RMIT International University Vietnam is playing a leading role in Ho Chi Minh City with its Student Ambassador Program featuring community outreach programs designed to develop student communication and interpersonal skills.

Representing the University, and in partnership with local community groups, volunteer students identify an organisation's needs and then work with it on a specific project. Desired outcomes are set at the start of each project, with clearly defined and measurable targets for achievement.

By having the opportunity to actively participate in the community, RMIT Vietnam students can expand their communication skills in both personal and professional settings.

Students are encouraged to develop and apply skills they have learned in the classroom in real life situations. This is consistent with the philosophy that learning is a life-long process that must take place both inside and outside the classroom.

Projects that students have selected include working with homeless veterans, deaf children, people living with HIV/AIDS and disadvantaged street children. One student group, for example, has learned sign language so that they can communicate more freely with deaf children. Another group has established a mobile cafe which travels to school campuses. Whilst handing out free coffee, they also distribute valuable information that can help school students better protect their health.

The University’s IT facilities have been used by another Student Ambassador Group to help a school for homeless children upgrade its computers. School staff have been shown how to use computers and to develop an easily maintainable website.

As students discover that their contributions can help change the lives of those with whom they work, many become eager to volunteer for other projects as well.

For example, a local non-profit organisation asked RMIT Vietnam for student volunteers to help oversee a fund-raising Easter picnic. About 20 volunteers were needed, yet more than 40 students volunteered to spend their Sunday afternoon at the picnic supervising young children and helping with activities.

Students make presentations and stage exhibitions about their experiences. Plans exist to collect and maintain information on student projects in a database so that future students will be able to help maintain and improve upon projects already conducted (As at March 2009).