UTS Think Global

Dream. Explore. Discover.

Recent posts

Disclaimer: All blog posts are written by students and do not necessarily reflect the views of UTS staff.

  • My Global Short Program in Berlin, Germany

    My Global Short Program in Berlin, Germany

    I started off my 2025 jetting off to Berlin, Germany to complete a three-week intensive language learning course at Humboldt-Universität. As a final year law student, I decided to choose a program that was out of my area of academic expertise and challenge myself to learn the German language, something I have always wanted to do but never had the time to commit to it.

    The program in Berlin was a perfect opportunity to put aside three weeks that were dedicated to language learning, making friends, immersing myself in a new culture and exploring a city with rich history.

    There are definitely too many highlights to list in a short blog post, but just to name a few, I am so grateful to Humboldt WISU school for organising many activities for the students including a day trip to Potsdam, visits to art galleries, a visit to the Topography of Terror to learn more about the Holocaust, a night out with all of the students to enjoy Berlin’s nightlife and a night of ice skating.

    I was also extremely grateful to have made it just in time to visit a Christmas market before they closed! I can confirm that the Glühwein is as good as it sounds.

    Aside from the many highlights, one of my favourite things to do during my program was just wandering around the city, taking in the incredible infrastructure and enjoying the Berlin café scene.

    I made friends from countries all over the world, including England, Uzbekistan, The Netherlands, Hong Kong, China and South Africa to name a few.

    Adapting to a new language and a new culture was definitely a daunting experience, and I cannot pretend that I was not nervous before going on this trip, but having completed a Global Short Program, I cannot imagine completing my degree without this experience. Thank you to UTS, the Global Short Programs team and Humboldt Universität for giving me the experience of a lifetime!

    PS – if you ever consider doing a Global Short Program in Berlin during the winter (which you absolutely should), don’t forget to pack your snow thermals (unlike me, a rookie)!

    Holly Schulz
    Bachelor of Laws
    Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship

    For more information about the UTS Global Short Program visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal

  • ACICIS Law Professional Practicum (LPP), Jakarta, Indonesia

    ACICIS Law Professional Practicum (LPP), Jakarta, Indonesia

    At the end of January 2025, I had the privilege of participating in a six-week Law Professional Practicum (LPP) in Jakarta, Indonesia, hosted by the Australian Consortium for ‘In-Country’ Indonesian Studies (ACICIS). If I had to summarise this experience in three words, they would be: insightful, challenging, and grounding.

    I was introduced to the LPP through university networks and, recognising the opportunity to gain both practical legal experience and a deeper understanding of my cultural roots, I applied with the hope of expanding both my personal and professional horizons. Looking back, it was one of the most meaningful decisions I’ve made in my academic journey.

    As part of the program, I interned with the Indonesian Judicial Research Society (IJRS), a non-governmental organisation committed to advancing judicial reform and enhancing access to justice through legal research, advocacy, and education. I was primarily involved in developing a proposal for KataHukum, a legal information portal aimed at supporting disadvantaged communities. This involved comparative research on legal information frameworks between Indonesia and Australia, as well as participating in stakeholder meetings and presenting a final desk review to the team.

    Beyond work, I immersed myself in Indonesian life—engaging in cultural exchange, exploring Jakarta’s neighbourhoods, and learning to navigate jam karet (rubber time) with patience and humour. This experience deepened my appreciation for Indonesia’s relational approach to work and communication, and allowed me to reconnect with my heritage in a profoundly personal way.
    This program confirmed my desire to pursue a legal career with a focus on access to justice and legal reform, both in Australia and the broader Indo-Pacific region. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to meaningfully engage with a different legal system, explore a vibrant culture, and grow through hands-on experience.

    Terima kasih, Jakarta – sampai jumpa lagi!

    Ethan Wijaja
    Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of Business
    Australian Consortium for in Country Indonesian Studies     (ACICIS), Indonesia
    New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant

    For more information about the UTS Global Short Program visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal

  • Sencha, Shrines, and Study sessions

    Sencha, Shrines, and Study sessions

    Tanya Gupta
    Bachelor of Communication (Digital and Social Media) Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation
    Sophia University, Japan
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship

    For more information about the UTS Global Short Program visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal

  • The Art & Science of Negotiations – School of Economics and Business, University of Ljubljana

    The Art & Science of Negotiations – School of Economics and Business, University of Ljubljana

    Spending part of my university journey studying abroad in Slovenia was an experience I’ll never forget. As part of the Ljubljana Summer School at the University of Ljubljana’s School of Economics and Business, I had the opportunity to study “The Art and Science of Negotiations” alongside students from all over the world. From the classroom to the cobblestone streets of Ljubljana, the experience challenged me in ways that helped me grow personally, professionally, and culturally.

    Academically, the program was hands-on and engaging. Each session revolved around mock negotiations and reflective debriefs, allowing us to not only practise negotiation strategies but also understand the psychology and communication techniques behind them. I entered the course with limited formal negotiation experience and left with a far more strategic, composed, and adaptable mindset. I learned how to ask the right questions, read emotional cues, and navigate complex group dynamics all of which are crucial skills in high-pressure environments like business or consulting.

    What stood out most, though, was the people. The program attracted students from all over the world including Europe, The Americas, Asia, and beyond. Being surrounded by so many different cultural perspectives pushed me to adapt the way I communicated and collaborated. I found myself learning just as much outside the classroom as I did inside it. Whether it was speaking to a local taxi driver, using basic Slovenian to order food, or sharing stories with my peers over a drink after class, every moment became an opportunity to connect and grow.

    One of the highlights was attending a Ljubljana Olympia football match with some of the friends I made during the program. It was fun being part of something local that gave me insight into the culture of the city. I also really valued the chance to explore Slovenia’s stunning natural landscapes, from the mountains near Bled & Bovec to the historic charm of Ljubljana’s old town.

    Another personal win was stepping outside my usual academic rhythm. The combination of intensive study, cultural exploration, and social connection created a feedback loop that helped me become more confident and open. I felt comfortable being myself in an unfamiliar environment something I’ll carry forward in both life and career. Looking back, the Global Short Program didn’t just teach me how to negotiate better. It taught me how to engage better with people, with complexity, and with the world around me.

    Benjamin Hiller
    Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation
    Univerza v Ljubljani
    Slovenia

    For more information about the UTS Global Short Program visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal

  • University of Westminster, Global Exchange

    University of Westminster, Global Exchange

    My name is Hayley, and I am studying law on exchange at the University of Westminster. I am doing three elective subjects, which are Elements of Human Rights: Idea, Law and Practice, Elements of Entertainment Law: Theory and Practice, and Elements of Law of Intellectual Property (‘IP’). So far, I am loving my host university and the subjects I am doing.

    My host university has a variety of facilities I have fully taken advantage of, such as a free gym and library. There are regular events and many societies that are free to join. I recently went to a ‘Paint and Sip’ night where I was given materials and some time to paint and meet new students. I’ve also been to a few welcome events where I’ve found it easy to meet people. 

    My professors have been engaging and knowledgeable. I would say there are fewer readings than at UTS, but there is a strong focus on class participation, and everyone is expected to regularly contribute and ask questions, even though class participation isn’t marked. Each elective has tutorials and seminars. The lectures are built into the seminars. In the tutorials, we get to practice applying what we learnt in the seminars.

    These are the first law electives I have studied, and I like being able to focus on content that I’m particularly interested in. I love music and many of my loved ones are artists, so I appreciate being able to study it from a legal [point of view] through my electives. I think human rights are important for everyone to learn, especially law students who can advocate for human rights in their future careers.

    I love that my host university is in the heart of central London and around a 20-minute train ride to Big Ben. There are many famous museums nearby, such as the British Museum and Tate Modern, which I have enjoyed exploring.

    I am living off-campus in an area called Harlesden, and it takes about 45 minutes to get to my host university by tube. It’s a lively area with great Jamaican and Brazilian food options. Fun fact – Harlesden is in the London Borough of Brent which is where Bob Marley and the Wailers lived when they stayed in London. 

    I recently went to Oxford with my boyfriend to visit family friends, which was only around an hour’s train away from the city. The history and architecture in the UK are incredible and something I am grateful to experience.

    Overall, London is an amazing city, and I am very happy to be studying on exchange here. Everyone has been kind and welcoming, and there is always something to see and do. I would recommend trying to meet as many Londoners as possible as they can point you to the best spots to visit. Of course, making sure you visit all the tourist spots doesn’t hurt either. If you have the opportunity to go on exchange, definitely do it!

    Hayley Dobbin
    Bachelor of Information Technology Bachelor of Laws
    University of Westminster
    United Kingdom

    For more information about the UTS Global Exchange program, visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal

  • Global Exchange in Osaka University, Japan

    Global Exchange in Osaka University, Japan

    After months of preparation and paperwork, all that remained was to pack my bags and board the plane. Eleven hours in the air — along with the inevitable jet lag — left me feeling nervous, especially when faced with the maze-like Osaka train system. However, stepping onto a Hello Kitty-themed train from Kansai International Airport to Osaka-Umeda instantly eased my worries, setting the tone for an exciting month ahead.

    My name is Malena and while writing this blog post, it has been one month since I left Sydney to begin my Global Exchange adventure in Osaka, Japan. And already, so many core memories have been made. Before this journey, my only glimpse into Japanese life was through social media. Through the UTS Global Exchange program and the support of the New Colombo Plan Grant, I am now living out a dream since high school in a country I have always wanted to visit.

    The language barrier initially seemed daunting, but with the help of my phone’s translation apps and the Japanese I had learned in class, moving into my dormitory went smoothly. I arrived just before cherry blossom season, and the breathtaking scenery was even more beautiful than I imagined. Standing under trees dusted with soft pink blossoms made me realise that the next five months would be filled with unforgettable moments.

    Settling into dormitory life and starting my semester at Osaka University made the city feel like a second home. Meeting students from around the world has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey — sharing cultures, meals, and stories has given me a deeper appreciation for the diversity beyond borders.

    Living in Osaka has taught me many lessons, both big and small. I have learned the value of patience and observation, especially when navigating unfamiliar systems. The public transport network, which once looked overwhelming, soon became second nature, thanks to my experience in Sydney. Walking became a daily habit, and I quickly realised the importance of having comfortable shoes — my step count here in just one month has easily outpaced several months back home! Beyond the practical, I have learned that immersing yourself fully in a new culture teaches resilience, humility, and adaptability.

    I cannot recommend Exchange enough for anyone considering it. Being in a new environment reveals how many small cultural differences contribute to the richness of everyday life. This experience has broadened my perspective in ways I never imagined, and I am excited to see how these lessons continue to shape my future.

    Malena Lemoto
    Bachelor of Communication (Digital and Social Media) Bachelor of International Studies
    Osaka University, Japan
    New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant

    For more information about the UTS Global Exchange program, visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal

  • Experiencing China: Lessons from Beijing Institute of Technology

    Experiencing China: Lessons from Beijing Institute of Technology

    For three weeks in June and July, I travelled to Beijing for UTS’ Faculty Led – FASS – Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) Chinese Language program. I spent time on campus learning Chinese and enjoying cultural activities as well as got the chance to see famous attractions. This was my first experience overseas and as I began learning Chinese in high school, it was surreal to finally travel to China.

    Language Lessons

    As the BIT program revolved around language development, I made a goal to only speak Mandarin when interacting with Chinese people. The two hour language lessons and general language immersion from travelling in Beijing truly assisted me in my endeavour to gain confidence and proficiency in my linguistic skills. I found that possessing an appropriate, respectful mindset when interacting with another culture was vital for cultural appreciation. Linguistic skills alongside open-minded attitudes towards others together created invaluable opportunities such as having conversations in Mandarin with locals. Beijing definitely holds a special place in my heart for being the first place I experienced outside of Australia and as my Chinese teacher from BIT said ““幸福的人才会出现戒断反应” (Only happy people will experience withdrawal symptoms).

    Cultural Tours

    Perhaps my favourite parts of the program was visiting cultural sites such as the Forbidden City (故宫), Summer Palace (颐和园) and the Great Wall of China (长城).

    I was grateful for buying a hat at the mall nearby campus as all of these days included intense heat and exercise. I was so marvelled by the Forbidden City’s architecture and historical exhibits that I ended up taking a photo of every single display. My supervisor, Winston, led us through each site explaining the significant cultural and historical meanings throughout. He was also quite fond of Chinese idioms, encouraging us on our climb up the Great Wall with ‘不到长城非好汉’, literally meaning ‘the one who fails to reach the summit of the Great Wall is not a true man’.

    Cultural Activities

    The BIT program also prioritised cultural learning, expanding my experience and knowledge of Chinese culture. There were cultural lectures on history, cuisines and festivals as well as cultural activities on 京剧 (Beijing/Peking Opera) mask painting, ink paintings and paper cutting. Each activity amplified my admiration for Chinese culture and history and taught me patience and understanding to create traditional Chinese art.

    The collection of my experiences during the BIT program shaped not only my perspective on how different cultures function but also how those cultural practices, norms and values present can contribute to social flourishing. China and Australia’s cultures consist of numerous differences and observing and living in another cultural expression generated a fresh outlook on cultural diversity. Developing my Mandarin was only one skill gained from the program. Intense perseverance accomplished through climbing two summits of the Great Wall, receptiveness and cultural awareness from engaging in another culture and intercultural connectedness through conversing with Chinese people in Beijing were just as integral to learn and beneficial for my personal and professional life.

    Aspen Sutcliffe
    Bachelor of Communications (Media Arts & Production), Bachelor of International Studies
    Faculty Led – FASS – Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) Chinese Language program
    New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant

    For more information about the UTS Global Short Program visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal

  • My exchange life at Korea University

    My exchange life at Korea University

    Korea University is one of the most prestigious universities in South Korea, renowned for its academic excellence and vibrant student life. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I knew that an exciting journey was ahead of me. Stepping into a very large campus with many beautiful buildings feels like a completely different experience from what Australian universities provide.

    Buddy Program

    Adjusting to life in Korea University was very easy due to the famous buddy program which is compulsory for all exchange students where you are paired with a local student who helps navigating throughout campus, registering classes, recommending local eateries, and essentially becoming a friend. Through this program I have made many friends so far and had many fun experiences with them by meeting very frequently as they host dinners/lunches 2-4 times a week. This made the transition much smoother and allowed me to immerse myself in the university culture quickly.

    Academics

    Korea University has one of the top business schools in the world, meaning you could tell that it has a rigorous academic environment. As a business student, the classes are easy to follow along as I take all my classes in English, and the professors are highly knowledgeable. In my case, I take restricted electives courses under my sub-major of International Business in International Finance, International Marketing Management, Advertising Management, Internet Marketing and Entrepreneurial Mindset. Unlike Australian universities, the interactive nature of Korea University’s classes allows students to engage in discussions, making learning more dynamic and insightful.

    Life in Korea

    In comparison to Australia where trading hours close earlier, in Korea shops and restaurants open till very late making a fun vibrant night-life where you can explore for new food and play fun activities after finishing class. Public transportation is incredibly efficient, making it easy to explore different parts of Seoul and beyond. The convenience stores here are a lifesaver, offering everything like drinks, food, housing essentials, etc.

    Korea’s nightlife is also something to experience, whether it’s enjoying karaoke with friends, trying out soju, or simply taking a night walk. Some activities that I highly recommend are going to board game cafes (specifically playing a game called halli galli), going out to drink, playing table tennis or pool, and joining a university club. The city never truly sleeps, and there’s always something exciting happening.

    Nathan Lee
    Bachelor of Business
    Korea University, South Korea
    New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant

    For more information about the UTS Global Exchange program, visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal

  • Leeds International Summer School

    Leeds International Summer School

    This July, I was able to escape the Australian winter and go to the University of Leeds for the Leeds International Summer School. This summer school had hundreds of students from around the world studying all different disciplines.

    I took the “Introduction to Photography” module, and went from a complete beginner photographer to taking some really cool shots! We had class every weekday from 9-12 and our fabulous teacher Mike would give as a photo assignment each day and the next day we would give feedback on everyone’s photos. This allowed me to learn super quickly and practically. I also finally got to understand all the settings on the digital camera we had lying around at home.

    LISS took us on heaps of excursions around the Yorkshire area, which was perfect for practicing my photography. I visited Fountains Abbey, Bolton Abbey, the Yorkshire Dales, York, Ilklely, Knaresborough, Whitby and Harewood House. I tried a delicious high tea, Nandos and a LOT of Tesco meal deals. It was so cool to be immersed in British culture which I grew up watching about on TV.

    The Leeds campus is much bigger and older than UTS. LISS had the gym membership included which was really great. We also had breakfast and lunch included in the refectory which provided a great way to chat with other participants and took the decision making out of two meals of the day. The LISS assistants also planned plenty of social events and the community vibes were excellent as we all stayed in the same uni accommodation. I participated in an international potluck in one of the kitchens and tried food from Ghana for the first time. I made some really close friends and I can’t wait to visit them all in the future. Particularly I met a lot of Canadians and am planning a whole Canada trip.

    Leeds is in the north of England, which also made it a perfect base to visit Scotland and the rest of England. I had a fabulous time visiting a friend in Glasgow and travelling to the Scottish Highlands, as well as watching as many West End shows as humanly possible in London.

    I definitely recommend LISS if you are looking for a British summer adventure.

    Caitlin Murphy
    Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Diploma in Professional Engineering Practice
    University of Leeds, United Kingdom
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship

    For more information about the UTS Global Short Program visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal

  • From underground railways through the Postojna Cave…

    From underground railways through the Postojna Cave…

    My Global Short Program to Ljubljana, Slovenia was an incredible and enriching experience that will stick with me for the rest of my life. The program also equipped me with cross-cultural communication skills, leadership skills, and knowledge about business plan development.

    From underground railways through the Postojna Caves, to canoeing in the Julian Alps, to day trips to the picturesque Lake Bled, I was presented with countless opportunities for activities during the course of the summer school, in which I was able to make new friends from all across the globe, and participate in activities that allowed me to become enthralled in the Slovenian culture, as well as its natural beauty.

    The idea of dieting and healthy eating quickly faded into a distand memory as I was introduced the the Slovenian cuisine, indulging in local dishes like burek and cremeschnitte, as well as multicultural dishes such as pizza, pasta and Bosnian meats, as well as, of course, the compulsory daily gelato. The food in Slovenia was genuinely extraordinary and I miss it already.

    I sometimes found myself spending nights at the pub, chatting to new friends and enjoying a locally brewed beer on the canal. I strolled through quaint streets of the old town, happening across a range of things from intense locals in a passionate debate, to pop-up DJs, mixing tracks in the middle of the street. Making use of the incredibly cheap bicycle rental in Ljubljana, as well as bike-friendly infrastructure, I went on night rides, exploring more and more of the quiet city as the program progressed.

    I was uncharacteristically extremely engaged in the class work, with a knowledgeable teacher and interesting content, I found myself taking on a leadership role and driving my team to success, excitedly chatting about my project both in and out of class, as well as making sure to smugly point out flaws and inferiority of the projects of other teams in the class.

    Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience during the Global Short Program and I believe it instilled me with skills and knowledge I will use in both my career, as well as my daily life. I would recommend the program to anyone who has the opportunity to take part.

    Harrison Carfi
    Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation
    Univerza v Ljubljani, Slovenia
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship

    For more information about the UTS Global Short Program visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal