Home away from home: a Vietnamese perspective on university life in the US

From the excitement of choosing a university to exploring exciting things to do in your new home, studying abroad is a life-changing experience. The United States offers the opportunity for growth, friendships, connections, preparation for future careers and social activities – experiences that our Vietnamese students have loved and appreciated. Four Vietnamese students, Duc, Mary, Tu and Duy, share their first-hand experiences to help you prepare for your study journey in the US. 

Choosing the US  

For many students, the decision to study in the United States is influenced by the country’s reputation for academic excellence and the promise of exciting opportunities. For Mary, who studied an MBA at the University of Hartford, the globally valued experience of achieving an American degree encouraged her to have confidence to move to the US. "The US degree has an excellent international reputation in the world because the US has a high standard of academics and world-class facilities." This academic prestige makes the US an attractive destination for Vietnamese students. 

One of the biggest reasons why international students choose to study in the US is the opportunity for improvement both personally and academically. Tu, who studied a Master’s in Communication at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, recommended the university to her friends back home: "A lot of my friends are asking me about here, the place I study, and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, and I always give them advice, 'It’s good, it’s amazing, you will never know how you can improve when you’re here.'" 

Arriving and settling in 

Adjusting to life in the US or any new country can be overwhelming, but it is also a time of personal growth and self-discovery. Duy, who studied the International Year at James Madison University International Study Center, highlights the welcoming atmosphere of the US: "My favourite thing about being here is the people. They are friendly and I can make a lot of friends; they just walk around and just say hi to everybody." Duc, a James Madison University finance alumnus, also shared, "I was very excited. If we are talking numbers, it was probably 10% anxiety and then 90% excitement because I was at that age when new things are cool and new people are cool." Their reflections show the excitement of being in a new, friendly environment that offers excellent academic opportunities. Gaining connections with people from across the world can help make you into a more global citizen with opportunities to learn about new cultures and ways of life. These experiences can set you up to work in global industries with businesses around the world. 

For Mary, being in the US has made her more independent: "Being away from my home country is a life-changing experience. Everything is quite new, and I need to be independent in my thinking, in my decisions." Gaining independence is a large part of the study abroad experience and is something that many students come to value most. Through gaining independence you will develop skills such as time management and organisation – both of which employers highly value. 

Academic support 

One of the biggest benefits of studying in the US is the strong support systems on university campuses. From mentorship opportunities to social clubs, these resources help students succeed and feel supported to take on the challenges of studying abroad. 

Duy started his studies at an International Study Centre, a hub on campus that offers preparatory programmes designed to smooth your transition to university study. "Studying at the International Study Centre provided me with enough skills to do better in class. It helped me with research, English, communication and American culture, to help me fit into American society. I think studying in the International Study Centre is very good for new students like me to get used to the environment around here." Studying a pathway programme helped Duy, and many other students, gain the confidence and skills to thrive in a new academic and cultural setting. His experience is also a great reminder that you don’t have to navigate your academic journey alone, there are many different support resources available when you choose to study in the US. 

Looking to the future 

For these Vietnamese students, studying in the US is not just about academic achievement, it's about building a successful future. Tu's ambition is clear as she explains her professional goals: "After getting my bachelor's degree in my home country I thought, ‘I need to study further to get a better job, more opportunities.’ So that’s why I’m here." Her time in the US has broadened her horizons and presented possibilities to work internationally. 

When looking to the future Duc takes a different approach, reflecting on the personal motivation he draws from being away from home and the sacrifices his family has made: "Because I know that it takes a lot for my parents to invest in my future, I’m motivated every single day to not only just do my best but exceed my own expectations." This sense of responsibility to his family fuels his ambition to excel in both his academic and personal life.  

Mary’s vision for the future is equally as ambitious. Inspired by her experiences in the US, she plans to open an educational business in Vietnam to help underprivileged children: "Studying in the US helped me get closer to my dream of operating my own equity educational business. I want to open an education business to help poor and orphaned Vietnamese children in my country. I think I could integrate all the soft skills, life skills and business skills I learned here and to contribute to my country and its education." The skills she has gained, both in terms of soft skills and business knowledge, will be crucial as she works to make a positive difference in her community. Studying in the US is not just something that affects you personally, it can also help you better the lives of others, just like how Mary wants to help her community. 

From overcoming challenges to seizing opportunities, these students have embraced their time abroad as a way to help reach their future aspirations. Whether it's securing a scholarship, navigating a new academic environment, or setting their sights on international careers, studying in the US has provided them an opportunity to thrive both personally and academically. 

Find out more about how you can begin your study abroad journey in the US.