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.

  • A Transformative Journey at the International Workshop on Strategic Management in Poland

    A Transformative Journey at the International Workshop on Strategic Management in Poland

    This April, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 25th International Workshop on Strategic Management, held at the Poznan University of Technology in Poland. The week-long event brought together students from top universities across Europe and beyond, immersing us in a dynamic environment to explore strategic management through real-world case studies and cross-cultural collaboration.

    On a tour in Poznan city

    Highlighting My Experience

    One of the standout moments of the workshop was conducting a deep dive into Porter’s 5 Forces Analysis. I was responsible for the supplier power aspect, creating a detailed poster that analysed how supplier dynamics influence cost structure and competitive advantage. This hands-on approach not only improved my understanding of the framework but also sharpened my ability to communicate complex strategic concepts visually.

    In addition, I contributed to a space analysis to determine the most suitable strategic direction for our case study. By plotting financial strength against industry attractiveness, we developed a comprehensive strategy, ultimately deciding on an aggressive approach to capitalize on market opportunities. This exercise taught me valuable lessons in balancing internal strengths with external industry conditions to inform strategic decision-making.

    In a clay workshop

    Lessons Learned

    Beyond the academic insights, the workshop provided a platform for personal growth. Working with a multicultural team from universities like the University of Technology Sydney, Centria University, and the University of Lille opened my eyes to the power of diverse perspectives. We collaborated on every aspect of the project, from strategic formulation to final presentations, which not only fostered teamwork but also enhanced my ability to work in a cross-cultural setting.

    One of the most memorable aspects of this experience was how much I grew as a communicator. Presenting our analysis to an audience of peers and professors helped me build confidence in public speaking, a skill I know will serve me well in my future career.

    Speaking during the group presentation

    Final Reflections

    This workshop was not just an academic challenge but a transformative experience. From learning advanced strategic management concepts to honing my communication skills, I left Poland with a broadened perspective and a renewed sense of motivation. The immersive nature of the program allowed me to appreciate the richness of Polish culture while also equipping me with the tools to thrive in global business environments.

    It was a week packed with learning, growth, and unforgettable memories, and I highly recommend participating in such programs to anyone eager to step out of their comfort zone and expand their horizons.

    Kajel Raina
    Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Diploma in Professional Engineering Practice
    Faculty Led – FEIT – Poznan University of Technology – International Workshop on Strategic Management
    Poland
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship

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

  • Waseda University, Japan

    Waseda University, Japan

    I don’t really like taking photos of myself, so you won’t see my face in any of these photos. However, a majority of the photos I have taken are either food or sceneries, which I consider to be beautiful to look at.

    One of the best Japanese Curry I’ve eaten in japan, located at Toriya Nanjakorya within Shinjuku
    Taken from a bridge in a traditional Japanese village 3 hours away from Tokyo called Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba
    Taken during a road trip to Kyoto and Osaka I took with a group of exchange students. This is located at the Bamboo forest, specifically the path to the highest point of the area.

    Jack Le
    Bachelor of Computing Science (Honours)
    Waseda University, Japan
    New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant

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

  • LMU Winter Studies

    LMU Winter Studies

    The LMU Winter Studies course has been a novel, unique and enriching experience which has provided me with invaluable cultural, social and historical knowledge. From the EU Winter school to German classes to exploring Europe with a small class of students from many different walks of life this journey has felt like a culturally immersive experience which exceeded my preconceived notions of how much I would learn as student and grow as a person by attending this short program.

    This trip has provided me with a plethora of cultural knowledge. Starting the trip out in Germany, we were instantly hit with a cultural shock as the attendant at the Ice-skating rink asked us why we were all smiling, wearing a deadpan expression. That interaction underscored the daily exchanges we would have during out time in Munich when we were exploring the stores in the old town, buying our daily coffee from the café near our class and meeting locals at the numerous beer houses. What I learned quickly wasn’t that people in Munich were necessarily rude, but rather robotic and professional. This notion held strongly until you shared a drink with a local, then the colours of their personalities shone very brightly. I think one of the things I will miss most about Munich is the absolute dedication the city holds to art of baking pastries. No matter the shop, or the time of day, a buttered pretzel, Nutella croissant or apple strudel was never out of reach.

    The architecture which we were exposed on a day-to-day basis in Vienna and Munich was simply breathtaking, even after a month of taking the same route to class I couldn’t help feeling astounded by the size, detail and beauty of the Baroque architecture in Bavaria. The Vienna city centre was without a doubt the astounding series of buildings I have ever seen in my life. Moreover, the weekly sightseeing and tourist activities wouldn’t have been possible without the excellent service of the transit services in both Vienna and Munich. In addition to trains, I found the transport infrastructure in both cities exceptional and extremely fitting for major cities supporting millions of workers and students, with a multitude of options meaning driving wasn’t necessary. Travelling by foot in both European cities also meant your lungs had to quickly become accustomed to the blistering cold and thick cigarette residue which culminated in a smog blanket covering both cities.

    Overall, I found this course an enlightening experience which I will remember fondly, and I’m sure it will positively support my career growth.

    Bardia Bagherli
    Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Law    s
    Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship

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

  • More than just a learning opportunity in Mexico City

    More than just a learning opportunity in Mexico City

    Studying at Tecnológico de Monterrey for a business course and a beginner Spanish class was an unforgettable experience. Initially, I experienced a slight cultural shock, but I quickly adapted once I realized how warm and welcoming everyone was. Being surrounded by other like-minded students also made the transition smoother, and soon, I found myself immersed in a completely different culture, ready to embrace every opportunity.

    One of the most valuable aspects of my time in Mexico was the chance to integrate into a new society while learning a language from scratch. Practicing Spanish daily and seeing my own progress throughout the program was incredibly fulfilling. Learning alongside fellow students who were in the same situation made the experience even more enjoyable. We supported each other, laughed at our mistakes, and celebrated small victories together. It was rewarding to step out of my comfort zone and engage in conversations with locals, further deepening my understanding of Mexican culture.

    Meeting people from all over the world was another highlight of my experience. Sharing stories, comparing cultural similarities and differences, and gaining new perspectives broadened my global understanding. These friendships made the experience even more special, as we explored, studied, and grew together.

    Mexican food was undoubtedly one of the best parts of my trip. Tacos became a daily staple, and I never tired of trying different varieties. Every meal was an adventure, and the rich flavors and vibrant street food culture added to the overall immersion in Mexican life. Beyond the food, the country itself was an exciting place to explore. We went on excursions to discover the city, engaged in adventurous activities like hiking and bungee jumping, and took trips to nearby towns to experience different facets of Mexico’s diverse landscape.

    Visiting Mexico City was another unforgettable experience. The energy of the city was electrifying, and attending a lucha libre match was one of the most exhilarating moments of the trip. The atmosphere, the passion of the crowd, and the theatrical nature of the wrestlers made it an event unlike anything I had ever seen before. These experiences reinforced the joy of stepping into a new culture and embracing everything it had to offer.

    Reflecting on this journey, I realize how much I have grown academically, socially, and personally. From overcoming initial nerves to forming lifelong friendships and developing new skills, this program was an enriching and transformative experience. Studying abroad in Mexico was more than just a learning opportunity; it was a chance to see the world differently, build meaningful connections, and embrace new challenges with an open mind.

    Lachlan Wilson
    Bachelor of Design in Product Design
    Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM), Mexico
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship

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

  • Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone:

    Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone:

    Lessons from My HEX Global Short Program in Singapore

    Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone. That’s exactly what I experienced during my time in Singapore for the HEX Global Short Program—an intense, eye-opening journey that challenged me in ways I never expected.

    From the moment I arrived, I knew this experience would be different. Singapore, a city that thrives on innovation and progress, was the perfect backdrop for a program designed to push boundaries. I was surrounded by driven, like-minded individuals, each bringing their own ideas, perspectives, and ambitions. It was both intimidating and exhilarating.

    Learning Beyond the Classroom

    This program wasn’t about sitting in lectures and taking notes. It was about real-world learning—solving problems, pitching ideas, and immersing ourselves in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship. We engaged with startups, tackled complex business challenges, and learned from industry leaders who had been in the trenches of building and scaling companies.

    One of the biggest takeaways for me was learning to embrace uncertainty. Often, we wait for the “perfect” moment to take action, but the reality is, there is no perfect moment. Innovation happens when you take a leap, adapt, and refine along the way.

    The Power of People

    What truly made this experience special were the people I met. Every conversation, whether with a mentor, a fellow participant, or an entrepreneur, expanded my mindset. These were individuals who had taken risks, failed, learned, and succeeded—proving that resilience and adaptability are the keys to growth.

    Being in such an inspiring environment reminded me of why I love challenging myself. It reinforced the importance of surrounding yourself with people who push you to be better, who encourage you to think bigger, and who remind you that no dream is too ambitious.

    A New Perspective on Growth

    The HEX Global Short Program wasn’t just an educational experience—it was a transformational one. It changed the way I see opportunities, risks, and my own potential. I left Singapore not just with new skills, but with a renewed drive to pursue ideas that matter, to embrace challenges, and to keep pushing forward.

    If there’s one thing this journey taught me, it’s that growth comes from stepping into the unknown. And sometimes, the best way to grow is to simply take that first step.

    Geoff Asilo
    Bachelor of Management Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation
    HEX – Singapore
    Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship

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

  • Six weeks in Jakarta

    Six weeks in Jakarta

    Spending six weeks in Jakarta, Indonesia, through the ACICIS program was an unforgettable and transformative experience. The program was split into two parts: two weeks of intensive study and four weeks of professional placement. During the study component, I took daily Indonesian language classes, which quickly built my confidence in navigating day-to-day life. Being able to speak even basic Bahasa Indonesia made a huge difference in connecting with people and understanding local culture more deeply.

    For the internship portion, I was placed with the Human Rights Working Group (HRWG), an NGO focused on human rights advocacy and policy. My main project involved researching and contributing to a policy paper on the first 100 days of Prabowo Subianto’s presidency—a topic that gave me rich insight into Indonesia’s political landscape and evolving policy priorities. It was fascinating to see how human rights concerns intersect with political change, and I learned a great deal from the team’s expertise and passion.

    Outside of work and study, I made the most of my time exploring Indonesia. I spent a weekend in Bandung, where I experienced the city’s culture firsthand with a motorcycle tour, sampled local street food, and visited several iconic sites. It was a lively and colorful city, and the hospitality of the locals made it even more memorable.

    On another weekend, I took a short trip to one of the small islands near Jakarta. There, I snorkeled, paddle-boarded, kayaked, and even swam under coral formations—a surreal and beautiful experience. Seeing vibrant marine life up close was a highlight, and it sparked a desire to keep doing these kinds of outdoor activities now that I’m back in Australia.

    Overall, the experience was not only academically and professionally enriching, but also personally empowering. I built lasting friendships, deepened my cultural understanding, and discovered new interests that I want to carry forward. My time in Indonesia has definitely strengthened my interest in the Indo-Pacific region, and I can absolutely see myself returning in the future for work or study. This program gave me a solid foundation to continue engaging meaningfully with this part of the world.

    Abril Anzola Jurgenson
    Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of International Studies
    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

  • Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia, Italy

    Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia, Italy

    I recently moved to Venice, Italy at the beginning of September for exchange. Since moving here, I have completely fallen in love with the city and everything to do with it.

    Academic life

    I have used free electives for my exchange. I am currently taking Italian language classes which I would highly recommend to anyone moving to a non-English speaking country. My Professoressa is incredible. She has taught us so much in such a short time and it is such a joy being able to practice what I am learning in my day-to-day life. On top of this I took Politics and Environmental Sustainability, Venetian Art and Archeology, and History of Venice.

    The university facilities are scattered all across the island. So far, I have had classes in a cinema and a nunnery. I have also had Venetian Art and Archeology excursions to a church and an art museum. There is a large economics campus on the island which a lot of students have classes. This campus is beautiful, with a large garden courtyard and a bar on the water with amazing views of the sunset. The teaching style has similarities to Australian classes, but I would say generally has less student participation. In two of my classes, History of Venice and Politics and Environmental Sustainability, the teacher sat up the front with a PowerPoint and talked, with minimal student activities and interaction. However, in my Venetian Art and Archelogy as well as my Italian classes the teacher gets us involved in the lessons, and as I said, even takes us on excursions.

    My week is divided into 2-3 classes a week for each subject. These range from 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours long. I am not quite sure whether you would call them lectures or tutorials because depending on the subject, your range of participation in the class differs. All the students here call them classes, rather than lectures or tutorials anyway.

    When you are not in class you can go to the numerous libraries that the university offers. These are all beautiful and more often than not, right on the waterfront.

    Life in Venice

    There are no cars in Venice, so you spend most of your days walking around the city getting from class to class, or bar to bar if you’re meeting friends. The fact that there are no cars forces you to explore the city, which in Venice you must do! Venice is a city of hidden gems. You never know what you are going to find around every corner you turn or at the end of every little alleyway. I have walked around the island more times than I can count, and I am still discovering new restaurants, bars and gardens hidden in the maze.

    Living on an island has turned out to be more fun than I could have imagined. It feels like we are in a little bubble. With all our friends within a 30-minute walk of each other, and everywhere we want to go and meet within walking distance you are constantly running into people and hanging out with friends spontaneously.

    However, if you do ever get a bit tired of the bubble there are endless amounts of trains and flights you can catch from Venice that take you almost anywhere in the world. I have been overwhelmed with options of places to visit for absolutely nothing. So far, I have travelled to Verona for a weekend, Treviso in Northern Italy, the wine regions in the Veneto, Munich for Oktoberfest, Sicily for a week, Florence for a night and I already have so many more trips coming up. You can get direct trains in between countries with the most amazing scenery or flights for as little as 30 euro return to almost anywhere in Italy. Having the opportunity to travel this much, I am able to experience the most incredible places, meet new people and don’t even get me started on the food.

    It is no mystery that Italian food is some of the best in the world. My evenings are spent eating pasta and pizza with friends over an Aperol spritz and soaking in the beautiful city.

    Anyway, it is safe to say I am loving my exchange so far and I cannot wait to experience more of it.

    Tara Watson
    Bachelor of Management
    Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia, Italy
    Global Exchange Scholarship

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

  • My new life in Manchester

    My new life in Manchester

    I’ve spent the last 6 weeks settling into my new life in Manchester. The city is so alive with history and culture, and I’ve loved exploring its different neighbourhoods and areas. Personal favourites include Ancoats and the Northern Quarter, which are so full of life and bustling with young creatives, with lots of great coffee spots, terrace cafes and pubs as well as vintage shops.

    MMU Fashion Institute has some amazing facilities and studios available to its students. I’m feeling immensely grateful to have access to all their resources during my time here, as well as for the support of academic and technical staff in all my creative endeavours. I’m focusing on developing my practice as a fashion designer while challenging myself to learn new skills and techniques that I haven’t had the opportunity to develop before. I am constantly inspired by the city around me, and a recent day trip to Liverpool also sparked inspiration for my current project, drawing on family heritage that was traced back to Liverpool.

    Our day trip to Liverpool was another highlight. A sunny October day spent strolling through the cobbled streets, window shopping, visiting the Bombed Out Church, Walker Art Gallery and Royal Albert Docks, then finishing off the day with a classic Sunday roast – Yorkshire pudding and all the trimmings! I’m now looking forward to a short trip to Scotland during reading week!

    Josephine Sineux
    Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Textiles
    Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom
    Global Exchange Scholarship

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

  • My Global Short Program experience with International Internships

    My Global Short Program experience with International Internships

    In January 2025, I had the privilege to embark on a one-month adventure to the province of North Sumatra in Indonesia as part of my Global Short Program experience with International Internships. As a final year student of my Bachelor of Environmental Biology degree, I decided to undertake this internship to diversify my learning experiences and to develop a cross-cultural awareness and understanding of one of Australia’s closest partners. This experience has been life-changing to say the least, with many core memories, relationships, and knowledge being built along the way.

    Indonesia has a rich culture that varies amongst its many ethnic groups around the country. I found the cultural workshops and classes to be extremely eye-opening, as much of the culture differs tremendously from the culture we know back in Australia. Having spent most of my time in North Sumatra, I learnt about the Batak ethnic group, and their highly spiritual and rich cultural heritage that continues to be resilient against ongoing threats of land ownership and natural resource use.

    My project was with a grassroot organisation OIC and was shared with 2 other Australian students from other university institutions and a local Indonesian student. The project focused on monitoring soil erosion and measuring carbon stock at Bukit Mas Permaculture Centre. This site was a former palm oil plantation with much of it having been restored by the organisation back to natural habitat for the endemic Sumatran orangutan population. In addition, the permaculture centre serves as a community hub for sustainable farming and education. Our field visit experience was extremely impactful, allowing us to contribute towards a key threatening issue faced by the locals and the success of restoration efforts by the OIC.

    A few highlights from my time in North Sumatra include making life-long connections along the way. I was able to connect with a range of individuals, such as Indonesian students, Australian students, Indonesian mentors, experts, and partners. We were also able to explore areas throughout North Sumatra in our free time, one of these being Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world. We also spent a weekend in Bukit Lawang, where we went trekking to see the Sumatran orangutan in the wild, an experience that can only be done in North Sumatra!

    Overall, this Global Short Program has been life-changing to say the least, and I believe has taught me new skills and knowledge that I would not have been able to acquire in a normal classroom setting. I have not only gained professional experience and development towards my future career goals, but also the most amazing memories!

    Amy Wong
    Bachelor of Environmental Biology
    International Internships, Indonesia
    New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant

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

  • Lots to do and lots to see in sunny Barcelona

    Lots to do and lots to see in sunny Barcelona

    For the last five months I have had the privilege of studying law at UPF. As my time draws to a close in sunny Barcelona, I would love to give you some of my hard-earned wisdom!

    Academic Life at UPF

    My Subjects

    UPF operates on a trimester model – as part of my exchange took classes in the winter and spring semesters. In the winter semester, I took ‘Gender and the Law’, ‘International Protection of Human Rights’ and ‘Justice and Individual Rights’. In the spring semester, I studied ‘Alternative Dispute Resolution’ and ‘Globalisation’.

    I recommend taking ‘Gender and the Law’ as it provided me with a interesting perspective on how law is formed. This course combines theory and practical knowledge in a truly unique and holistic manner. I particularly enjoyed the historical study of European perspectives on gender and the consequential impact that the law played in reinforcing societal structures.

    Teaching Styles

    The teaching styles used at UPF depend on the specific course. Most of the subjects I have taken involve assessable class participation. Generally, students are expected and encouraged to participate in discussions by contributing their opinions on certain subject matters.  

    Theory classes often involve a live lecture and a class discussion. Usually, these classes do not require attendance, however, I have found that attendance is necessary for students seeking to pass the courses. Some subjects offer seminars, these are usually assessable and are more focused on group discussions and practical skills.

    Life in Barcelona

    Over the past few months, I have fallen in love with Barcelona. The city is exceptionally cool with lots to do and lots to see. It is fairly walkable and easy to get around using their extensive train, metro and bus systems. Eating out can be quite expensive but there is decent access to affordable and fresh groceries. The city has some of the best vintage markets – I would really recommend leaving some space in your suitcase!

    Be warned! As the weather gets warmer, the sun will start to set much later. As a result of the longer days, dinner time occurs much later and social activities can last well into the early morning.

    Top Tips for Barcelona

    1. Enrol in Spanish/Catalan language courses offered by a UPF.
    2. Buy a T-Jove travel card.
    3. Make sure you are in Barcelona to celebrate Sant Jordi.
    4. Get to know your neighbours.
    5. Travel to Barcelona’s many surrounding towns.

    Lily O’Brien
    Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of Business
    Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain
    Global Exchange Scholarship

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