UTS Think Global

Much more than just watching films in Milan

March 13, 2024

Ciao! My name is Tilly and I visited Milan this winter for a 2-week intensive university course on Italian Cinema at the Universita’ Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore. Although this wasn’t my first time visiting Italy, it was definitely filled with the most memorable experiences and friends and left me with more curiosity towards the world and a renewed passion for cinema, especially international cinema!

Watching films for uni sounds like a pretty sweet deal and it was but also so much more than that! Our small class became close over the duration and we would go out for meals, and drinks and explore new parts of the city together. One of my favourite nights spent together was after enjoying some delicious aperitifs together, we discovered a buffet-style bar with cocktails and drinks and such wholesome, delicious food that felt so home-cooked. Learning about other international student’s lives in their home countries was fascinating, and sharing the experience of discovering a new country and city together made it feel much less overwhelming.

Enjoying the buffet-style bar with fellow international students.

Our tutor Maria was so welcoming and taught us so much about Italian language and culture through the Italian films as well as the Italian film industry and film techniques. Having extensive industry experience and growing up in Milan herself, Maria was the perfect tutor and went well above my expectations. Another highlight of our studies was a field trip to the MIC (Museum of Interactive Cinema) where we saw some of the first ever film cameras, tried out some sound mixing and green screens, watched a mini VR film, and ended the day with a boutique screening of 8½ (1963) by iconic Italian director, Frederico Fellini.

Our tutor, Maria, with classmates and myself.

Milan wasn’t the only Italian city I explored during my travels and Bellagio, on the famous Lake Como, was another highlight! It brought in both locals looking for a weekend on the water to escape the heat from the city and also international travellers wanting to taste a bit of the “high-life” of celebrities such as George Clooney (who owns a stunning house on the lake). However, what surprised me most was the smaller towns I visited along the lake and the friendly, helpful locals who would recommend to me the best pizza in town, or the best swimming spots (Navigili is a must) and all the beautiful things to do that might not have made it on the tourist map.

Exploring Bellagio and enjoying the view of the mountains around Lake Como.

Cliché but true: travelling to another country and experiencing another language really does give you new perspectives on your life back home, new interests and inspires the curiosity of an adventurer. I would recommend any student to experience studying internationally – these opportunities are a privilege and should be embraced as much as possible while undertaking your degree!

Matilda Single
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
‘Italian Masterpieces, portrayal of a culture through its cinema’ at Universita Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Italy
Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship recipient
Empowering Global Citizenship Through Civic Leadership and Design Thinking Workshop

March 13, 2024
Recently, I had the privilege of attending an insightful workshop hosted by the renowned Director/Producer in the media industry, Amie Morris. Titled “Civic Leadership and Design Thinking,” the event was centred around fostering effective communication, teaching students about leadership, and promoting honesty, all while incorporating design thinking principles.

Amie Morris, known for her commitment to communication and teaching students about leadership, emphasized the importance of civic leadership throughout the workshop. She encouraged us to consider how we could make a difference in the world, focusing on the well-being of people and the planet.

Image of Silja (left) with Amie Morris (right)

The workshop also introduced us to the concept of a design sprint, a framework for problem-solving and idea testing. With strong emphasis on empathy, collaboration, optimism, and experimentation, we were divided into teams to tackle real-world problems aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

In a short span of time, my team collaborated and selected “Food Waste” as our problem to address. We were shocked to learn that in Australia, around 7.6 million tons of food waste are produced annually, with 70% of it being edible. Inspired by the statistics and the desire to combat food insecurity, we proposed creating an app or website to redistribute surplus food to those in need and creating awareness to reduce the wastage of food.

Participating in this workshop was an eye-opening experience for me. It reinforced the importance of teamwork, empathy, and innovation in solving global challenges. It also provided me with practical skills in design thinking and leadership, preparing me to be a more effective global citizen and leader. We proposed creating an app or website to facilitate this process and raise awareness about food wastage, moreover being a partner with Oz harvest.

We learnt the following aspects:
1. Collaborative team effort to solve a single global problem (Food waste)
2. Analyse the beneficiaries
3. Created Personna
4. Designed a sketched prototype of the app/ website with advanced AI facilities
5. Feedback with regards of our app/ website success ratio and how to enhance it.
Reflecting on the experience, I realize that even small actions can lead to significant change. By collaborating with diverse team members and leveraging technology, we can address complex issues and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Moving forward, I am inspired to seek out similar opportunities for personal and professional growth. I hope to continue my journey as a global citizen by actively engaging in initiatives that promote social and environmental sustainability.

In conclusion, the Civic Leadership and Design Thinking Workshop was a transformative experience that equipped me with valuable skills and insights. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from Amie Morris, BUILD team and my fellow participants, and I look forward to applying what I’ve learned to future endeavours.

Silja Johny
Master of Business Analytics (Extension)
Take the Leap, you won’t regret it!

March 11, 2024

If there is one thing you take away from this blog post, let it be this: Take the leap, step outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself because it just might be the best thing that has ever happened to you.

Hi! My name is Iman Codmani and I am currently in my fifth year of a Bachelor of Forensic Science and Bachelor of Law degree. I was incredibly fortunate enough to have been provided with the opportunity to participate in the University of Zürich (UZH) Summer School Course titled ‘International Sports Law: Legal Challenges in the Fight Against Doping in Sport’ between the 3^rd of July to the 22^nd of July 2023.

On the 26^th of June 2023, I boarded my plane at Sydney Airport not knowing that I was about to have the most amazing experience of my life, form many lifelong friendships, and develop numerous interpersonal and academic skills.

The UZH hosted a welcome BBQ on the 2^nd of July 2023 for all the summer school participants. This event provided me with the opportunity to meet many people who had flown to Zürich from different parts of the world. A highlight of the night was the post-BBQ walk I embarked on with some friends which resulted in a spontaneous decision to jump into the beautiful Lake Zürich fully clothed!

Classes formally began the next day on the 3^rd of July 2023 and I was immediately intrigued by the content of the subject. We primarily focused on the rules that regulate doping in sports. The subject was very well structured and was not too academically intense which left us with plenty of time to socialise; the mix of guest lectures, assessment tasks to prepare for and academic trips to the FIFA Museum, Olympic Museum and the Court of Arbitration for Sport facilitated my learning by keeping me engaged, constantly thinking and frequently communicating and collaborating with my peers.

Studying abroad will also provide you with multiple opportunities to explore new places which will enrich your travel experience and broaden your horizons. UZH hosted a couple of social day trips such as the Uetliberg hike and trip to Bern which were both incredibly joyous experiences. In addition to the UZH-organised social trips, my friends and I embarked on a day trip to Grindelwald on the 15^th of July 2023. From paragliding to Trotti-Biking, this day was full of sunshine, bliss and laughter.

Studying at the University of Zurich was such a privilege and I am so grateful that I was fortunate enough to be provided with this opportunity. When you challenge yourself by trying new things and venturing beyond what is known to you, you are able to expand your skills and expose yourself to diverse experiences and perspectives which will inevitably lead you to a deeper understanding of yourself, your capabilities and the world around you. Studying in Zürich offered me with a unique blend of academic, personal and cultural benefits that shaped my identity and perspective and led to significant personal growth and resilience.

To conclude, I truly had such a fantastic time, I met so many amazing, like-minded people who I have formed lifelong connections with. The moments and laughs we all shared will remain with me for a lifetime. If I could put the summer school on repeat and re-live every moment, I would! Take it from me, take the leap, you won’t regret it!

Iman Codmani
Faculty of Law
International Sports Law at the University of Zürich, Switzerland
Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship Recipient
Seeking Singapore’s Wisdom: Lessons Carved by the Lion City

March 8, 2024

Perspective is gained through the act of experiencing, not the concept of experience.

Lesson #1: Common Ground Exists Across All Cultures

The program introduced me to a cultural kaleidoscope. From London, Calgary, Hong Kong, Philadelphia, Scandinavia, and many more, I have engaged in discussions that exposed me to a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and worldviews.

Tom Schulman puts it best, “medicine, law, business, engineering…are noble pursuits …necessary to sustain life…but poetry, beauty, romance, love: these are what we stay alive for.” Whether it is sports, fashion, or music; the program connected people through their love of things. From the love of food to the love of nature, the love of sightseeing to the love of learning, it is vital to recognise that differences do not divide us but instead are the things that unite us.

In my experience of building an international transdisciplinary network, individuals are not one-dimensional, they are mosaics of beliefs, experiences, and emotions. People are more like others than they initially think because passion transcends cultural barriers and brings people together.

Lesson #2: Plant the Seed of Respect for Nature & the World will Blossom

I wish to live in a world that not only exists but flourishes alongside the natural environment. Singapore’s green infrastructure seamlessly integrates nature into design. Incorporating features such as vertical gardens, rooftop vegetation, and energy-efficient systems, not only offers aesthetics but also provides a natural coolant that reduces the urban heat island effect.

Studying 3D printing provided a solid foundation for the potential of additive manufacturing and sustainability on a global scale. As part of the course, we were given an opportunity to explore how additive manufacturing relates to our passion. I had a chance to listen and learn from my peers’ research on 3D printing nanomaterials, producing dentures, and the additive manufacturing production of EV car chassis, movie props, and even chocolate!

Taking inspiration from Singapore’s pioneering landscape, I decided to further research the transformative potential of 3D printing in Infrastructure and Engineering Services. Presenting my findings on the benefits and costs of this technology as well as its power to redefine the norms of traditional practices to my peers was a rewarding experience

Lesson #3: Independence is Not a Task but a Continuous Commitment

Living away from home illuminated the importance of adaptability. From managing finances to doing laundry, and navigating the MRT, I learned that independence is a continuous journey. Knowing when to ask for help, recognising that growth comes from taking risks, and embracing challenges alongside my peers empowered me to make a commitment to never stop learning, growing, and adapting.

Overall, being able to experience the 4-week GEM Trailblazer Summer Program at Nanyang Technological University Singapore equipped me with tools to foster new perspectives, discoveries, and growth. Motivated by curiosity and a passion for STEM, I chose to embark on this journey to broaden my outlook and expand my knowledge as a global citizen.

Sophie Vo
Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship
Where Cybersecurity Meets Adventure

March 6, 2024

My Global Short Program (GSP) adventure took place in the heart of Nottingham, where ancient tales of Robin Hood and rebellious history meets modern academia, constructing a collage of learning, exploration, and lifelong friendships that will never be forgotten.

Learning Beyond

My journey began with a single goal in mind: to delve deep into the mysterious world of cybercrime and cybersecurity. I had no idea that this academic journey would be nothing short of extraordinary. Our amazing tutor threw us into the riveting world of cybersecurity, covering everything from emerging threats to the ethical maze of digital defense.

Yet, what set this experience apart was the dynamism of our learning. It wasn’t just about learning facts; it was about engagement, interaction, and crazy debates. We were challenged, questioned, and inspired, that our minds were stretched to accept different points of view.

Nottingham’s Historical Mystery

While our minds expanded within the classrooms, our hearts wandered the charming streets of Nottingham, where history whispered from every corner. My personal goal was to learn about the city’s rich history, and Nottingham did not disappoint.

At Nottingham Castle, I admired the city’s panoramic beauty above the clouds. The Lace Market district, with its cobbled streets and Victorian elegance, transported me to a bygone era. It was history intertwined with modernity, and I was captivated by it.

Global Crew, Lifelong Bonds

What truly enriched my journey, however, were the people who walked alongside me. We formed an eclectic family of friends from Canada to Germany, Mexico to India, and Uganda to various parts of the world. Our friendship was formed through laughter, nurtured through playful exchanges about accents and colloquialisms, and strengthened through our city adventures.

We were more than just friends, whether it was a night of bowling, pub hopping, or a daring road trip to York; we were a global family. We promised to make our homes sanctuaries in foreign lands and to be tour guides in each other’s worlds.

My Reflection

Reflecting on my Global Short Program in Nottingham makes me grateful for the knowledge gained, the friendships formed, and the memories etched deep in my soul. It was an adventure that went beyond the classroom, cultivating cross-cultural competence and preparing me for a world without borders.

Nottingham, with its timeless allure, now resides within me—a place where academia met adventure, friendships crossed borders, and learning was an enthralling journey. My GSP experience taught me that the world is a big classroom, and the bonds formed in strange places can be the strongest.

I leave Nottingham with a heart full of memories and a mind eager for the next chapter of this exciting educational adventure. The world awaits, and I am eager to go on new experiences.

O’Neil Rangiuira
Faculty of Transdisciplinary Innovation
Cybercrime and Cyber-Security at Nottingham Trent University
Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship recipient
Study, travel and make new friends in Nottingham

March 4, 2024

From the 17th to the 28th of July, 2023, I participated in Nottingham Trent University’s Global Summer School. The two-week program brought together university students from around the world studying various courses such as Photography, Writing in the style of Jane Austin, Finance and Criminology. I chose to study a course called ‘The Entrepreneurial Citizen: Problem-solving and Solution Creation for Business Life’ as I was eager to discover the steps I needed to take to become an entrepreneur within my community and workplace. At UTS, I am studying a Bachelor of Business, majoring in International Business, and a Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation, and thought that this subject would be the perfect way to both consolidate and challenge my existing insights.

The program was structured so that each day, we would be in the classroom with our peers who were studying the same subject, and then in the afternoon, there would be a social activity for us to mingle with students in other classes. These activities included, but were not limited to, a Robin Hood tour of the town, dinner in a historical church, and sessions sharing our home cultures. In addition to the afternoon cultural and social activities, the program also took all students to the town of York where we were able to explore the historically significant attractions.

I really valued the opportunity to broaden my perspective, enhance my self-awareness and push the boundaries of my comfort zone. By partaking in a global short program, I was able to learn about what it took to become an entrepreneurial citizen and the experiences of University students in other corners of the globe, all whilst technically being on holiday and reducing the workload I would have to take on the semester following.

I recommend doing a global short program to anyone who wants to travel the world and make new friends from other countries without extending the time it would take them to complete their degree. It is a great opportunity to experience a short snippet of living and studying in a foreign country with the support of your home and host university, as well as the other students in the same position as you.

Eliza Ross
Faculty of Transdisciplinary Innovation
Enterprising Skills for Life at Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom
Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship recipient
HAA World Peace Summit: Convergence of Ideas, Experiences, and Aspiration

March 1, 2024

The HAA World Peace Summit in Bangkok was more than just a gathering of individuals; it was a convergence of ideas, experiences, and aspirations from across the globe. As I immersed myself in this diverse and dynamic environment, I was privileged to meet inspirational students, activists, and presenters who shared their perspectives on humanitarian affairs and peace-building.

Throughout the summit, the speakers illuminated the multifaceted nature of peace-building, offering profound insights that resonated deeply with attendees. Ambassador Walid Abu Ali’s discourse on countering radicalism through proactive peace-building struck a chord, emphasizing the cyclical nature of conflict and the urgency of breaking this chain of violence.

Nivine Sandouka, a Palestinian peace activist, captured our attention with her impassioned plea to bridge divides and seek solutions for peace in Gaza. Her message of unity and understanding left a lasting impression, instilling hope for a brighter future in the region.

The testimonies of survivors like Loung Ung and Antoinette Mutabazi were powerful reminders of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of acknowledging past injustices to foster reconciliation. Their stories stirred deep emotions, igniting a renewed commitment to promoting healing and understanding.

Hassan Akkad, a Syrian filmmaker and refugee rights activist, brought a unique perspective to the summit, emphasizing the power of humour and individual talents in effecting positive change. His message resonated with attendees, reminding us that even in the darkest times, there is room for resilience and creativity.

Jennifer Nadels call to action resonated deeply with all present, highlighting the significance of fostering connections and extending compassion to others. Her words underscored the fundamental truth that true peace begins with empathy and a willingness to reach out to those in need.

In the workshop sessions, we delved into the psychological aspects of peace-building, exploring strategies for overcoming fear and trauma and cultivating resilience and self-compassion. From gratitude practices to meditation techniques, each tool offered a pathway to inner peace and proactive engagement.

Reflecting on my experience at the HAA World Peace Summit, one key takeaway stands out: peace is not some abstract concept but a conscious choice and ongoing commitment that requires active participation from each of us.

Phoebe Wark
Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
Faculty-Led program – BUILD – Peace Summit of Emerging Leaders (Thailand)
BUILD Global Ambassador Grant recipeint
Feeding Elephant during My Study-Tour in Chiang Mai

February 23, 2024

Whenever I heard the word ‘Thailand’, Bangkok and Phuket would always pop up in my mind. I wasn’t too familiar with Chiang Mai so when I heard about the study tour, I was very eager to participate. This was the first time I had been overseas alone so there were some mixed emotions to begin with, but I was very excited.

This study tour was a faculty-led tour in collaboration with Chiang Mai University. Our first day was dedicated to exploring the city and immersing ourselves with the local Thai culture. This included our first language class followed by visiting several temples before being graciously introduced to various cultural Thai performances during our Welcome dinner. During this we were also introduced to our Thai buddies who would be us throughout the entire 2 weeks which really helped us bridge the gap between cultural competence. I was amazed to see the lifestyle of the Thai residents being like my native country of India.

The core purpose of the trip was to explore Thailand’s health system and culture, allowing us to implement our theoretical knowledge gained across the 2 years of study in a practical and changing environment. During our trip we also visited several hospitals both in the city and rural areas and attended various lectures at the university. This was an eye-opening experience as it allowed me to understand the health crisis in rural areas as well as the lifestyle of the villagers. This was a unique experience as it highlighted the connection between a strong community collaboration and positive health.

Apart from the academic and cultural aspects, throughout the journey we explored several key attractions of Chiang Mai and surrounding areas. On our free day, some of us hired a red tuktuk van which was a famous mode of transport in Thailand and began the journey of climbing the Sticky Waterfall. This being a new experience for me made it very enjoyable and something I would look at doing in the future. Furthermore, we ventured our way to the famous Sunday night markets which were crowded as expected, providing an interesting shopping experience. This was the time where most of my shopping was done, I bought several souvenirs and other items before having a group dinner with the Thai buddies and our UTS staff member.

At the conclusion of the trip, we were offered an exciting opportunity of feeding and bathing elephants which was a new experience for me. This was a key highlight of the trip and an excellent end to an amazing tour with a great group of people. With elephants being culturally valued, this was an engaging opportunity to immerse ourselves further respectfully into the culture.

Overall, this study tour is one to be cherished and an unforgettable experience that I will recommend to others. To this day I still reflect on the great experiences I had during the trip and keep in contact with a few Thai friends, highlighting the strong connections we made.

Sumedh Zunje (24639561)
Faculty of Health
Faculty-led Health Study Tour at Chiang Mai University in Chiang Mai, Thailand
New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant recipient
School Life in San Diego

February 22, 2024

I am currently taking a Bachelor of Medical Science and Bachelor of Business. Time flies, in the blink of an eye, I have been staying in San Diego for almost half a year. San Diego is a wonderful city located in southern California which is immediately adjacent to the Mexico-United States border. San Diego is known for its pleasant climate, beautiful beaches and coastal area. There are many high-quality experiences with numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and exploring the nearby coastal areas. One of the famous coastal is named as La Jolla (/lə HOY-ə) which is the spot of large colonies of sea lions and seal with amazing sunset views along the cliffs. My favorite activity is to go paragliding enjoying the ocean view with many unique designs of villas along the cliff.

As San Diego is a city bordering Mexico, there are many good Mexican foods and desserts, especially the Chamango is type of mango smoothie with Chamoy (Mexican sour and spicy sauce that is normally taken with mango or different types of fruit).

ENROLLMENT

I am currently taking a Bachelor of Medical Science and Bachelor of Business. During this program, I am taking 3 business subjects and 1 science subject. I am currently in my last year of the degree which has only 6 subjects left for me to take. It has limited my options in choosing the subjects studying at SDSU. I arrived United States about one month before the program started, however, by the time of the school orientation, I hadn’t gotten the subject approval from either UTS or SDSU. Due to the new system in SDSU, it has restricted the exchange students from choosing senior subjects that require pre-requisite. As our academic transcript was not recorded in SDSU system, we could not choose those subjects ourselves. Thus, we need to email the faculty to review our transcript in order to enroll in the subjects which also is not guaranteed. At the same time, as I am taking a double degree, I must at least take 3 direct equivalent subjects back to UTS. It had been a really challenging process for me, because there were so many uncertainties since I was not sure whether the subjects that I already got approved from UTS would be able to enroll at SDSU or not. At the end, everything settled down with so much support from both SDSU exchange faculty and UTS staff. I have taken 4 full subjects which is the visa requirement for a US exchange student visa and only 3 subjects will be credited back to UTS.

SCHOOL LIFE

I have experienced 2 different faculties here at SDSU, Science and Business. Personally, I really like my Immunology class which was taken in a lecture room with 200 students in the class. There are 2 sections a week, one hour each, and there were quizzes every week. However, it is an absolutely different teaching system with my finance subjects which all three of them are taking in small classrooms in the form of tutorials. The professors totally can make all the decisions on how the class is going to run. I have found out that it is a culture at SDSU that the professors prefer to wave the students’ grades when the class has not gotten a good grade for the exam. In one of the subjects, the professor really challenges the student by giving a really difficult exam tests. In just one hour, there are 40 concept questions and 30 problem-solving questions, which is impossible to finish. As a result, all students did not do really well while few students decided to finish the exam earlier. Thus, after the results came out, the professor announced that he would give extra points to everyone.

EXAM

All the exams are taken in the class with the professor and the time we study. Most of them are multiple choice questions, and the professor will require a specific ParScore Test form which makes them easy to grade.

Tips

The public transportation in California is not as good as in Sydney. Most of the people have their people car for transport since it is far from place to place and there is a limited number of public transportation.

Solyda Chhounseng
Bachelor of Medical Science Bachelor of Business
Autumn 2023 session at San Diego State University, United States
Undertaking unique experiences in Zurich

February 19, 2024

My time at the International Summer School facilitated by the University of Zurich was immensely enjoyable, insightful and an overall valuable experience. The subject I completed at the UZH was ‘International Sports Law: Legal Challenges in the Fight against Doping’, a course focussing on, as the name suggests, anti-doping in sport.

Prior to starting the course, I did not expect to enjoy the content and learning to a great extent as I did not have a significant interest in sport and the regulations surrounding it. However, as I started the program, I was quickly shown otherwise and overall, thoroughly enjoyed the international exchange experience including the course content itself. Each class was taught by a different guest lecturer that allowed us to learn from many professionals with different perspectives, backgrounds and ways of teaching. This ensured that each class was different to the last and kept students looking forward to the next teaching session.

Furthermore, each week consisted of an academic trip every Wednesday to break up our classes and provide a stimulating change of pace. The trips included a visit to the FIFA Museum in Zurich, the CAS Tribunal and Olympic Museum in Lausanne.

Beyond classes at UZH, the exchange program gave me a chance to explore Switzerland’s breathtaking landscapes, lively cities, and a special blend of cultures. From the majestic Swiss Alps to the serene lakes in Zurich, I had the opportunity to indulge in outdoor adventures and immerse myself in the country’s rich heritage. I feel very fortunate to have safely travel to a foreign country and be surrounded by diverse people who were just as keen as I was to undertake unique experiences. I have met and befriended people from all over the world as well as other students from UTS. We were able to embark on this once in a lifetime opportunity together and make memories that we will look back upon fondly.

The 3-weeks spent in Zurich allowed me to appreciate the Swiss way of life and enjoy the cultures, customs and social etiquettes that vary from those back home in Australia. It has been extremely enlightening, and I am very grateful to have had this opportunity.

Maha Khan
Faculty of Law
International Sports Law at University of Zurich, Switzerland
Global Short Program Travel Scholarship recipient