Nga “Elsa” Chung started out as an international student from Vietnam, earning her bachelor of business administration in international business and marketing at Florida International University (FIU) and graduating in the top 10% among business majors in her class. Today, Elsa is the assistant recruitment manager for Vietnam at Shorelight, inspiring international students with her story of growth, perseverance, and success.
Read on to learn more about her journey at FIU, her experiences with Shorelight, and how she helps international students find their perfect-fit university.
Studying at FIU
Elsa’s journey to studying in the US was not traditional — unlike many students who apply to multiple universities, FIU was Elsa’s sole choice. The university’s high ranking in international business — second in the nation — along with its affordable tuition, beautiful weather, and diverse community made it particularly attractive to Elsa.
“Florida International University captured my interest the most, because I’m very interested in being a part of a diverse community where I can meet other students from different nationalities,” she said. “[I want to] understand more about their culture, where they are from, so I can learn better, as a real experience. It [was a] catalyst for my main major as an international business student.”
“I still have my very first impression when I just entered FIU. I was greeted by the Global First Year staff and crew, and they were all there to welcome the students and guide the students along the way,” she said. The Global First Year team helped with initial paperwork, led her to her dorm, and organized orientation activities like grocery shopping and campus tours, all of which helped her transition into campus life more easily.
Elsa’s experience with the FIU Global First Year program, a collaboration between FIU and Shorelight, laid a strong foundation for her academic success.
“The program is designed only for international first year students, and the professors … all know that we are from different countries. So the speed they taught in the class is slow enough so we can catch what is going on in the lessons, because obviously English is not our first language,” she said.
The Global First Year program at FIU is designed to provide international students with a seamless transition into US university life. Offering a unique blend of academic support, cultural immersion, and personalized guidance, the program helps students get used to their new environment while earning credits towards their degree. By being part of this diverse community and having access to FIU’s extensive resources, students in the program are empowered to thrive academically and socially, setting a strong foundation for their future success at one of the nation’s leading research institutions.
Getting Hired at Shorelight
Upon graduating in 2022 with a double major in international business and marketing, Elsa faced an important decision. Although she was tempted to stay in the US, she decided to return to her roots in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
“My initial goal was to gain a degree and life experience in the US, but I always knew I wanted to start in my home country where I can be closer to the culture that I was born in, and closer to family,” she said.
The opportunity at Shorelight came as a pleasant surprise. The position of assistant recruitment manager enabled Elsa to merge her passion for marketing with her desire to help other students.
“During my years at FIU, I also worked as a student tutor. Working closely with the students, and also the staff in the academic center, fueled my passion to understand and to be more sympathetic… It’s a very rewarding feeling when we get to help another student understand what is going on in terms of academics,” she said.
Working at Shorelight
In her role as assistant recruitment manager, Elsa focuses on recruiting and supporting students from Vietnam. She engages with prospective students and their families, providing detailed information about Shorelight universities and the benefits of studying abroad.
“We get to be that bridge to gap the space between the students and then their designated school,” she said. As a former international student, “I can use my own stories to spread those powerful messages to the students.” She can relate to the concerns and questions new international students and parents have, and is able to draw on her own experiences to reassure and highlight opportunities.
Challenges and Opportunities for International Students
Elsa acknowledged the cultural challenges international students face. When she was a student, she experienced culture shock, initially finding the US much more open and outgoing compared to what she was used to.
“I think that getting used to the culture, and how everyone behaves is one of the most major steps that every international student has to go through,” she said. It helps to see these experiences not just as challenges, but also growth opportunities.
A lot of US domestic students, they admire us a lot because they were not brave enough to take this big step to study abroad in another country at our age.” – Nga “Elsa”, FIU international business and marketing major, class of 2022; Shorelight assistant recruitment manager, Vietnam
Elsa’s Advice for Future International Students
“Be more active in the process of searching for the right school…of knowing what you really want to [achieve] in your study abroad journey,” she said.
Elsa emphasizes the importance of making an informed decision. She believes that choosing the right school is about finding a place that aligns with one’s interests and strengths. For her, FIU was perfect because it matched her academic goals and provided a supportive environment. She advises students to take the time to explore their options and choose a university that feels right for them.
Elsa’s inspiring journey from an international student at FIU to Shorelight’s assistant recruitment manager for Vietnam highlights the importance of having the right support system when you begin your study abroad journey.
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