UTS Think Global

Dream. Explore. Discover.

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

  • Explore Healthcare in Indonesia

    Explore Healthcare in Indonesia

    During the June /July University holiday break, 13 students (including myself) and 2 lecturers embarked on a two-week study tour to Jakarta, which is the capital city of Indonesia. The group was a combination of 2nd / 3rd year Nursing and Public Health students who were eager to explore a new city. 

    As a public health student, the opportunity to travel overseas, funded by the New Colombo Plan, really stood out to me as it allowed me to take 40 hours off my “Professional Placement” subject. I jumped at this opportunity to explore a new country and immerse myself into the vibrant Indonesian culture and overall get first-hand experience visiting a new country and viewing their healthcare system. 

    As a quick summary, during the two weeks of the study tour, we experienced and did the following things:

    • Visited healthcare centres (referred to as Puskesmas’)
    • Visited waste management sites
    • Attended public lectures 
    • Visited community volunteer programs (health-related)
    • Toured around the University of Indonesia 
    • Visited the University’s hospital 
    • Immersed ourselves into numerous Traditional Indonesian dance lessons 
    • And made lots of connections with local University Students 

    Whilst the trip was composed of many aspects of practical and theoretical learning, it was an overall good balance of very insightful information. The public lectures as well as the one-on-one conversations with locals provided me with information in regards to the Indonesian public health system, different health policies, and learning about the real health challenges that are a threat to the population. As well as this, we learnt about the resilience that this culture has and the interventions in place to overcome public health issues. 

    Along with all the learning parts of the trip, the one thing that mainly stood out to me was the hospitable nature and kindness of the Indonesian people. Visiting numerous healthcare facilities, we were presented with many mothers, children, and families requiring help but they all greeted us with a smile and insisted on taking many photos with us and allowing us to observe.

    Not only this stood out to me but the volunteer aspect of all healthcare facilities in Jakarta / Depok was astounding to see as many healthcare facilities we visited were run purely by volunteers (many who were retired nurses). 

    Overall, applying for this trip was well worth it and allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and meet new friends from Australia as well as from Indonesia. This trip provided me with valuable insight into another healthcare system and has allowed me to gain a broader understanding of what health means to each individual. 

    Mila Buterin
    Faculty of Health
    Indonesia Study Tour
    New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant Recipient

  • Paint memories on the canvas of life in Paris

    Paint memories on the canvas of life in Paris

    My time abroad brought forth a tapestry of enriching cultural encounters that left an indelible mark on my journey. Interacting with French students became a pivotal avenue for cultural exchange, an avenue where we seamlessly blended our diverse backgrounds. The kaleidoscope of perspectives shared during our nights out and picnics illuminated the unique facets of our heritage, nurturing a deeper understanding and appreciation for the myriad of global traditions.

    Paris, a city that resonates with artistic fervour, beckoned with its undeniable allure. Each cobblestone street and iconic landmark narrated a story of history, culture, and elegance, weaving together a narrative that only a city so rich in heritage could convey. My exploration of Paris was an odyssey through artistic enclaves and architectural marvels, creating a harmonious melody of sensory experiences that resonated deeply within me.

    On an academic trajectory, the intensity of my studies was balanced by the fulfilment of diving into projects that were as intellectually stimulating as they were creatively demanding. These projects enabled me to stretch the boundaries of my innovation and creativity, propelling me to venture beyond my comfort zone and uncover novel solutions. Through these endeavours, I absorbed a wealth of electrical engineering concepts that have paved the way for my educational journey’s culmination.

    My time abroad was an immersion in culture, a canvas of experiences, both cultural and academic, that have left me forever transformed. It was an avenue to forge global connections, paint memories on the canvas of life, and amass a repository of knowledge that will serve as a guiding light for my future endeavours. In sum, my experiences encompassed the colours of diversity, the symphony of exploration, and the architecture of personal growth, ultimately rendering it an invaluable and exceptional chapter of my life.

    Luis Gabriel Nalus Llagas
    Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
    Summer School at Ecole Supérieure d’Ingénieurs Léonard de Vinci (ESILV), France
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship Recipient

  • BUILDing Opportunities as an Exchange Student

    BUILDing Opportunities as an Exchange Student

    Exchange student, Isabell Kubelka (pictured on the right) with BUILD Manager, Veronica Wong, after winning a door prize at the BUILD Completion Celebration.

    When I first applied to UTS for one semester abroad, I was not prepared for the opportunities that would be open for me as an exchange student. During the orientation week, I got to know many programs where students could further develop their interests that are most important to them. The BUILD program particularly caught my attention because I always wanted to surround myself with like-minded people who also aspire a leadership position in their future career. In the first introduction session, I realized quickly that BUILD was the ideal place for me. I immediately felt the warm open minded and team-orientated energy in the room. However, I questioned myself at the time if I would be able to fully complete the program since I would only be in Australia for a short time and I didn’t know if studying here would be too challenging since English is not my first language. Nevertheless, I decided to take the risk.

    One thing that was very helpful for me was the ability to schedule the workshops and events whenever I felt they would fit the best in between my study plans. I felt flexible during my studies which made the experience non-stressful and I enjoyed that I could participate also only in the activities that I was actually interested in.

    After applying for BUILD the first step I took was completing my two selected mandatory core workshops. I must say, I really thought that these were going to be sessions where you had to sit your time through before you get in touch with the interesting events but I was so wrong. The workshops were interactive on such a high level that they provided a great opportunity to build and manifest long-lasting friendships which I will treasure forever. I also got the impression that the workshop speakers had a good idea of how to make them engaging and shared in general a lot of insightful knowledge.

    After the workshops, I was able to choose a big variety of elective events. I have many different interests, especially in social community areas, that I want to develop which was my main reason to select activities in the area of media, sustainability, cultural identity and leadership mindset. With BUILD I had the awesome opportunity to take a deeper look into the sustainable measures of the university. At this day of the activity, I was able to visit campus areas that are usually not accessible for students on a regular basis. The guide was also very passionate about explaining to us the used sustainable methods. Another event had a huge impact on my worldview. One time there were guest speakers from different cultures present who shared their experiences and feelings about cultural belonging and the difficulties to fit in a new country. Being able to talk to those people helped me to gain an advanced awareness of my own cultural identity and understanding the importance of keeping it alive while adapting to another one. One other time I participated in a meetup where the Australian news ABC was present. They taught us how to detect fake news and what ethical aspects are needed to be considered before publishing an article. They also shared their email address to get in touch with them which gave me the opportunity to find even an internship in the future in Australia. The last event where I participated helped me to gain a more leader mindset. It was interesting discussing the topic with procrastinators like me who have ideas but don’t know where to start to realise them. Together we found some methods that made us feel more confident in being able to achieve our set goals.

    Activity student partook in at an event hosted by the UTS Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion

    All in all, I can just say that I enjoyed my journey with BUILD and I can only suggest to every abroad student who wants to take the opportunity in expanding their competencies in leadership or in important topic areas to join the program. There are many nice people in this community and you will have a great time where even unexpected opportunities in your future careers could arise.

    Author: Isabell Kubelka
    Exchange student from Germany

  • Meeting like-minded people in Poland

    Meeting like-minded people in Poland

    Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the International Workshop on Strategic Management at Poznan Technology University and it was a truly eye-opening experience.

    The workshop brought together experts in the field of strategic management from around the world, providing a unique opportunity to share knowledge, learn from each other, and explore new ideas. From insightful keynote speeches to engaging panel discussions, every session was packed with valuable insights and practical advice.

    I was particularly impressed by the calibres of the speakers and their expertise in the field. Their presentations were not only informative but also thought-provoking, challenging us to think differently about strategic management and its role in driving business success.

    One of the highlights of the workshop was the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals from diverse backgrounds. It was great to connect with colleagues from different countries and industries and share experiences and ideas.

    Overall, the International Workshop on Strategic Management at Poznan Technology University was a fantastic event, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in this critical area.

    I look forward to attending future events and continuing the dialogue on the latest trends and best practices in strategic management.

    Annabel Rose Cowley
    Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
    International Workshop on Strategic Management at Poznan University of Technology, Poland

  • Lifelong friendship in Leeds

    My experience in the Global Short Program at the University of Leeds was an unforgettable experience that opened my eyes to the world in remarkable ways. As a student in the equity portfolio management class, studying in an international setting not only expanded my academic knowledge but also allowed me to form lasting connections with students from diverse backgrounds. The program’s highlight was undoubtedly engaging in social events and excursions where I had the chance to interact with students from many different areas of the world.

    Academically the equity portfolio management curriculum was exceptionally led by esteemed professors and the program provided me with an in-depth view of advanced investment and portfolio management strategies. This ultimately developed my analytical and critical thinking skills and was further enriched by the diverse perspectives provided by my fellow international students, this added immense value to the learning process.

    Beyond academics, the global short program provided a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, I was able to immerse myself in the historic and lively British culture by exploring the historic city of Leeds and indulging in traditional cuisine. This was an enriching experience, and the warmth and hospitality of the city made me feel at home even in a new place.

    The most memorable aspect of the program was the social events, the university organised a range of events that brought students from various countries together to engage in cultural nights, karaoke, local music festivals, as well as the city’s nightlife. This helped foster a sense of unity and camaraderie amongst the cohort. These events not only created cherished memories but also built a global network of friends that I will hold onto forever.

    As the program concluded, I returned home with a profound appreciation for diversity and a newfound sense of global citizenship. The global short programme has inspired me to continue exploring the world, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and embracing every opportunity for personal intellectual growth. I’m immensely grateful for this life-changing experience and the lifelong connections I’ve made. The program has transformed me into a more empathetic and open-minded individual eager to embrace diversity and make a positive impact on the world.

    Shyeon Delnawaz
    UTS Business School Student
    Equity Portfolio Management in the United Kingdom
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship Recipient

  • Zurich, hot summer and FIFA!

    Zurich, hot summer and FIFA!

    I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to participate in a summer school course in Zurich, Switzerland, this July 2023. The course was called ‘International Sports Law: Legal Challenges in the Fight Against Doping’. 

    My summer school began when I arrived in Zurich in the middle of an unseasonably hot summer. After some complications in my arrival (no trains until 1:40am, and a $99AUD taxi ride for approximately 16 minutes), I began the following day with a fresh start. The university hosted a welcome BBQ, allowing us to meet the other summer school students. The majority of students were staying in the same accommodation (where I was) which was a great way to socialise after class and forge friendships that would last a lifetime! 

    As it was incredibly hot throughout our stay, we often swam after class to cool down. These are some photos of a swimming spot located 10 minutes from our accommodation. It was extremely peaceful and beautiful, and the water was so clean!

    As part of our studies, we undertook a number of academic trips to solidify what we learnt during class. Our first trip was to the FIFA museum where we played games, watched historical soccer matches, and saw iconic historical items such as the FIFA World Cup! Despite not being an avid soccer fan, it was an unforgettable experience.

    Another great moment was in our final week, where we participated in a moot court to put our knowledge to practical use. We were split into small teams and given 1 ½ days to prepare submissions for both a respondent and an appellant in a case on an anti-doping rule violation. Essentially, an instance where an athlete has been caught with a prohibited substance in their sample. The final round of the moot was held at the FIFA Headquarters in Zurich. This was such an exciting day, and the finalists did an exceptional job of arguing for their respective clients.

    To conclude, my time in Zurich was an incredible experience. I learnt so much about sports law that I had no knowledge on prior to the course. I met interesting people from across the world and can say with surety that I have made friendships for a lifetime. I am really grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in this Global Short Program, and I urge any student who is unsure about doing so to take the leap and do it!

    Serena Townshend
    Faculty of Law
    International Sports Law in Switzerland
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship recipient

  • Fourth of July in Virginia, United States

    Fourth of July in Virginia, United States

    Instead of rugging up in the Australian winter, I flew to Virginia in the United States to bask under the American sun while learning about American politics. 

    While I had previously visited the States, I had never been to Virginia, nor heard much of it. For these reasons, I initially felt ambivalent towards it. However, after landing and as the program went on, I grew a deep appreciation for Virginia and its significance in US history and politics. 

    I settled in quickly, arriving a few days before the program started. I was excited to set foot at George Mason University; it was an enormous campus that truly made me feel like an American student. 

    The program began full steam ahead. Our first group excursion was to the US capital, Washington D.C. We toured the city, stopping and taking pictures at iconic landmarks like the National Mall and the Lincoln Memorial. The atmosphere was buzzing, particularly with the lead-up to American Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July. 

    The Fourth of July was by far the standout highlight of the entire trip. It was an extremely hot and sunny day – perfect for a celebration. The day commemorates the Declaration of Independence of the US in 1776 from the British Empire. Around our campus location in Fairfax, as well as Washington DC, was a sea of red, white, and blue. Everyone proudly sported American flags. I felt extremely joyous, patriotic, and very much a part of the celebration. We began the morning at the Fairfax parade where we watched a number of local clubs, community groups and important members walk down the street. Some were dressed as mascots or on colourful floats. I also munched on a large slice of American pizza. After the parade, we made our way to a restaurant that served Southern delicacies like mac and cheese, hush puppies and key lime pie. 

    One of my favourite things about the program and the location of my university campus was that it was only minutes away from Washington D.C. – the heart of US politics. Whenever were allocated free time, we would make the most of the capital. We especially adored the Smithsonian museums, all of which were free. We would spend the whole day roaming around these museums as there are several of them all along the same strip. In particular, I loved the National Museum of American History which showcased cultural, social and political developments of the US, including the original Star-Spangled Banner. 

    In class, we would often discuss our excursions and how it made the US what it is today. All my peers showed a similar curiosity in the US, which made the classes so much more interactive and exciting. 

    Despite it being a two-week program, I can certainly say that I have made lifelong friends, experiencing things we are bound never to forget. Going into the program, my knowledge of the United States was predominantly based on the media I consumed. Now, after my study, I have a more profound understanding, appreciation, and respect for the United States. Personally, I feel as though I have grown to become more confident and open-minded. I am able to adapt to new surroundings and problem-solve. More importantly, I believe that I am a stronger communicator, and thus I have no doubt that I can quickly create meaningful relationships with others, which will benefit me in both my day-to-day and professional life. 

    Janelle Porciuncula
    Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
    U.S. Politics at George Mason University, USA
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship recipient

  • Out of my comfort zone, all the way to London.

    Out of my comfort zone, all the way to London.

    I am in my final year of university and studying for a bachelor of business with a major in international business and marketing. I wanted to do something new for my final year of university, and that’s when I discovered the option to study abroad in London at the London School of Economics through one of the uts Global Short Programmes.

    I saw this as an opportunity to push myself outside of my comfort zone, which it did in all the right ways. Being my first solo flight away from family, I was terrified and nervous about what to expect on this exchange; I wasn’t sure if I would fit in or if I would get lost on the first day in a new city.

    But, boy, was I mistaken. The entire experience taught me new things about myself, such as how easy it is to make friends, how getting lost in a new city leads to unexpected trips, trying new food and learning about British culture, and my internal fear of people judging me before I even say hello to them, but because everyone at the summer school had come from all over the world,
    everyone was on the same boat about making new friends and getting to know one another. On the first day of class, I met a friend and we spontaneously decided to attend the SZA performance together.

    The course I chose was MG209 Bargaining and Negotiations, which was three weeks long. The lessons were arranged as follows: a 3-hour lecture in the morning, followed by a 1.5-hour seminar with discussions and casework to better understand how the negotiations worked out and how to apply what we learned in the lectures to the cases themselves. This provided a greater grasp of how negotiations would take place in the real world, such as how to control emotions, when to design packages that would lure the opposition to give in, and how to secure your BATNA.

    London School of Economics itself had events planned which we could choose and sign up for such as I went to the Summer Boat Party on the Thames which was a great way to see the city come alive at night even though it was super cold that evening, I had a blast with the friends I had made from my course, spent the evening chatting and dancing the night away. Another event that I was very eager for was the Mamma Mia Musical, which honestly blew my mind away; I adore the movies, so watching the musical was like a chef’s kiss.

    Aside from that, I went on a few day trips to Brighton, Bicester Village, and Oxford. Brighton was a pretty charming seaside town with plenty of cute thrift stores, cafes, and, of course, the renowned Brighton Beach Pier. A group of us boarded a train from London Bridge Station, and the first stop after arriving in Brighton was brunch at “the breakfast club,” followed by a trip to the pier, rides, and a visit to this photobooth store, which I highly recommend if you ever visit Brighton. Bicester Village is an outdoor outlet mall that I recommend if you enjoy shopping. Oxford was rich in history, and the entire town has a lot of culture to it. Also, if you’re a Harry Potter fan, they have tours of where they filmed in Oxford.

    While I was fortunate to have met friends while there, I did venture out on my own to do things like go to Camden Market (I highly recommend the mac & cheese), Portobello Market, and my favourite market, Borough Market, which was only 10 minutes from my lodging. The strawberry and chocolate were to die for, and I may or may not have had them virtually every day. They were the most juiced strawberries I’d ever had. The borough market also had this very amazing paella that I can’t believe I’d never tried before. Oh and lastly, highly recommend the Greenwich area, Shoreditch and Covent Gardens.

    Finally, believe me when I say walking is the best way to explore London. I got to see so much more of the city because I would walk 20k steps almost every day.

    Aiza Qaisar
    UTS Business School student
    Global Exchange Student at London School of Economics, United Kingdom
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship recipient

  • Internship with Fugee Org – Malaysia

    Internship with Fugee Org – Malaysia

    The power of listening, sharing and leaving any pre-conceived beliefs and understandings aside.

    From the comfort of my home, I believed I understood some of the obstacles experienced by refugees but I soon realised my understandings were so far from being a true understanding.

    My main project was to interview the 20 recipients of educational scholarships from Fugee in Malaysia who were refugees mainly from Iran, Myanmar and Pakistan. This really was an eye-opener as I was unaware refugees awaiting final settlement allocations while living in Malaysia were not legally permitted to study, even though some of the refugees had already been in Malaysia awaiting final settlement for many years. 

    While I was not physically in Malaysia when interviewing the refugees, this was a benefit to my work experience internship as it gave me the space to take time out from the interviews whenever they became more emotionally challenging. As I have children the same age as many of the refugees it was important I ensured my mental health was always at the top of my priorities.

    Weekly check in session with a Fugee representative

    The representatives from Fugee were well experienced in dealing with the emotions that can sometimes slip into the minds of people working with refugees for the first time and guided me through the various processes required to ensure I was supported throughout the internship. Their wealth of experience in dealing with refugees were a great learning tool for me and the experience I gained from their assistance were and will continue to be invaluable.

    As a mature aged student, I came into the internship with experience travelling (10 years) and having had 3 children and with work experience spanning 45 years. I found a virtual internship gave me a perfect balance as well as an insight into working within the international sphere. It also allowed me to continue to care for my family and continue with my work commitments while still being able to complete projects assigned to me. 

    By the end of my internship I felt I was valued by the organisation and was able to learn real life working skills that will assist me in my future career. The skills I learned with my internship in Malaysia will be highly valued by employers and my current organisation has already identified ways in which the skills gained can be used within my current work. It would have been impossible to have had the opportunities afforded me during my internship without the assistance of The Global Student, The New Columbo Plan and my university.

    Introduction to Fugee with my manager (who was in Poland)

    Yvonne Wallbank
    Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
    Virtual Global Short Programs – Malaysian Internships
    Virtual Global Short Programs Scholarship Recipient

  • Danish delicious ‘Smørrebrød’ in Aarhus Denmark

    Danish delicious ‘Smørrebrød’ in Aarhus Denmark

    This July I travelled to the beautiful city of Aarhus located in the Jutland region of Denmark. Here, I completed a Supply Chain Management course at the magical Aarhus Universitet campus. I chose Aarhus University because its business school is so well reputed and Denmark as a country is such a leader on issues I care deeply about, such as labour market inclusion. I knew the experience would be unforgettable and enriching the moment I saw the campus. The university looked like something out of a movie with a stunning brook and pond front and centre.

    The grass areas were also perfect for a summer picnic with friends.

    On the first day of class, I met a few other international students and a few Danes who were all so welcoming and friendly. With some of the locals, I visited the ARoS Arts Museum, Aarhus Havbane, Aarhus Streetfood and Den Gamle By. They also introduced me to some Danish national treasures such as ‘Smørrebrød’ which tasted heavenly. There are so many little highlights of my time in Aarhus that I could write about, like our class’s Thursday ice cream runs, visiting the stunning Aarhus cathedral and Viking museum, or even learning about Denmark’s occupation by the Germans during WW2. Learning about the cultural differences between the Danes and Australians was such an eye-opening experience too. For one, did you know that if a Dane turns 25 and they’re not yet married their friends tie them to a post and pour cinnamon all over them? 

    One of the most memorable experiences of my trip was visiting Den Gamle By (‘The Old Town’). This charming town is an open-air museum that takes you on a blast into the past so you can see how the homes, people, food, and lives of Danes have changed since the 1600s. I was so impressed with the attention to detail in each and every home and shop that I explored. From horse stables in the 1600s to immigrant homes in the 1960s, I saw it all in vivid colour and detail.

    While the experience of studying abroad definitely took me out of my comfort zone, it was worth it for all the unbelievable fun I had and the friendships I built with people over there. For anyone wondering if they should do a Global Short Program, Aarhus University should be on your list of places to go. The people are kind, the courses are exceptional, and the activities are endless. 

    Anjali Valabjee
    UTS Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Law student
    Global Short Program student at Aarhus University, Denmark 
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship Recipient