Bachelor of International Studies students and alumna share learnings and insights at "Welcome Back" event

This was the first of such celebrations in four years due to the COVID pandemic, which prevented students from completing an overseas exchange program between 2020-2022. 

The evening featured a series of engaging speeches from students and staff. Deputy Vice Chancellor International, Iain Watt, delivered an inspiring address, highlighting UTS’s commitment to internationalisation and global mobility. Professor Alan Davison, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), and Associate Professor Andrew Hurley, Head of the School of International Studies and Education, also extended warm congratulations to the students, highlighting our pride in their achievements over the past year. However, the highlight of the evening was the poignant reflections from an alumna and two current students, who eloquently shared the impact and value of participating in an exchange program.

Evrithiki Diinis, our esteemed alumna and key-note speaker of the event, shared insights into her personal and professional progress since completing her In-County-Studies year at the Technische University Berlin in 2008. 

Since her graduation in 2009, Evrithiki has held positions in Australia and overseas with national and international exposure in government, no-profit organisations, and corporate sectors and developed into an exceptional cross-cultural communicator and team-manager. 

In her engaging speech, Evrithiki emphasised that she returned from her ICS-year in Berlin 16 years ago “with a newfound independence and confidence” yet she still underestimated to what extent the degree in International Studies enabled her “to almost effortlessly navigate a new country and culture”. 

She went on to explain that her year of In-Country Studies remains “a defining period of her life” since her time in Berlin continues to serve her “with friendships that still exist to this day, a feeling of home in another part of the world, lifelong memories and a reminder of the beauty to take risks, to get out of your comfort zone, and to be curious and just open to whatever may come next.” She reminded the current BIS students that they “can make a difference and impact in whatever role, organisation and location they choose whether it’s in Australia or overseas.”

Among other achievements, Evrithiki founded the for-purpose streetwear label and social enterprise IDEY KOKO in collaboration with a team in Sydney in collaboration with one in Ghana, Africa. Reflecting on her time there, she emphasised that “living there was not easy since it was also hard navigating very different cultural norms and customs” but that it was nevertheless, “one of the best times of [her] life” since it allowed her to become “incredibly resilient, patient.” The cooperation with four micro-businesses in Ghana, provided local employees a 3x times higher income to what they were previously earning. This additional income helped to send children to university for the first time, make home improvements and some of the contractors were able to establish their own businesses. 

Evrithiki concluded her insightful speech by highlighting that her degree in International Studies has enabled her “to pursue an interesting and varied professional life” and she encouraged current BIS students to see this degree “as an incredible foundation where the world can truly be [their] oyster.”

Following Evrithiki’s speech, current Bachelor of Communication (Media Arts and Production) Bachelor of International Studies (Germany major) student Josef Finsterer shared his experience of studying at the same Technische Universität Berlin, albeit 13 years later. Josef emphasised the profound impact of language learning on cultural immersion. “Learning a language is about access. Accessing a new culture, people and a way of being” he explained. He recounted his struggles and eventual success with the German language, noting that despite the initial challenges, his proficiency opened up unique cultural experiences. “The better I got at the language, the more access I gained to cultural experiences in Berlin—not just in the nightclubs” Josef joked.

He shared anecdotes about his time in Berlin, including working for a roofing company where he was immersed in the local dialect, and forming a deep friendship with a local who helped him learn German. Josef also highlighted the personal connection to his heritage through his studies. “My time in Berlin revealed to me much about my grandfather’s way of being, but more importantly, it changed the way I understand the world, and my place in it” he reflected.

His final advice to his fellow students, some of whom will be going overseas next year, was heartfelt and encouraging: “know that going overseas for the full year will be the best decision you make. You’ll learn about yourself and you’ll gain friendships you’ll have for life with people from all over the world. Be brave about speaking the language, make mistakes and keep trying. And most of all, just say yes to everything. Well, not everything that is offered to you in a nightclub” he concluded with a smile. 

Following Josef’s reflections, current Bachelor of Information Technology Bachelor of International Studies (majoring in Data Analytics and Japanese) student Rebecca Lu took the stage to share her transformative experiences through the Language, Culture and Global Exchange pathway at Ochanomizu University in Tokyo. Her speech was centred on the theme of gratitude.

Rebecca began by expressing her appreciation for the core language and cultural subjects that prepared her for her journey. “I am grateful for how the language and culture subjects helped develop a more holistic mindset and worldview, enriching both my interpersonal skills and studies” she said. She detailed how the accessibility to online events prior to her departure made her transition to Tokyo more seamless and less daunting.

Although COVID-19 disrupted her plans for a full year of In-Country Study, Rebecca was thankful for the opportunity to participate in the inaugural cohort of the Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Program at Ochanomizu University. This program, which included a summer program, internship and a semester of exchange , allowed her to deepen her understanding of social issues through the lens of EDI. “It helped me consolidate my worldview and values, and understand social issues from a broader perspective” she reflected.

Rebecca shared insights from her time connecting with local and international business owners in Tokyo, which sparked her interest in entrepreneurship. Her experiences in Japan also enhanced her communication skills and confidence in Japanese, increasing her employability prospects and fostering independence and initiative. She emphasised the importance of the friendships she forged, which extended her global network. 

In concluding her speech, Rebecca offered a piece of advice that had guided her during her exchange: “Put yourself out there, don't be afraid to make mistakes. No one’s perfect, and taking risks is essential for growth. She also encouraged future students to participate in the innovative and unique EDI Program. “Both males and females can participate in this program, so keep your eyes peeled during the Global Exchange applications!” she concluded with enthusiasm.

It was a wonderful evening of warm, funny and inspirational speeches where students shared their overseas experience and challenges conquered amongst themselves and with their academics who kept in contact and supported them through their ICS and exchange. 

The maturity, resilience and invaluable new set of life and cross-cultural communication and sensitivities skills learned by these students are some of the most essential attributes that employers nowadays value and look for in their workplace. 

The School of International Studies and Education are very proud of what they’ve achieved and remains committed to fostering these invaluable global learning opportunities, encouraging students to explore, engage and evolve.

The full set of photographs from this event can be accessed via this Bachelor of International Studies Welcome Back event 2024 album.