Together abroad: RMIT students build global bonds in Poland

When a group of RMIT Vietnam students arrived in Poznań, Poland, they also began a powerful journey of collaboration and discovery. The trip became a shining example of how people from different backgrounds can come together, exchange ideas, and build something greater together.

It was April 2025. For the first time ever, a group of ten students from RMIT’s School of Science, Engineering and Technology (SSET) embarked on a remarkable academic journey to the International Strategic Management Workshop at Poznań University of Technology (PUT).

During their stay, they took part in an intensive four-day management workshop, gaining valuable insights into real-world business challenges, while also discovering rich cultural experiences and lifelong friendships.

Let’s hear how Hoang Phuc, Kim Ngan, Seokyung, and Thang – some of the brilliant SSET students in this group – leapt into a world beyond borders to Poland.

New beginnings

It was as if a door to a whole new world had suddenly opened — the first time stepping into another continent for many.

For Hoang Phuc, a final-year Software Engineering student and Technical Vice President of RMIT SGS Neo Culture Tech Club, the experience brought a similar enlightenment. “Oh, the Poland trip was packed with realisations! It genuinely felt like my world expanded,” Phuc reflects.

Meeting his international teammates from day one, he felt an instant energy. Collaborating on a strategic project, blending diverse ideas into one shared vision, and presenting together felt less like an assignment and more like a celebration of connection.

“And those moments exploring Poland, laughing and bonding after hours, they’re memories I’ll carry for a long time,” he adds.

A shift in mindsets

When Kim Ngan, a final-year Robotics and Mechatronics student, first joined the international workshop, she didn’t expect it to become one of the most memorable experiences of her university life.

“At first, I was amazed at how quickly everyone could work together,” Ngan recalled. “We had only four days, and our group was made up of people from different countries and majors. But somehow, the differences weren’t a barrier at all.”

Her team functioned seamlessly. Each member naturally identified their strengths – some were better at planning, others at technical skills or communication – and they all came together to contribute meaningfully.

Her observation echoed one of the key ideas behind the workshop design. Dr Stefan Trzcieliński, Project Manager of the International Workshop on Strategic Management Workshop at PUT, shared, working in diverse, international teams encourages students to challenge their own mental models, which are the internal frameworks they use to make sense of the world and one of the core concepts implemented in the workshop.

“Working in diverse, international teams pushes students to rethink assumptions and open up to new ways of seeing the world,” he highlighted. By interacting with peers from different cultural and academic backgrounds, participants developed essential traits for future global leaders, from strategic thinking skills to a stronger sense of empathy and adaptability.

Connections beyond the classrooms

It began as connections within the structured workshop, quietly evolving into something deeper. Real friendships forged not just in sessions but through everyday moments that made the experience truly unforgettable. For Seokyung Kim, a Software Engineering student, the true highlight was the human connection.

“We weren’t just talking about our work, we were sharing meals, exchanging stories, and laughing over cultural quirks.”

Even one day, they played UNO together from afternoon until night, ending up in a cozy café terrace under the stars. “It sounds so simple, but those moments felt close to the heart.”

Surprisingly, RMIT students grew closer too. “We had always seen each other around campus, but during the trip, we really bonded,” Ngan shared. “We went to school together, explored the city, helped each other when someone got sick. We became a little family.”

Leadership through connections

What united our students was a shared realisation: the most effective leaders are not always the ones with the best plans, but the ones who know how to bring people together.

“Leadership isn’t just about organising tasks,” Seokyung explained. “It’s about trust, empathy, and creating shared meaning.”

Seokyung explains “Every journey, including this workshop, reaffirms that no two human experiences are the same. Listening closely to others’ stories has been my gateway to broader understanding.” Her insight emphasises the value of empathy and open-mindedness in deepening connections with others.

Thang deeply appreciated the spirit of collaboration he experienced while working with top SSET students from RMIT Vietnam and international peers. He realised the importance of amplifying others' strengths and minimising friction within a team. This mindset shift, he noted, was significant for his aspirations of leading in the future and possibly building something of his own.

Hoang Phuc, too, found leadership extends beyond technical skills. “This journey taught me that real growth comes from stepping into the unknown,” he said. “Working with peers from France, Australia, and Poland showed me how diversity unlocks new perspectives.”

At the end, people are the thing that stays

After two weeks in Poland, it's the connections we forged that linger. Ultimately, it's the people who leave a lasting impact.

For Thang, this was especially true. “Despite our diverse backgrounds, our group connected deeply. Being surrounded by such exceptional individuals created an energy I truly appreciate," he shared.

For Phuc, moments of joy and companionship stayed with him. “Exploring Poznań, sharing laughs, and being present. Those memories and friendships are what I’ll truly treasure. It was a beautiful reminder that beyond the hard work, it's these human connections that enrich our lives.”

“And those moments exploring Poland, laughing and bonding after hours. They’re memories I’ll carry for a long time,” Phuc highlighted.

As this journey comes to an end, the profound impact lies in the bonds they’ve formed with both our RMIT peers and new friends worldwide. These deep bonds transcend cultural and geographic boundaries, enriching their lives with fresh insights and understanding. Together, they light the way forward, providing strength, clarity, and purpose as each student embraces the future with open hearts and boldness.

Because in the end, it’s not just about where you go, it’s who you go with, and what you gain from it, that makes the journey matter.

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

20 May 2025

More news