Reflections on participating in the Study Tour to Vietnam 2024 by Tobias and Abdul, students at RMIT Melbourne.
Two students from RMIT Melbourne campus, Tobias and Abdul, recently participated in the McCall MacBain Funded Study Tour to Vietnam in 2024. Their journeys, filled with professional growth, personal development, and unforgettable experiences, took them to the RMIT Vietnam Saigon campus where they participated in the Big Industry Challenge.
Big Industry Challenge
In the Big Industry Challenge, Tobias and Abdul, along with 150 of their peers, explored a real-life organisational challenge. They deep-dived into real-world issues faced by industry, worked closely with a local organisation, and heard from a variety of experts who broadened their understanding of the topic, “good health and wellbeing”.
Tobias' experience
Tobias, who is studying for a Diploma of Screen and Media Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects, found the tour to be a transformative experience. He made valuable industry connections and lasting friendships, deepening his understanding of Vietnam and its people. Tobias also faced and overcame his fear of feeling inferior, which was a significant personal challenge for him.
The tour It gave me more confidence to build more network beyond the country that I call home and have potential lifelong friends.
The tour was instrumental in Tobias' professional development, teaching him essential skills such as innovation, problem-solving, agility in a fast-paced learning environment, and active listening to ensure effective teamwork. On a personal level, the experience allowed Tobias to express and share the rich culture of Vietnam, boosting his confidence and enabling him to build networks beyond his home country.
After participating in the program, Tobias aspires to be a friend, leader, and innovator whom people can trust. He is committed to working hard to achieve the best possible outcomes both professionally and personally and is eager to support his global friends in any way he can.
Abdul's experience
Abdul, a Bachelor of Communication student, also had a remarkable journey during the study tour. He participated in the Big Industry Challenge and visited the RMIT Vietnam Saigon campus, where he was fascinated by the diverse facilities and services available to students.
This was the best experience of my entire life.
Abdul thoroughly enjoyed immersing himself in Vietnamese culture and gaining new knowledge and skills through the Big Industry Challenge. The trip provided him with the opportunity to meet incredible people, both from his group and from Vietnam, enhancing his open-mindedness and communication skills. Despite the initial challenge of crossing busy roads, Abdul quickly adapted and found the trip to be smooth and well-organised.
Abdul describes the study tour as the best trip he has ever been on, filled with learning, cultural appreciation, and personal growth. His visit to RMIT Vietnam Saigon campus and participation in the Big Industry Challenge left a lasting impact on him, making it an unforgettable experience.
Overall reflections
Both Tobias and Abdul found the McCall MacBain Funded Study Tour to Vietnam 2024 to be a life-changing experience. They returned with new skills, greater cultural understanding, and a network of friends and professional connections that will benefit them in their future endeavours.
About the McCall MacBain funded study tour
In 2007, John and Marcy McCall MacBain founded the McCall MacBain Foundation. The Foundation’s assets are derived from the proceeds of the sale of Trader Classified Media, the world’s leading company in classified advertising. John McCall MacBain was the Founder, President & CEO of Trader from 1987 until its successful sale in 2006.
