For Kate, an international student from Vietnam, Cleveland State University has provided more than just an education in accounting and finance — it has offered a place to grow academically, gain real-world experience, and help others along the way. As a Cleveland State Global Ambassador, she also helps new international students navigate their transition to university life.
Here’s a look at her journey from Vietnam to Cleveland, Ohio, and the experiences that have shaped her along the way.
Kate’s Journey from Vietnam to Cleveland
When Kate first considered studying abroad, the US wasn’t her initial destination.
“I was roaming around Japan, Australia, and Canada,” she said. However, her decision shifted when she discovered she had family in Cleveland. Her father suggested that being near her cousins, who were already studying at Cleveland State, could be a good fit. With a family connection and strong support system already in place, Kate decided to enroll at Cleveland State, choosing to study the same fields as her cousins — accounting and finance.
“I feel like it’s really a great fit for me to be with them, to learn the culture, and learn how to [adapt to life at] school,” she said.
Situated in the heart of the city, Cleveland State University offers a vibrant, inclusive, and culturally diverse environment for international students, with more than 175 academic programs tailored to global perspectives. Known for its affordable tuition and robust scholarships (in fact, Kate herself has received three scholarships), the university also supports students in pursuing internships and job opportunities throughout the region.
Adjusting to Campus Life and Finding Support
Coming from Vietnam, Kate faced typical challenges many international students experience — language barriers, culture shock, and homesickness. As a naturally shy person, she found it difficult to adjust at first. However, the orientation sessions, plus interactions with staff and fellow students helped her feel more at ease. She found the Cleveland State Global program’s resources especially helpful in adjusting to life in the US.
The Cleveland State Global Program, a collaboration between Cleveland State University and Shorelight, provides mentorship, internship placement, and career guidance for students from abroad. International students also benefit from tailored support services such as visa assistance, dedicated advisors, and cultural transition workshops, ensuring they feel at home while pursuing world-class degree programs. For Kate, this support made all the difference.
“CSU Global helps first-year students get involved on campus, and then to smoothly transition from their own home countries to US college life,” she said. There are also tutoring centers for all subjects, and if you are feeling homesick, counselors are available to help you feel more comfortable. She noted that these resources are available throughout a student’s time at Cleveland State, often going beyond the first year.
Gaining Confidence Through Her Role as a Cleveland State Global Ambassador
One of the turning points in Kate’s university journey was her decision to become a Cleveland State Global Ambassador.
“I was really shy, but thanks to my role as a global ambassador, I got to interact more with the students, with workers, with staff,” Kate said.
As a Cleveland State Global Ambassador, Kate attends orientation events, hosts virtual events and information sessions for prospective students, and participates in panels where she shares her experiences.
“When I was in orientation this fall, some of the Vietnamese students recognized me because they attended the [pre-arrival] panels,” she said, adding that it’s reassuring for students to make that initial connection, then see her as a familiar face.
Kate also assists students with academic and personal concerns, acting as a bridge between students and university staff.
Being a student ambassador has been more than just a job for Kate — it has provided her with leadership opportunities and helped her develop soft skills like communication and problem-solving, which she knows will be valuable in her future career.
Academic Success and Internship Opportunities with Cleveland State
In addition to her role as a Cleveland State Global Ambassador, Kate is excelling academically in her accounting and finance courses. With the support of Cleveland State’s business faculty, Kate has been able to thrive in her program. She credits the school’s diverse academic resources, such as tutoring and career services, with helping her stay on track.
Kate is now focused on securing an internship, which is a crucial part of her plan to gain practical experience in her field.
“I’m in my third year, so I need to find an internship to get to know about the work environment and how I can apply school to my real [work] life,” she said.
Kate plans to take advantage of Cleveland State’s multiple career fairs throughout the year, as well as ongoing internship opportunities. The university’s close connections with local businesses and industries make it easier for students to find internships that align with their career goals.
As she looks to the future, Kate is focused on her career and credentials. “After an internship with accounting, auditing, or tax, maybe I will do a master’s as well,” she says. For now, she’s enjoying her time at Cleveland State, balancing her studies, working as a Cleveland State Global ambassador, and preparing for the next steps in her academic and professional journeys.
Kate’s Advice for Other International Students
If you’re thinking of studying abroad, Kate’s message is simple: Step out of your comfort zone. “Break your limits,” she says. “Just be who you are.” Test boundaries, she encouraged, and don’t let fear drive decision-making.
From academic resources to campus involvement, Cleveland State Global offers a strong network to help international students like Kate thrive. Whether it’s learning new skills, finding internships, or simply adjusting to a new environment, international students at Cleveland State are set up for success.
