Study tour to Malaysia gives criminal justice students real-world insight

Students from the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies recently travelled to Malaysia for a two-week study tour.

Criminology and Psychology student Zoe Smith went on the trip and said it was the chance to gain global insight into how other countries seek to protect and preserve human rights that drew her to the opportunity.

“It was interesting to reflect on what this looks like in a criminal justice context and compare it with my own experience and knowledge in Australia,” she said.

A particular highlight for Zoe was a visit to Sisters in Islam, an NGO looking to promote the rights of women within the frameworks of Islam and global human rights.

“The women we met invited us to ask any questions and challenged our preconceptions and understanding of Islam and women's experiences of it. It was one of the most thought-provoking and insightful experiences for me,” she said.

The group also had an opportunity to visit the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur to learn about the roles the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Border Force and the Australian Federal Police play when on secondment.

Group of people standing in front f Australian Coat of Arms

RMIT students visiting the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.

Samantha Baker, Master of Criminology and Justice student, said it was valuable to see how careers in criminal justice can take you overseas.

“I had no idea that Australia and Malaysia had such a close relationship and how our AFP and border force played such a big role,” she said.

“It gave me a sense of ambition to keep pursuing a career in the criminal justice system.”

Zoe added that it was interesting to see how Australia supports other countries to preserve their human rights and prevent crime through collaboration and education, as well as maintaining international relationships.

“This experience has opened my eyes to a global criminological perspective,” she said.

“Not only in the context of potential human rights like human trafficking or modern slavery, but how the choices made, or the actions of Australians can work to create demand for and perpetuate this exploitation.”

Both Samantha and Zoe agreed that it’s opportunities like this tour offering real-world insight into industry and career pathways that have made their study at RMIT so enjoyable.

The broad range of opportunities offered as part of your studies, like this tour, give you invaluable lived experience to inform your studies

- Zoe Smith

Samantha added that she’s enjoyed seeing how academia fits in with Australia’s criminal justice system.

“I've also really liked hearing from my tutors, who have real work that's impacting the CJS, which makes the course work have more relevance,” she said.

06 September 2023

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Study tour to Malaysia gives criminal justice students real-world insight