The Belajar Bersama Komunitas (BBK) International program, for the second time, embarked on a journey in collaboration with the University of Notre Dame Australia in the year 2025. The program, organized under the World University Association for Community Development (WUACD), is designed to provide participants with global experiences while also offering firsthand exposure to cultural exchanges and local practices. Through cultural exchange activities, including gatherings with locals, engaging in fun games with the local community, exploring traditional arts and history, and visiting remarkable places, BBK International 2025 demonstrates how the program aligns with multiple fields of discipline, particularly in cultural exchange and local practices.

As part of establishing communication and strengthening participants’ social connections, students participated in a Community Dinner, which took place at one of the student accommodations, Felicia’s residence, at 6:00 p.m. on July 31. They had a lively conversation with local students, a leader, and a coordinator from Student Life at the University of Notre Dame Australia, who also joined the dinner. The topics of conversation varied from cultural differences to personal hobbies, even diverse academic backgrounds. These conversations managed to bring participants to a closer relationship and create a sense of camaraderie among them, which (mention about the benefit or what can be reflected through the activity, then you could mention the correlation to the SDGs achieved) reflects the SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 4: Quality Education. Participants gained a deeper understanding of multiculturalism and even formed a bond among themselves. It reflects the sense of community and belonging within the group, which perfectly aligns with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through exchanges of cultural knowledge. It is reflected through how Community Dinner is not just a gathering but also a form of cultural exchange with the community.

On July 31st, participants from BBK International and the Student Life of the University of Notre Dame Australia joined a fun games evening at Cana Community, a charity organization, in St. Paul’s Hall, Fremantle, Western Australia. Various activities were held, including social games, community interaction, and afternoon tea. These activities created a fellowship bond and connection among attendees, providing a place for participants and the local community to share their stories, engage, and even get involved in helping prepare the games. After all the fun activities and interaction, participants spent more time playing bingo with the elderly at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, bringing new perspectives on the culture that exists among elderly people in Australia. Through these activities, the program raised awareness on SDG 3: Good health and Well-being, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

Port Walk is another cultural activity full of real practice experience, scheduled for the next day, August 1, 2025. Located in Victoria Quay, Fremantle Port, Western Australia, participants engaged in an educational guided tour of Fremantle Port, learning about its history, operations, and its role as Western Australia’s major general cargo port. Along the way, they explored several operational sectors, learning about the port’s logistics, environmental initiatives, and community engagement plans. They acknowledged that the port has played a significant role in Western Australia’s development and history, including wartime. Participants were also engaged by asking questions and interacting with the port staff in terms of understanding the port operations and marine logistics, and raising awareness on the port’s significance in regional commerce and sustainability. Despite the adventurous tour of the port, the program managed to involve multidisciplines and sustainability, including SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth as the program exhibit the history and the growth of Fermantle, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities in the way the program encourage the conservation of cultural heritage and increases awareness of how important it is to protect local identities, and SDG 14: Life Below Water as the participants learn about port’s maritime industry through the program.

Later that day, after a long walk, the participants, locals, and Notre Dame Australia students had a feast of the traditional Fish and Chips menu. They gathered at Bathers Beach, immersing themselves in authentic coastal vibes while eating with the locals, which is how Fish and Chips are traditionally enjoyed at gatherings or picnics. This activity brings opportunities to the students to learn about local culinary culture. Having a shared meal provided a place to exchange culture in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere. This boosted the implementation of SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, as the program provides participants with a chance to exchange cultural knowledge over a relaxing and comfortable lunch.

On the 6th of August 2025, BBK International participants and student volunteers from the University of Notre Dame Australia visited another remarkable place, namely Cantonment Hill. Cantonment Hill is a small rise overlooking the port city of Fremantle, Western Australia, which is registered as a sacred Aboriginal place, since it holds rich indigenous cultural value and historical use, and is one of only two Bush Forever sites in the city of Fremantle. The participants were involved in activities of preserving and caring for the Rottnest Island Pine trees. They also volunteered in weeding or exterminating the weeds that are stealing nutrients from the plants that are supposed to grow in order to maintain and preserve the land and climate. In order to preserve Cantonment Hill, home of Rottnest Island vegetation, the growth of weeds needs to be exterminated. This shows how this activity is perfectly aligned with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, as the program encouraged participants to be aware of a healthy environment, SDG 13: Climate Action, in the way the participants volunteered actively on the weeding activity, and SDG 15: Life on Land as the program cares about the life of the plants that inhabit Contonment Hill.

BBK International 2025 at Notre Dame Australia has proven its commitment to contributing to local communities, particularly through a cultural perspective. Many activities provided the chance for the participants to exchange culture, learning local practices, and develop their social awareness towards a sustainable environment, life, and future.