Where is your home country?

Vietnam

What is the name of your course?

Bachelor of Education (Secondary) / Bachelor of Design

What is the name of your education provider?

The University of New South Wales.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

I dreamed of becoming a world-famous YouTuber.

What opportunities has studying in NSW given to you? 

Studying in NSW has been a truly transformative experience for me. I arrived in NSW as a shy, introverted 15-year-old, and I had no idea of the personal and academic growth that lay ahead of me. I struggled to adapt to the new environment, often felt isolated and alone, and found it difficult to make friends. However, over time, I began to immerse myself in the local NSW community, taking advantage of every opportunity that came my way. I participated in extracurricular activities and volunteered for local organisations. Slowly, I began to come out of my shell and develop my confidence and social skills.

Through hard work and determination, I was invited to become an NSW Government Schools Student Ambassador, which provided me with a platform to share my story, connect with other students and develop my leadership and public speaking capabilities. I was also recognised at the Australian Defence Force Leadership Award and invited as a guest speaker to share my experiences studying abroad at a Parent/Teacher meeting in Vietnam.

As I continued with my studies, I also pursued new passions and interests, including my volunteer role as a Media Officer for United Nations (UN) Youth Australia and as a Multicultural Youth Ambassador for the Multicultural Youth Affairs Network (MYAN) NSW. These experiences helped me broaden my perspective and understand the world from a global and inclusive point of view.

Today, as a finalist for the 2022 NSW International Student Awards and the 2023 NSW Government Schools International Student Awards, I am proud of who I have become. I am no longer the shy and introverted boy I once was, but a confident and ambitious young man who is eager to make a positive impact on the world.

Studying in NSW has given me the opportunity to challenge myself, step outside of my comfort zone and discover my true potential. I am grateful for every experience, person, and challenge that has shaped me into the person I am today. My journey shows that with determination, hard work, and the willingness to embrace new experiences and challenges, anything is possible.

What has been your favourite experience in NSW? 

NSW is full of amazing experiences and two of my favourites are watching the sunset at Manly Beach and camping with my friends in Glenworth Valley. Whenever I feel down or need some time to recharge, I head to Manly Beach to watch the sunset. There's something about watching the colours of the sky as the sun goes down and hearing waves crash on the rocks – they have healing powers! It's a peaceful and calming experience that always leaves me feeling refreshed and renewed. If you're ever in NSW, I highly recommend taking a trip to Manly Beach and watching the sunset - you won't regret it!

Another unforgettable experience I had in NSW was camping with my friends in Glenworth Valley. It was when we graduated from high school and wanted to celebrate graduation before heading into university life, and Glenworth Valley was the perfect place to do that. We spent days exploring Australia’s natural landscape with horse riding, quad biking, and kayaking. At night, we sat by the bonfire and sang songs, with me playing my ukulele and roasting marshmallows. It was a bonding experience that brought me even closer with my friends and created lifelong memories. If you're looking for an adventure in NSW, I highly recommend camping in Glenworth Valley with friends.

What advice do you have for other international students? 

As a student ambassador for NSW Government Schools, I encourage other international students to seize every opportunity that comes their way. Whether it's volunteering, trying a new activity, or exploring a new part of the city, don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and make the most of your time in NSW. I've volunteered for various organisations such as NSW Cancer Council, City2Surf, and Fairfield City Council, and these experiences have taught me invaluable skills and exposed me to new perspectives.

In addition, I've found that setting clear goals for myself has helped me to manage my workload and avoid burnouts. When I first arrived in NSW, I faced difficulties with managing overwhelming workload with my studies and struggled to prioritise responsibilities. Though, after setting clear and achievable goals, I was able to achieve more without feeling overwhelmed. I encourage other international students to do the same and set achievable goals for themselves to help manage their workload and stay motivated!

Please provide a short testimonial about your experience studying in NSW.

Studying in NSW has been an enriching and transformative experience that has opened a new world of opportunities for me. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the diversity and vibrancy of this city. The academic programs here are world-class, and the professors and staff are truly committed to helping their students to succeed. Beyond the classroom, there are also many opportunities for personal growth and development. I have been able to take on leadership roles, volunteer in the community, and even hone my public speaking skills through ambassadorships.

One of the things that make studying in NSW unique is the warm and welcoming community here. From the friends I have made in my classes to the staff I met at my university, everyone has been incredibly supportive and encouraging. There is a true sense of companionship among international students. The cultural experiences I had with NSW have also been unforgettable – from trying new food to exploring new places, I feel like I’ve truly immersed myself in the Australian way of life. All in all, studying in NSW has been an incredible journey of growing, learning, and discovering for me, and I would highly recommend NSW to anyone considering studying abroad.