Rochester Institute of Technology Croatia (RIT Croatia) employs various approaches to enhance the student experience and foster experiential learning, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application. Through semester-long studies at RIT’s global campuses via the Global Scholar program and dynamic summer study programs, students can immerse themselves in diverse cultures and gain a broader worldview. Career Education Days and similar events connect students with industry professionals, facilitating networking and career development. Through cooperative education, students gain full-time work experience, alternating between professional assignments and coursework to enhance career readiness.

Beyond workplace experiences and diverse opportunities, RIT Croatia also supports hands-on learning through competitions and multidisciplinary projects that develop teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation. One such ongoing student-led project, developed under faculty mentorship, is RITGPT, an AI-powered intelligent assistant designed to enhance access to academic and administrative resources for the RIT community.

This paper presents the development of RITGPT, detailing the technical approach, challenges faced, and the impact of faculty mentorship in guiding students through AI research and implementation. By examining this project, we highlight the potential of AI-driven tools in higher education and showcase how experiential learning initiatives can equip students with practical skills in artificial intelligence and software development.

Keywords: Experiential learning, active learning, student projects, AI-powered assistant, faculty mentorship, artificial intelligence.