Buddy program

Transitioning to university life in a new country is a major milestone. The RMIT Buddy Program – a student-led initiative under the International Student Support – Student Life designed to help you feel welcomed, informed, and connected from day one. 

Our Buddy Team is made up of trained RMIT student volunteers who bring local insight and cultural understanding to support your transition into university life in Vietnam. From navigating campus to settling into the local community, your Buddy is here to help you feel at home, faster. 

Prior to your arrival, RMIT will introduce your Buddy to you via email, along with their contact details. Buddy will reach out to share essential information and offer support ahead of your departure. Buddy will stay connected with you throughout your journey at RMIT Vietnam — providing guidance, encouragement, and a friendly presence as you settle into life at RMIT Vietnam. 

What we do

Arrival and orientation

We support you from the moment you arrive, including Airport Pickup and International Student Induction to help you feel prepared and welcomed.

Social connections

Munch & Mingle offers relaxed lunch meet-ups where you can meet new people, share stories, and build friendships in a comfortable setting.

Vietnam exploration

Join City Tours, Ceramic Workshops, or cultural visits such as trips to the Ao Dai Museum to discover Vietnam’s culture and everyday life.

Cross-cultural exchange

Multicultural Language Lounges and interactive Cooking Classes bring students together to learn from one another through food, language, and shared experiences.

Hear from our international students’ experiences

Whenever I had questions, big or small, the Buddies were always quick to respond. They shared their local experiences with me — from daily needs to RMIT systems — and helped me feel more at home.

— Hiya Rakeshkumar Rana, Cybersecurity student 

Munch & Mingle made meeting new friends enjoyable and welcoming, making me feel a part of the RMIT community.

— Park Eunyoung, International Student 

About RMIT Vietnam Buddy Program

Become a buddy

Looking to build your employability while making a real difference? Joining the Buddy Team gives you the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally, while supporting international students during one of the most important transitions of their university journey. 

As a Buddy, you will develop valuable skills through hands-on experience and meaningful connections. 

Leadership development

Gain hands-on experience in event planning, problem-solving, and empathetic leadership

Cross-cultural skills

Strengthen communication skills and learn how to support and refer students to appropriate services.

Global networking

Build friendships with students from all over the world and act as a "Vietnamese Ambassador."

Voices from our Buddies

At first, I thought it was only about helping others explore Vietnam. But I soon realized it was also a chance for me to grow, learn, and open my mind.

— Nguyễn Mai Vy, HR Management student

Seeing international students smiling and enjoying themselves, free from homesickness, motivates me to contribute even more. My efforts as a Buddy truly matter.

— Lee Sihoo, Bachelor of Business student 

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RMIT's Buddy Program bridges domestic and international students

Hear more domestic and international students' stories and experiences on how the Buddy Program enriched their experience at RMIT Vietnam.

Whether you are a local or international student, if you’re passionate about supporting others as they navigate life in a new country and eager to sharpen your skills through cross-cultural experiences, you are welcome to join us as a Buddy.

If you wish to become a buddy, please contact us at international.students@rmit.edu.vn