Meet Quang, an Auburn University alum, whose journey from Vietnam to studying in the US led to a fulfilling career as a credit analyst in Ho Chi Minh City. During his time at Auburn University, Quang was able to build a strong foundation in finance and gain the expertise and skills he needed to launch his career. Read on to learn about Quang’s time at Auburn and his advice for other international students who want to study in the US.
Why Auburn University?
For many international students, the motivation to study abroad stems from a desire to gain new perspectives and experiences.
“I always wanted to study abroad,” Quang said. “The US is definitely a place to broaden your horizon because it’s a part of all the cultures. And if you want to study business, then the US is definitely the place.”
While he had a clear pathway toward studying in the US, choosing where to enroll was important. To help with his US university decision, he spoke with trusted advisors and thoroughly did his research.
“For Auburn, I went to this senior [whom] I would seek advice from, and they would give me a list of decent schools in the US. Auburn was one of them. I looked up Auburn and some other schools, and found that Auburn has everything that I want: It’s in a college town, friendly town, and decent facilities,” he said.
Quang felt an immediate connection with Auburn Global, a first-year program for international students run by Auburn University and Shorelight, and this connection played a crucial role in his decision.
“The Auburn Global program was a plus because I felt connected from the first second coming to the US. There were so many reasons, but the bottom line is that it had the criteria I was looking for, and the friendliness was a big plus,” he said.
Auburn University, located in Auburn, Alabama, is a top-ranked university known for its commitment to academic excellence and student success. With a rich history dating back to 1856, Auburn offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including a highly regarded finance curriculum, which appealed to Quang. The university has a vibrant campus life, supportive community, and state-of-the-art facilities.
How Quang Experienced a Smooth Transition to Student Life the US
Moving to a new country and adapting to a different educational system can come with several challenges. Still, with the support and guidance from the Auburn Global team, Quang found his initial experience at Auburn to be warm and welcoming. Auburn Global had prepared him for the transition through English language classes, pre-arrival support, admissions services, and more, making the process easier than he expected.
It was challenging at first, but Auburn Global was a big help. All the staff, all the students were friendly.” – Quang, finance, Auburn University
Like any other international student studying in a completely new environment, Quang faced culture shock and had to adapt to new ways of approaching problems.
“The way that an American student approaches a problem is a bit different from me. In Vietnam, to get the answer, you have to know how to get the answer and how to talk to people,” he said. “But in the US, it was different. I just had to learn the differences and adapted.”
Despite initial cultural differences, Quang remained determined to succeed and his proactive approach to overcoming challenges played a significant role in his personal growth. He decided to make the best out of his situation by stepping out of his comfort zone, approaching people, and asking questions. Quang believed that feedback, whether positive or negative, was a valuable learning experience. This determination helped him thrive in his new environment, ultimately leading to success both academically and professionally.
Finding Career Success After Graduation
“In essence, my time in the US showed me how vast and diverse the world is, full of different people and cultures. Auburn University provided me with a strong foundation in business. This background continues to help me in my job, making it easier to learn new skills and confidently engage with others professionally,” Quang reflected.
After graduating, Quang utilized his connections and qualifications from Auburn to secure a position at United Overseas Bank.
“I work at a regional bank, headquartered in Singapore, in the Corporate Banking department. I assess the creditworthiness of large corporate clients to determine their ability to repay debts,” Quang explained.
During his time at Auburn, Quang also noted how his classmates and friends pursued multiple internships and helped their families during the summer. This example inspired him to approach his career with the same dedication and hard work.
Quang’s Advice for International Students
Quang encourages others to pursue their dreams of studying in the US.
“If it’s something they are passionate about, then I would definitely recommend studying in the US. You meet a lot of people, learn about new things, new cultures, and leverage that to become a more decent person. Everybody likes a kind and warm-hearted person,” Quang said. “For specific areas of study like business, engineering, and technology, the US is definitely the place to be.”
From completing his US university degree at a small college town in Alabama to thriving in the bustling corporate capital of Vietnam, Quang’s journey showcases the impact of a supportive educational environment and the importance of seizing opportunities.
As Quang reflects on his time at Auburn, he remains grateful for the experiences and lessons that shaped his career and personal growth.
“Auburn changed everything for me,” he said. “It was a chapter of my life that I will always cherish.”
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