UTS Think Global

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

  • Exploring China’s rich culture: My unforgettable faculty-led Global short program experience

    Exploring China’s rich culture: My unforgettable faculty-led Global short program experience

    Embarking on a journey to Beijing, China, as part of my faculty-led global short program was a transformative decision that profoundly shaped my perspective on the world forever. Amidst bustling streets and majestic historical sites, my time at the Beijing Institute of Technology became a whirlwind of cultural immersion, cross-cultural connections, and unforgettable experiences.

    A standout aspect of the program was the connections I forged with the student volunteers, teachers, and professors at the university. These relationships provided me with insights beyond textbooks, offering insights into the Chinese educational system and local insights. Engaging with diverse peers and connecting with local students enriched my learning and broadened my worldview.

    Cultural exchange took centre stage, offering true
    highlights. Attending cultural and language activities allowed me to experience Chinese traditions firsthand. From participating in traditional events to learning mandarin in real-world context. I gained a deeper appreciation for China’s cultural heritage and the importance of understanding and respecting diverse ways of life.

    Undoubtedly, the culture tours to the iconic sites such as the Great Wall of China, Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace were the crown jewels of my journey. Waking along the historic Great Wall, basking in the spiritual ambiance of the Temple of Heaven were experiences that left an indelible mark. These tours showcased the fusion of China’s glorious past and its dynamic present, giving me the insights into the intricate and cultural dynamics that shape the Indo-pacific region.

    The exposure to China’s dynamic society was further amplified by my interactions with local residents, shopkeepers, and fellow attendees of cultural events. These encounters provided glimpses into the everyday lives of Beijing citizens, fostering a sense of connection and appreciation for the local culture.

    Engaging in Chinese language classes was not just a linguistic exercise; it was a gateway to deeper cross-cultural communication. Further improving my mandarin empowered me to connect with locals on a more personal level, bridging the gap between cultures and facilitating meaningful interactions.
    Reflecting on my faculty-led global short program experience, I’m immensely grateful for the knowledge, skills, and connections gained.

    This journey has equipped me with a richer understanding of China’s history, culture, and contemporary dynamics, and has sparked a passion for cross-cultural engagement. The program’s impact on my worldview and aspirations is immeasurable. From building connections with students from around the world to immersing myself in China’s rich heritage, every moment of this program has contributed to my growth and global outlook.

    Returning home, I carry cherished memories and a renewed appreciation for experiential learning. My faculty-led global short program taught me that understanding a culture means walking it streets, engaging with its people, and immerse oneself in its traditions. This journey fuelled a lifelong desire to foster cultural understanding and contribute positively to our interconnected world.
    Ultimately, my faculty-led global short program was a transformative adventure, reminding me that the world is classroom brimming with diverse experiences that broaden our horizons.

    Shirley Tang
    UTS Business School
    2023 BIT International Summer Programs, China
    New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant recipient

  • Thailand: Friendly dogs, clever innovations in baby care, and delicious bubble tea!

    Thailand: Friendly dogs, clever innovations in baby care, and delicious bubble tea!

    Friendly dogs, clever innovations in baby care, and delicious bubble tea— three things I never thought I’d find in a provincial Thai hospital! The pleasant surprises didn’t stop coming through my whole trip to Bangkok for an exchange with Mahidol University. The hospitality and generosity of the Thai people, the richness of their culture, and the incredible atmosphere of their city made for an experience that I won’t forget anytime soon.

    And the food! Incredible. I ate enough noodles to last a lifetime. Nothing beats wandering around the night markets, stopping every two meters to marvel at whatever dish was being prepared. Tom Yum soups, stir-fried yellow noodles, and papaya salads were a real highlight. What I really loved, though, was how much you could eat here that I wouldn’t know where to find in Australia— grasshoppers, crocodile meat, fried worms. All quite tasty especially with a Thai juice or milk tea for a chaser.

    I just loved how the staff at Mahidol went out of their way to give us an authentic experience. We toured maternity wards and got to ask questions of staff and lecturers, who delivered fascinating presentations on the state of Thai midwifery and maternity care. I had my eyes opened to just how fortunate we are to have a thriving midwifery workforce in Australia and how hard other nations are working to deliver the best care for women and families by promoting midwifery education. There is a proud tradition of nursing in Thailand and through partnership and advocacy they’re hoping the same will emerge for midwifery. It was a privilege to support them in their journey and this trip opened my eyes to the global solidarity between midwives.

    There are a million reasons I’d recommend this trip— the new perspective gained from a once-in-a-lifetime immersion in Thai university and hospital life, the joy of sharing the Nutbush, Steve Irwin, and Bondi Rescue with a room full of Thai students and academics, the feeling of flying down a Bangkok street on a motorcycle taxi, the incredible vintage markets that stretch as far as the eye can see… all things I never anticipated and never would’ve experienced if I didn’t take the leap.

    Ebony Fuelling
    Faculty of Health
    Faculty Led – HEALTH – Mahidol University Midwifery in Thailand
    New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant recipient

  • Fellini, Foccacia and Friendship: My Two Weeks Studying at UniversitĂ  Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

    Fellini, Foccacia and Friendship: My Two Weeks Studying at UniversitĂ  Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

    This winter, I completed my last communications elective by taking the Italian Masterpieces: Portrayal of a Culture through its cinema course at UniversitĂ  Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. I decided to take this course because I love international films and I am Italian, so I saw it as a good way to practise my speaking and learn more about Italian cinema.

    I would highly recommend studying this course at UniCatt. Each day, our tutor Mara, a screenwriter and university lecturer, would deliver presentations that covered various topics. They ranged from an overview of a director’s life and work (such as Federico Fellini) to the history of Italian cinema more generally. Then, we would have one or two of our classmates present on the film that we had watched the day before. Finally, we would watch our daily film which the next individual or pair would present on the next day. We also visited the Interactive Museum of Cinema on a class excursion which was a lot of fun.

    Our classes ran from 9am – 2pm each day, and we would have a 10-15 minute break prior to watching our daily film. This was just enough time to run to the café down the road, practise ordering an espresso in Italian (with plenty of praise and encouragement from the lovely barista), and run back to the classroom in time for the film screening. As the class finished at 2pm, we had plenty of time to explore all that Milan had to offer. Some highlights for me were eating at Osteria del Gnoccho Fritto in Navigli (with unlimited fried gnocchi – definitely go on an empty stomach and order less than you think you need), walking around the Duomo area, and taking a trip to the Prada Foundation which has incredible contemporary art. The Prada Foundation café was designed by Wes Anderson!

    There were only nine participants which meant that everyone really got involved with the content and the film discussions. I had classmates from UTS, but also from America, the Netherlands, Mexico, the UK and Canada. We all enjoyed going out for meals and drinks after class to get to know each other.

    As other blogs have said, Milan is close to locations like Lake Como, the Cinque Terre (a must-see – I went before the course started) and Portofino for weekend trips. The high-speed train is relatively inexpensive and very efficient. I enjoyed visiting Lake Como on my free weekend, however, book ferries out of Como town to other locations like Bellagio in advance. It is nearly impossible to catch one in the height of summer without booking well in advance.

    If you enjoy international films, I could not recommend this course any more. Milan is a great city for student living, and there is plenty to do as a student studying a global short program.

    Georgia Zocco
    Bachelor of Communication (Public Communication)/Bachelor of Laws
    Italian Masterpieces: Portrayal of a Culture through its Cinema, Italy
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship recipient

  • Internship with Zhonglun Law Firm in China

    Internship with Zhonglun Law Firm in China

    The starting point is understanding the transaction structure and the role of each involved party. This case is an acquisition financing. As an expected law graduate, it is not challenging to locate two underlying deals: an acquisition of a target foreign company and a loan providing finance to implement such an acquisition.

    The internship task in the Zhonglun Law Firm requires me to conduct a due diligence exercise on behalf of lenders, a syndicate of major commercial and policy banks of the PRC.

    One of the challenges is focusing on the scope of legal service, depending on the clients I would advise. This requirement sounds fairly simple. However, it is not uncommon to make a mistake in practice. Real-world transactions usually involve multiple parties with complicated business relationships, depending on trading structures. The challenge may not lie in identifying the client. Instead, identifying the relationships between the client and other participating parties is not straightforward in this case. On the one hand, I should focus on the scope of legal advice based on the client’s demands. On the other hand, I should also consider the likely impacts brought by other parties on the client due to business relationships with the client. I was required to make a balance to avoid clients being overcharged. I solved this problem with advice from my supervisor and a team member.

    Also, I benefited from this internship program: improving effective communication in a legal work environment under team collaborations. Unlike traditionally hierarchical communication styles, my supervisor values an open-minded approach to understanding the perspectives of others. Members are encouraged to express their viewpoints openly and directly rather than using indirect language or softening negative findings. My team welcomes constructive criticism. For example, my colleague, much younger than my supervisor, proposed using ordinary language with footnote-style explanations of legal terminology in the follow-up communication with clients. I believe that my supervisor agreed with him because he had previous work experience with the same client. His expertise matters, nor does his age. When dealing with foreign lawyers, we can understand that legal cultures may influence how legal documents and communications are handled in cross-border transactions. Therefore, we communicated with foreign lawyers by letting them know our Chinese clients’ expectations with respect to the way they prefer to receive legal documents.

    Overall, this internship allowed me to develop a range of skills applicable to various legal contexts while also gaining exposure to international legal practices and the intricacies of cross-border transactions. The improvements are precious for my professional growth and future legal endeavours.

    Jinbo Fu
    Faculty of Law
    Winter internship at Zhong Lun Law Firm, China
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship Recipient

  • LSE and the unforgettable boat party on the Thames

    LSE and the unforgettable boat party on the Thames

    I am in my third year of university studying a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Business, majoring in accounting. I had never been to Europe before participating in this Global Short Program and I was motivated to join my friends who were going to Europe during the break, whilst also taking opportunities to study internationally. That was when I did a Google search for global study opportunities with UTS and found the global short programs website. After looking through my preferred placements, I found the opportunity to study at the LSE summer school.

    The course I chose to study at LSE was Business Analysis and Valuation AC215, which was 3 weeks long, and was quite intensive, with both 3-hour lectures and 1.5-hour classes 5 days a week. The course involved developing security analysis and valuation skills to support the interpretation, evaluation, and use of financial information from the viewpoint of major users of financial statements. By the end of the course, I was able to analyse a wide variety of financial reporting issues and discuss their valuation implications, drawing on cutting-edge academic research and real-world case studies, including Apple, Ferrari, Netflix, and Tesco. I was very excited to visit a place that had such a great international reputation, and that also ran a course that was extremely engaging and very relevant to my studies.

    The LSE Summer School also organised a wide range of social events that I engaged with and found to be very rewarding. From social basketball to the boat party, the events hosted were a great way to enjoy London with my fellow summer school students and destress from the vigorous study schedule of my course. The boat party on the Thames was an experience that I will never forget, and for me was the highlight of my time in London, there was great company, great music, and stunning views that lasted the whole night, I cannot recommend this event enough!

    Overall my experience with LSE was hugely enjoyable and very engaging, I can highly recommend it to any students looking to broaden their horizons and embrace an international experience.

    Alexander Thian
    UTS Business School
    Business Analysis and Valuation at London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship recipient

  • How I became an Entrepreneurial Citizen at NTU

    How I became an Entrepreneurial Citizen at NTU

    Hi, I’m Arya and I study a Bachelor of Business at UTS. Recently I went to Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom to study at their esteemed Global Summer School Programme. During this time, I studied a course called ‘The Entrepreneurial Citizen – Problem Solving and Solution Creation for Business and Life.

    I got to Nottingham on Saturday and that 24-hour plane ride from Sydney to London, followed by a 5-hour coach ride, had me so drained that I slept it all off over the Saturday. On Sunday we had a lovely “Welcome Event” in which I got to meet an abundance of new faces from all over the world and we also got toured around the university. Below I have attached a photo of my very first day of meeting all these amazing individuals and the diversity of countries and cultures just in this one photo is completely incredible.

    Now moving on to what we learned during our time in class. This course was so fantastically crafted in a way where we strived to identify our strengths and weaknesses in a very ‘life-like’ way. We then utilised these strengths and weaknesses to act as a bridge or a helping hand to solve problems around the world, from global business to problems within our community and to problems within our own space. Our classes went from 9-4 every day, and we went through concepts such as skills analysis, problem-solving and ideation, storytelling, teamwork, and resilience, all followed by completing daily reflections. 

    My course included 8 of us, including myself, with individuals from Canada, China, France, and a fellow Aussie as well and the one thing we all had in common was our determination to learn something new and looking forward to trying out new lunch places together – obviously! After lunch, we would take a lovely little stroll around Shakespeare Street or the Arkwright building that you see below.

    In our second week of learning, we were given the opportunity to provide the NTU Enterprise team with a 5-minute video of what Global Summer School meant for us and what value we have gained and this not only gave me a moment to reflect on my experience till that point but I also lived my YouTuber dream for 5 minutes as we can see below.

    THE BIG DAY – Presenting our Assessment Task

    For this course, our final assessment task was to make a presentation, reflecting on our learning experience and how we were planning to apply the concepts learnt in class to our future, whether that’s personally, professionally, academically, etc. The title of my presentation was the same as my blog post because this experience truly taught me how to be an entrepreneurial citizen, which to me, is someone who uses their strengths and weaknesses to solve problems in the world, which can fall into any and every category. Below is a photo of me, right after my presentation, proudly standing outside the beautifully constructed Dryden Enterprise, which is the epitome of modern architecture and encourages sustainability.

    And just like that, Global Summer School at NTU came to a very bittersweet end. I did not expect to feel so many emotions at once when I left NTU, but I did because, after two weeks of spending every day together with such wonderful and loving peers, it was time to go home. We all took with us a piece of summer school, for some it was the time spent with friends, for others it was taking home the contact number of their new friend who lives in another country, for some it was taking a university hoodie back home to remember they were a proud alumnus and for some, just the learnings from the fantastic facilitators.

    After this very successful experience at NTU, I made my way back to London where I stayed for another week and even visited neighbouring countries like France.

    Final words – if you ever get the opportunity to participate in a Global Short Programme, please go. Not only will you learn something new that you can apply in your academic life or professional career, but the travel itself, spending time alone, meeting new people, exploring places that you have never seen before and learning all the experiences, good and bad, will always teach you more about the world, than any textbook ever will.

    Arya Lohar
    Faculty of Business
    Summer School at Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship Recipient

  • Experience the unique mixture of cultures in Granada

    Experience the unique mixture of cultures in Granada

    When I started my journey on a month-long study program at the Universidad de Granada, Spain, I was unaware of the journey that awaited me with a blend of academics, culture, and personal growth. The landscape of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the historical architecture, vibrant local life, and a unique mixture of Spanish and Arabic influences made Granada an unforgettable experience.

    While I was enjoying the experience of exploring Granada, I was also attending Intensive Spanish Language classes from Monday to Friday. These allowed me to immerse myself even more in the language and culture, as well as pick up some useful local sayings.

    Once class finished, and sometimes after a siesta, I had the chance to take in the culture of Granada, through trips to local phenomena such as the Alhambra or the beautiful streets of the AlbaicĂ­n district. On weekends, I was able to take both guided and independent trips to other cities in the south of Spain like Sevilla, Cordoba and Nerja, each of which offered different attractions from impressive cathedrals to relaxing beaches.

    A month in Granada also provided a unique opportunity to embrace the Spanish way of life. The tradition of tapas is a key part of the local culture, where ordering a drink comes with a complimentary small plate of delicious food. This culinary custom encourages mingling with locals and fellow students, from Australia, the US, Japan, the UK, and other countries, fostering a sense of community and friendship. The city’s lively plazas, markets, and lookouts all contribute to an unforgettable cultural experience, which I was able to independently tailor in my free time by visiting places that appeal to my interests, such as Granada’s football stadium.

    However, my month spent in Granada wasn’t just about learning, socialising, and sightseeing; it was also a journey of personal growth. Being in a foreign country pushed me out of my comfort zone, improving my adaptability, resilience, and cross-cultural communication skills. I found that I enjoyed having a greater sense of independence as I navigated daily life in a new environment.

    I was nervous before going to Granada, as a month by myself in another country was intimidating. However, the experience has been overwhelmingly positive for me because of the people I met, the skills I developed, and the memories I made. If anyone has an opportunity to visit Granada, through a Global Short Program or otherwise, I can only recommend the experience.

    Alexander Blaxell
    UTS Faculty of Law
    Intensive Spanish Language Courses (CILE) at Universidad de Granada in Spain
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship recipient

  • Buzzing with Excitement: My Beeology Adventure in Barcelona!

    Buzzing with Excitement: My Beeology Adventure in Barcelona!

    Hey there, fellow explorers of the unknown! Ever had an experience that flips your world upside down and leaves you brimming with gratitude? Well, let me whisk you away on a journey through my recent escapade that did exactly that – my whirlwind ‘Beeology’ adventure in the captivating city of Barcelona.🌍✈️

    Now, I’ll admit, as I packed my bags for this global short program, I had about as much knowledge about bees as a bear has about ballroom dancing. But hey, isn’t that the thrill of an adventure?Diving into the unfamiliar and surfacing with a treasure trove of newfound wisdom!

    From the get-go, it was a whirlwind of bee facts and hands-on beekeeping experiences. Can you believe I got up close and personal with these incredible creatures? Yes, you read that right – there I was, suited up in beekeeper gear that might have looked like it was straight out of a sci-fi flick. Imagine me as a space explorer ready to decode the language of the bees!

    The classes were an exciting mix of absorbing theory and immersive activities. I delved into the biology of bees and uncovered the mesmerising world of beekeeping practices. Did you know that bees communicate with intricate dances? Picture this: bees wiggling and shaking their way to convey directions to the nearest flower treasure trove. Nature’s dance floor is wilder than we thought!

    But hold on, the real magic happened when we ventured into the bee-lled eld. Imagine being in a live-action nature documentary! I was right there, peering at their hives, marvelling at their teamwork, and witnessing their remarkable pollination skills in action. It’s safe to say, I was spellbound.

    And then there was the honey – oh, the honey. The liquid gold that’s a result of nature’s genius. I got to see the whole process, from the bees collecting nectar to skilled beekeepers extracting honey. My appreciation for that jar of honey on my breakfast table? Let’s just say, it’s through the roof now!

    Beyond the Bees

    What struck me even more than the bee knowledge was the broader message it carried. These tiny creatures play a colossal role in our ecosystem. They’re like Mother Nature’s unsung heroes, ensuring the world stays colourful and abundant. It’s a beautiful reminder that every being has its purpose in this grand tapestry of life.

    As I waved goodbye to the charming streets of Barcelona and bid adieu to my buzzing buddies, I couldn’t help but reflect on how this adventure aligned with my learning goals. From diving into bee biology to collaborating with peers from around the globe, each experience added a vibrant stroke to my learning canvas.

    So there you have it – a lighthearted peek into my bee-lled adventure. Who knew that a subject seemingly as niche as bees could open up a world of awe and appreciation? As I return home with a heart full of memories and newfound respect for these tiny pollinators, I can’t wait to share my journey with friends, family, and anyone who’ll lend an ear.

    Remember, life loves to toss surprises your way. It’s about embracing the unexplored, just like I embraced the bees’ enchanting dances and honey-making magic! 🐝🍯

    Ameline Foskett
    Faculty of Transdisciplinary Innovation
    Beeology: Honeybee Science from Theory to Practice at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship Recipient

  • A Hot Summer in Zurich and the ZĂźri Fäscht!

    A Hot Summer in Zurich and the ZĂźri Fäscht!

    Travelling to Zurich, an unfamiliar city with new faces was definitely an experience I never thought I would have before.  At the beginning of this year, I’ve always wanted to make sure I would push myself out of my comfort zone and this exchange opportunity at the University of Zurich definitely helped me in doing that. I’ve learnt so much through this experience that I will definitely carry over and remember for the rest of my life. Every day I spent at Zurich for the 3 weeks, felt like I was living 2 days in 1 (figuratively) and I loved every moment of it!

    I was fortunate enough to be able to study the course “Finance for the Future” at UZH International Summer School in July 2023. The course was designed in a way where we had lectures in the morning from 9-12 pm with short breaks in between and the second half of the day would usually consist of more lectures or group work time to work on our assignments. The concepts and topics taught mainly focused on Sustainable Finance, FinTech, Portfolio Management and the Swiss Financial System.

    UZH also planned many social activities, and a few examples include Welcome BBQs, Dinner at a Traditional Swiss Restaurant, Day trips to Bern (capital city of Switzerland), Lucerne and hiking at Uetilberg. These activities allowed participants of all Summer Schools to interact and build connections and I generally had so much fun at these events.

    One of the highlights of my trip was the Zßri Fäscht (Zurich Festival). This festival happens every 3 years for 3 days in the first weekend of July and I was so fortunate that it took place when I was in Switzerland. For the 3 days the whole of the city was revamped into a place where there were stalls, music festivals, rides and many more (just like the Easter Show but imagine that across a whole city!). I went all 3 days, and it was the best experience and I also got to experience Swiss night life with it.

    Other highlights of my trip include travelling to Grindelwald and Matterhorn (Zermatt). Grindelwald was just such a magical place, the greenery and the scenery was something I’ve never seen before in my life. As soon I as I got to the lookout point, I felt like I was in the song ‘The Hills are Alive” from the Sound of Music…Matterhorn (the mountain on the Toblerone packaging) is one of the most famous mountains in Switzerland and it’s in the Swiss Alps. This also had beautiful scenery and hiking trails. We did mountain karting down the mountains with the view of the Matterhorn and that was honestly once in a lifetime experience.

    I had the best time while doing my exchange in Switzerland and I wish it was longer. I highly recommend everyone to apply for a short term or long term exchange as honestly you come back as a different person (in a good way) with all these new experiences.

    Chandra Sri Vibh Maddali
    Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
    Finance for the Future – Investments, Sustainable Finance and FinTech at University of Zurich, Switzerland
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship recipient

  • My transformative educational journey in Milan

    My transformative educational journey in Milan

    When the opportunity to embark on a student exchange journey to Milan presented itself, I knew that I was about to step into a world of new experiences, cultures, and learning. Little did I know just how profoundly enriching this adventure would turn out to be.

    Studying in Milan was an eye-opening journey of self-discovery and academic growth. As I sat in a classroom filled with other international students, I was grateful for the diversity of perspectives that enriched our discussions. Interacting with fellow students, each bringing their unique cultural background and educational insights, expanded my worldview.

    The subject itself was a blend of tradition and innovation. From lectures in historic university buildings, to hands-on excursions that regular tourists wouldn’t get to experience, Milan offered a dynamic learning environment that encouraged creativity and critical thinking. This included being a mystery shopper to observe sustainable efforts of businesses, and visiting the Humana depot, a social and eco entrepreneurship that collects second hand clothing and uses its profits to invest in development projects in vocation, health, community development, etc.

    My experience wasn’t just about academics; it was also about personal growth. Navigating a foreign city, learning the local language, and adapting to new customs were all challenges that pushed me out of my comfort zone. These experiences not only strengthened my resilience but also heightened my appreciation for the richness that comes from embracing diversity. From savouring authentic Italian cuisine at local trattorias, to sharing cultural similarities and differences over aperitivo, to exploring neighbouring towns during weekend trips such as Lake Como and Bellagio, every moment was a lesson in cultural exchange and camaraderie.

    As I look back on my time in Milan, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the myriad of lessons learned and memories made. The city’s beauty, the friendships cultivated, and the academic insights gained have all contributed to shaping me into a more well-rounded and culturally aware individual. Milan will forever hold a special place in my heart as the backdrop to a transformative chapter in my educational journey. The experience has not only deepened my understanding of the world but has also ignited a lifelong passion for exploration, learning, and embracing the unknown.

    Kristopher Van Ho
    Faculty of Transdisciplinary Innovation
    Social and Eco Entrepreneurship at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Rome, Italy
    Social and Eco Entrepreneurship recipient