A journey to Poland, a journey back to self

The journey to Poland offered RMIT Vietnam students more than just academic workshops and teamwork. It pushed them out of their comfort zones and reached deep within, into moments of growth, connection, and self-discovery.

Stepping out the comfort zone

Growth doesn’t happen in safe spaces, and this trip proved it. As they traded comfort for challenge, students found that the unfamiliar often holds the most powerful lessons.

For Seokyung Kim, a Software Engineering (Honours) student, the academic exchange to Poland was more than just a learning experience, it marked her first solo trip abroad. “Traveling without family or close friends was a big step,” she shared. “It pushed me out of my comfort zone and into a whole new world of growth.”

Selected for the fully sponsored program, Seokyung approached the opportunity with an open mind. “I packed just a day before,” she laughed. “I wanted to stay open to whatever came next.”

Vu Thi Kim Ngan, a final-year Robotics and Mechatronics student, thoroughly prepared, researched the host city and the workshop’s case study, her real challenge came from her own self. “As an introvert, it was hard to connect at first,” she said. “But by opening up, I formed friendships and discovered confidence I didn’t know I had.”

A little different from the rest, Ha Trinh Nguyen, a final-year IT student, had a genuine passion for Poland. For nearly two years, she had been learning Polish and immersing herself in the culture through apps and social media. Therefore, the chance to visit Poznan felt like a dream come true to her.

She looked back on the whole trip, “As a final-year student trying to juggle everything in the program, there were times I felt completely overwhelmed and even panicked. The pressure to perform, represent well, and manage time zones across two continents truly pushed me.” But it was in navigating those challenges that she discovered her resilience and began to trust the journey, even when the outcome wasn’t yet clear.

Embracing new perspectives

For Duc Huynh, also a Robotics and Mechatronics student, it was the ease of cross-cultural connection that stood out. “I thought I’d struggle to fit in or communicate,” he recalled. “But once we started working together, I was surprised by how natural it felt. Everyone was respectful, collaborative, and open. That balance of professionalism and casualness made it easy for me to be myself.”

Duc Huynh said the exchange became a mirror for self-discovery. “At first, I worried I might not fit in,” he admitted. “But the open and respectful environment gave me the space to be myself—and helped me see I had more to offer than I thought.”

What began as a skills-based workshop soon became a lesson in mindset. By embracing discomfort, Duc found not only professional growth but also a new emotional flexibility and self-trust. He shared: “I noticed how I responded to different perspectives. Instead of shutting down, I stayed open. That’s something I wouldn’t have done before. Now, I see uncertainty not as an obstacle, but as a chance to build resilience and reflect.”

Beyond the lecture halls and strategy sessions, the Poland exchange offered a tapestry of cultural experiences, and unique personal discoveries.

Outside the structured sessions, Kim reflected on the value of slow moments: “If I could do something differently, I would have made more time to explore the local coffee culture. Reading Surrounded by Idiots—a global bestseller on human behavior that I picked up in Poznań, while sitting in a quiet café would’ve deepened my reflections even further.”

Meanwhile, Ngan found the trip’s magic lived in the streets. “Poznań has this beautiful blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy,” she said. “Walking through the Old Town felt like stepping into a postcard. It was lively but peaceful — a place that made me want to slow down and take it all in.”

Ha’s experience of embracing new perspectives came through meeting Polish locals who opened doors to hidden gems and stories beyond any guidebook. Their hospitality and friendliness, despite language barriers, made her feel safe and welcomed. A memorable evening exploring Poznan with friends, visiting castles, parks, museums, and local markets which deepened her connection to the city and helped her see life through a more local, authentic lens.

When it came to Duc, he saw his most meaningful moment in one of those quiet mornings. He remembered waking up early with a friend to jog through the still-sleeping city. “The streets were silent, soaked in soft light. It felt like Poznań belonged only to us for a little while,” he recalled. “We passed by beautiful, almost cinematic scenes and corners of the city I would’ve missed during the day. That moment, just being present and seeing the world slowly wake up around me, is something I’ll always carry.”

To Poznan and back

Sometimes, the most meaningful discoveries we make abroad aren't about new places, but about ourselves. For Seokyung and Ha, the most profound transformation from the trip was internal.

“Before going, I thought it would just be about experiencing the culture I love and applying my strategic thinking,” Ha shared. “But it turned out to be so much more.”

Participating in the Smart Build simulation reshaped her understanding of strategy. She realized it’s not just about logic and planning, but also about adaptability, timing, and empathy.

“I used to think of strategy as something fixed,” she reflected. “Now I see it as a living, breathing process shaped by feedback and the people involved.”

For Seokyung, the simulation challenged long-held assumptions. Coming from a technical background, she was used to structured problem-solving. But the real-time dynamics of the virtual business environment pushed her to adapt quickly. “Even with good data, you can’t wait for perfect clarity,” she explained. “You have to act with partial information and trust your strategic intuition.”

She added, “My mindset definitely shifted, especially in how I approach decision-making under uncertainty. I’ve learned that adaptability is a core part of effective leadership.”

The trip also reaffirmed Ha’s future aspirations. “After graduation, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in IT Management in Poland,” she said. “This trip reinforced that decision. It made me believe more strongly in my path and gave me a clearer picture of myself as a future Quality Engineering Manager.”

Now, both Ha and Seokyung, along with many of their peers in the trip, have returned with a quieter, deeper kind of confidence. One that doesn’t come from having all the answers, but from learning how to navigate uncertainty and lead with self-awareness.

Advice for the next batch

Ha encourages the next batch to embrace this opportunity fully: “Even if you’re new to the city or to Poland, don’t be discouraged. There’s always a way to find a sense of belonging. This experience is truly one of a kind. After my time here, I felt a strong desire to return, live, and work in Poland, continuing to build my career as a woman in STEM. Take this chance to explore, grow, and shape your own path.”

Duc also gave one simple, yet heartfelt piece of advice that stood out from his journey: “Take some time to jog around the area where you’re staying,” he shared. “You’ll discover parts of the city and see sights you might not notice otherwise. It’s a great way to enjoy the moment and get a deeper sense of the place you’re visiting.” It’s this spirit of curiosity and presence that defined the experience for many.

One student also put it: “Here’s to the doers, the ones packing laptops and expectations. Best of luck to the next group heading to Poland, just go live the story only you can write.”

Their journeys weren’t just about travel or academics, they were about carving personal paths through unfamiliar streets, embracing cultural moments, and returning with more than just knowledge, but with memories and mindset shifts that last.

Story: Pham Thanh Thao, a Professional Communication student at RMIT Vietnam, with inputs from the students from SSET.

27 May 2025

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A journey to Poland, a journey back to self