Learning, Teaching & Skills Winner: RMIT University

Vietnam – United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Study Tour

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Study Tour (Vietnam) is an immersive educational program that provides students with first-hand knowledge of the SDGs in an emerging economy context. During the program, students experience the diversity of Vietnam, from rural home-stays to cutting-edge innovation spaces; from social enterprises to the United Nations Development Program. Students also undertake a multi-disciplinary project to improve sustainability outcomes for both Vietnam and Australia: from waste management to urban gardens, and bike-share systems to environmental education outreach programs. Since launching in mid-2016, over 60 students have joined this unique experiential learning journey and transformative experience.

“Winning the Green Gown award will raise the importance of learning about sustainability and sustainable community development across all degree disciplines. With the UN Sustainable Development Goals program being a two-week study tour to Vietnam, the impact of immersive global mobility and experiential learning environments will also be recognised. Moving forward, the award and recognition will help to secure resourcing and support to scale the program to reach more students, and expand the inter-University collaboration.”
Assoc. Prof. Adrian Orifici, Associate Dean (International), School of Engineering

Top 3 learnings:

1. The critical importance of having a local partner organisation, for the deep understanding of local context and culture.
2. The two main barriers to students participating in the in-country program are funding and associated academic courses/credit.
3. The inclusion of local University students to further the cross-cultural exchange and impact of the team Action Project.

Videos

• Video #1 (click to hide)