As part of IMU’s effort to enhance global learning experiences, Nutrition students now have the opportunity to undertake international practicums that expose them to diverse food systems, cultures, and learning environments. For Sayli Viren Vartak, a Semester 6 student from the IMU BSc (Hons) in Nutrition programme, a six-week placement at Deakin University, Australia offered valuable insights into research, communication, and cultural perspectives in nutrition — an experience that left a lasting impact on both her academic and personal growth.

When I first learned that the IMU Nutrition programme offered an international placement, I was both thrilled and a little nervous. The opportunity felt like a dream — a chance to learn in a new environment and experience nutrition from a global perspective. Supported by IMU’s global mobility funding, I was fortunate to complete a six-week placement at Deakin University, Australia, as part of my Practicum II module in Semester 6.

Immersing myself in a different academic and cultural setting was both exciting and enriching. The placement strengthened my technical and communication skills while exposing me to new ideas, collaborations, and learning approaches that extended far beyond the classroom.

“This international practicum opened my eyes to how nutrition connects people, cultures, and communities.”

Under the guidance of my preceptor, Dr Tan Sze Yen, the first half of the practicum focused on building strong research foundations.

I participated in research-based assignments, attended webinars, and engaged with student presentations on topics ranging from ultra-processed foods to environmental sustainability.

A particularly memorable highlight was the Grocery Store Tour and Price Comparison assignment, which involved visiting Coles, Aldi, and Colonial Fresh to compare food prices, nutritional quality, and accessibility. This hands-on experience revealed how affordability and marketing strategies can shape people’s dietary choices in real-world settings.

By Week 3, my learning took a creative turn with the Day on a Plate infographic project. This assignment challenged me to present nutritional information in a visually engaging and culturally relevant way. Balancing scientific accuracy with clear, accessible communication became a key skill, while collaborating with peers helped refine my ability to tailor messages for diverse audiences.

These mid-placement experiences allowed me to merge research with creativity, transforming evidence-based data into practical and relatable outputs — a foundation for the later stages of the practicum.

“Nutrition communication is not just about what we say, but how we make people understand and care.”

In the latter weeks, I further developed my research and communication skills through the Grocery Cart Comparison assignment and the International Perspective in Food and Nutrition presentation. These projects deepened my understanding of food culture, policy, and sustainability, reinforcing that being a nutritionist requires more than expertise in nutrients — it requires the ability to translate knowledge into meaningful action.

Beyond the assignments, I learned that nutritionists must be more than subject matter experts; we are also educators, communicators, and advocates. Whether in a supermarket, an infographic, or a discussion forum, how information is shared determines its real-world impact.

Reflecting on this journey, I am deeply grateful for the mentorship of Dr Tan Sze Yen, the welcoming and supportive environment at Deakin University, and IMU University that made this international experience possible.

“This practicum reminded me that as future nutritionists, we are researchers, communicators, and educators — ready to turn knowledge into action for diverse communities.”

This experience reinforced my conviction that nutritionists are not only promoters of healthier diets but also advocates for healthier, more informed communities. Every conversation, classroom activity, and research project became an opportunity to make a meaningful difference — a lesson I will carry with me throughout my career.

Written by Sayli Viren Vartak, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Nutrition from IMU on 1 November 2025.