RMIT students travel to India under BITS partnership expansion

RMIT students travel to India under BITS partnership expansion

Six students from RMIT’s Australia and Vietnam campuses travelled to BITS Pilani’s Goa campus for a study tour where they were immersed in Goan culture.

One of the students, Seokyung Kim, an international student from Korea studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at RMIT, leapt at the opportunity to undertake a study tour at one of India’s most highly regarded tech universities.

“As a software engineering student with a minor in artificial intelligence and machine learning, I saw this as the perfect opportunity to explore both the technological and cultural aspects of India,” she said.

12 March 2025

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Group of students posing for photo in classroom

The new student mobility agreement between RMIT and BITS is an expansion on the existing partnership which saw the establishment of the BITS-RMIT Higher Education Academy in 2023.

The program during the study tour centered around discovering India, and particularly Goa’s rich cultural, societal and ecological heritage. 

During the two-week trip, RMIT students experienced lectures delivered by Professors from BITS Pilani about Goan literature, economy and local climate change action plans.

The tour broadened Seokyung’s worldview and provided experiences that she will take on through her studies and future career. 

“Developing a global mindset is not just about understanding different countries but also about embracing diverse perspectives.”

“Engaging with local people, adapting to a different culture, and experiencing new ways of thinking helped me develop a more holistic approach to problem-solving,” she said.

While at BITS, Seokyung connected with local computer science students and their research group, and they are now planning to collaborate on an international research project.

“The study tour has reinforced my passion for global collaboration and research.” 

“I’m excited to see where this partnership leads and how it will contribute to my academic and professional journey”

The study tour was complemented by cultural immersion experiences like field excursions to spice plantations and museums.

For Seokyung, these experiences formed some of the most memorable experiences of the trip.

“We participated in a local food and cuisine workshop at our instructor’s home. We learned to cook traditional Goan dishes, and of course, we got to enjoy the incredible food afterward. It was one of the cosiest and most interactive classes I’ve ever attended.” 

Group of students taking a selfie on a pier overlooking water

During the study tour, RMIT students met with the BITS leadership and RMIT’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Alec Cameron who was visiting the Goa campus, to share their experiences, backgrounds, and ideas about international education and future collaboration.

RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Alec Cameron said that it was wonderful to see the BITS Pilani partnership grow.

“After welcoming BITS Higher Education Academy students to Melbourne last year, I’m delighted we were able to have students travel to India and experience all that BITS Pilani and Goa has to offer.”

The mobility agreement will see BITS students visit RMIT on semester exchange programs in 2025/2026.

 

Story: Loretta Clancy

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12 March 2025

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