RMIT's Buddy Program bridges domestic and international students

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RMIT's Buddy Program bridges domestic and international students

Transitioning to a new university life in Vietnam is a big step, but the Buddy Team at RMIT Vietnam ensures no student does it alone. From airport pick-ups to everyday catch-ups, they turn small cares into lasting connections that help international students feel at home.

The Buddy Program is a student-led initiative under International Student Support (ISS) at RMIT Vietnam which helps international students adjust to life on campus and within the wider Vietnamese community. By fostering a welcoming environment, it promotes cross-cultural understanding and ensures newcomers feel supported and connected.

Buddy Team volunteers provide guidance and companionship that ease the transition into a new environment. From airport pick-ups and campus tours to cultural exchange activities and casual meet-ups, they offer practical support that helps international students settle in with confidence.

Crossing the bridge

Starting life in a new country can feel like standing on one side of a bridge, looking across at unfamiliar language, customs, and daily life.

One highlight of the Buddy Team program is the City Tour, which brings local and international students together to explore Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. More than sightseeing, the tour offers an introduction to the cities’ rhythms, hidden corners, and everyday life. For many international students, it is their first chance to experience Vietnam through local eyes.

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The experience goes far beyond city streets.

At the Áo Dài Museum, international friends discovered the beauty and history of the country’s traditional attire. They experience a lively cooking class guided by local chefs saw participants team up to prepare iconic dishes like gỏi cuốn (spring rolls), gỏi miến mực (squid glass noodle salad) and bánh xèo (crispy pancake), leaving students with both new insights into the unique beauty of Vietnamese cuisine and memorable shared stories.

International students enjoying Vietnamese cuisine

Not only that, the Buddy team also brings many on-campus events to international students, from gatherings to workshops. For example, the Language Lounge was created to help international students take their first steps across. Here, students practice conversation in diverse languages, share cultural nuances, and connect through everyday expressions.

Another gathering, called Munch & Mingle offers a great occasion for both international students to get along after class. Taking place every two weeks, this laid-back lunch event invites international students to bring their lunch, share stories, and forge friendships. It offers a welcoming atmosphere that nurtures a sense of belonging. As Park Eunyoung, an international student, expressed, “Munch & Mingle made meeting new friends enjoyable and welcoming, making me feel a part of the RMIT community.”

No longer strangers

For Hiya Rakeshkumar Rana, a second-semester Cybersecurity student at RMIT, the Buddy Team has been one of the most meaningful parts of her university journey.

Coming to Vietnam from India meant starting fresh in every way to her, from tackling academics and visa requirements to making friends and understanding local culture. In those moments, the Buddy team became her lifeline. “Whenever I had questions, big or small, they were always quick to respond,” she shares. “They poured their local experiences into me, whether it was about daily needs, RMIT systems, or helping me feel more at home.”

That steady support gave Hiya the confidence to overcome obstacles and settle into life in Vietnam. Instead of feeling isolated, she felt reassured, engaged, and ready to explore her new environment.

“The Buddies made a real difference in my university life,” she reflects. “I hope other international students will feel the same warmth and support that I did.”

Her story is one of many showing how the Buddy Team transforms student life. Students connect through everyday moments like studying, exploring the city, or sharing stories, and these bonds often last beyond a semester, continuing online and across borders.

These experiences create lasting friendships and a true sense of community..

Driven by community

For Sihoo Lee, Bachelor of business student, joining the Buddy Program was driven by empathy. “I’ve always had a passion for supporting people, especially international students, because I understand how challenging it can feel to live in a new country,” he explains. His goal has always been to make their experience enjoyable, stress-free, and filled with memorable moments.

One of his most meaningful experiences was the Ao Dai Museum tour. He remembers the international students smiling and enjoying themselves, free from homesickness or worries, and it continues to motivate him to contribute even more.

Seeing those smiles made him realise that his efforts as a Buddy truly mattered

When it comes to Mai Vy Nguyễn, a first-year student double majoring in Human Resources Management and Management & Change, the Buddy Program became her chance to grow. After 12 years of public schooling in Vietnam, she described herself as introverted and cautious, often finding it hard to open up in new environments. Entering RMIT’s diverse international setting felt overwhelming, and she struggled to fit in.

That changed when she became a Buddy. “At first, I thought it was only about helping international students explore Vietnam,” she recalls. “But I soon realised it was also a chance for me to grow, learn, and open my mind.”

Vy grew more confident and adaptable while gaining practical skills in cross-cultural communication, empathetic leadership, event planning, time management, and problem solving. “I’ve learned so much from my teammates, from how they communicate to how they perform under pressure.

The Buddy Program is more than a supporting initiative; it is a reminder that connection knows no borders. What begins as a simple helping hand can grow into lifelong friendships and a community that feels like home. These bonds show that while cultures may differ, the spirit of sharing, supporting, and belonging is universal. As Vy reflects, “Together, we share the same vision: to create a welcoming and inclusive community at RMIT.”

Details on the Buddy program

Story: Written by Pham Thanh Thao, a Professional Communication student, with input from the Buddy Team. This article does not reflect the views of RMIT Vietnam as an institution.

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