Tri Minh Nguyen from Vietnam: Completing his Associate in Arts Transfer Degree in Computer Science at Edmonds Community College

Why did you decide to study in the USA?

I believe the USA has an outstanding educational system. However, I soon realized that it wasn’t only the quality of the teachers or the facilities that make it great. It was the educational environment, which is rich with opportunities for us to explore ourselves on different levels of identity.

Why did you choose Edmonds Community College?

I chose Edmonds Community College because the college provides excellent ESL instruction. In addition, its campus is located in a safe and peaceful area. At this place, each student and staff receive the same opportunities to learn, to grow, to work, and to develop in many aspects, and I think that’s the reason why Edmonds is such a special place.

What do you like best?

I would say the collaboration is what I like best about studying here. Either it’s the collaboration between you and your instructors or among the students.

What do you miss most?

The thing that I miss the most about home is the love and care that I receive from family and friends.

How has this program helped you to handle future study at a U.S. university?

This is the third year that I’ve been studying in the USA. Compared to how I used to be when I got here, my English skills up to now have given me broader opportunities to be involved in numerous activities including a job on campus. Furthermore, I also have acquired higher chances of getting into well-known universities.

What was your biggest surprise?

One of the things that surprise me the most is the diversity in the USA. Whether, it’s on campus or in the neighborhood, you get to see people from different countries and cultures. Despite being from different cultures, everyone is nice and open-minded and they don’t distance themselves from the others.

How have you handled:

... language differences?

Language is defined as a way for you to communicate, express yourself, explain, and to interpret the others. Language is a tool that connects people. Once I see the benefit that language brings us, I have no hesitation in learning it.

... finances?

I know the struggle and the hard work that my parents have dedicated in order to serve my dream. I involved myself in some job and scholarship opportunities on campus to somehow reduce the stress that I’ve put on them.

... adjusting to a different educational system?

This might be the most stressful thing for international students, including me. It is always a good thing to be open-minded, curious, and be vulnerable. In order to get the best out of the educational system here, we all shouldn’t be afraid to adapt. Another key factor is don’t be afraid to reach out for help.

What are your activities?

Currently, I am the president of the Vietnamese Student Association. I am proud of my club for what we did for the college, for the community, and especially for the Vietnamese students.

How easy or difficult was making friends?

When I first came here, I expected it to be one of the biggest problems that I’m going to face in the long run. However, I feel that I belong here. In the USA, the same level of respect is given to each and every one of us and I think that this is a great factor that contributes to my success.

How relevant is your U.S. education to your personal goals and to the needs of your country? 

I’m currently finishing my associate degree and hoping to transfer to a university. In the USA, I get to receive the best education in computer science from well-known universities. Hopefully, in the near future, I am able to demonstrate my ability and to accommodate the need of computer scientists in my country.

What is your advice to other students who are considering a U.S. education?

My biggest advice for students with the intention to study in the USA is to prepare for changes. Different things might happen and sometimes you are required to take different turns to approach them. Whichever way you go, you should always find yourself in the most satisfied position, so that you will never regret the decisions that you made.

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