a great insight,” she said.

“I also have a passion for climate change action and recognise the important role that the law holds in driving this.

“Singapore is a leading country in climate change policy which is seen in their commitment to ambitious targets as well as tangible outcomes like green-friendly infrastructure.

Ms Clements and Ms Woods are attending Bond University on Vice Chancellor Elite Scholarships and both are on the Dean’s List and Vice-Chancellor’s List for Academic Excellence.

About 120 Australian undergraduate students receive New Colombo Plan scholarships every year.

The program aims to deepen Australia's relationships in the Indo-Pacific region.

Students apply to study and undertake internships in 40 locations from South Asia in the west to Mongolia in the north, and the Cook Islands in the east.

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