Scholarship offers international learning and connection

Arriving in Tokyo, Max Buchholz experienced “a mix of excitement and awe”.

“Tokyo’s vibrant energy and rich culture were unlike anything I’d experienced, and while adjusting to a new language and city was challenging at first, it quickly turned to fascination,” he said.

The Bachelor of Business student had travelled to the Japanese capital to spend a semester at Rikkyo University, with the support of the Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship.

He had applied for the scholarship as he was keen to expand his international perspective beyond RMIT – and the exchange certainly facilitated that.

At Rikkyo, he took International Business courses that explored Asia-Pacific trade dynamics and cultural insights, as well as immersive Japanese language classes.

Studying business from a Japanese perspective was eye-opening – it helped me understand the region’s economy and how culture plays a big role in professional life.

He also relished the opportunity to fully embrace Japanese culture.

“Practising Japanese daily, with support from friends, was challenging but incredibly rewarding. Some of my best memories include hiking Mount Fuji, exploring the countryside, and joining traditional festivals – all made even better by the friends I made along the way.”

Max said he felt very fortunate to be selected for the scholarship.

This has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that allowed me to grow both academically and personally, and the connections I’ve made will last a lifetime.

"I am incredibly grateful to Westpac for their generosity and commitment to empowering students like me and strengthening the relationships within the APAC region. The experiences I’ve gained have been invaluable in shaping my future."

The Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship is one of two Westpac scholarships available to RMIT students. The company also offers a Young Technologists Scholarship for students pursuing a future in STEM.