1. Create Account
  2. Login
StudyUSA
Match Me
  • Create Account
  • Login
  • School Search
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Articles
    • Student Voices
    • Videos
    • Magazines
    • Podcasts
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Accommodation
    • Support
    • Career
    • Financial
    • Insurance
    • Testing
    • Other
  • Chat
  • Success Stories
  • TOEFL Testing

Tam Le from Vietnam is a senior majoring in accounting at the University of South Dakota

Tam Le from Vietnam is a senior majoring in accounting at the University of South Dakota

Nov 2, 2021

Why did you decide to study in the USA?

Some people would call it “the American Dream.” I wanted to study in the USA because the U.S. is known for its higher education and opportunities. I wanted to embrace the diversity here and grow personally and academically. 

Why did you choose your school? 

I chose the University of South Dakota (USD) because of its high-quality education. USD ranks high in national rankings and is famous for its accounting program. The Beacom Business School carries AACSB accreditation, and I knew I would get an excellent learning experience here. The student-faculty ratio at USD is 16:1, so students get more chances to interact and learn from their professors/mentors. Also, USD is located in a small town of South Dakota called Vermillion. Vermillion is quiet and safe, which is a perfect learning environment. 

What do you like best about your program or university?

What I like most about USD, and its business school in particular, is how connected the professors are to students. They are really invested in our success and always willing to help. USD also offers a lot of career resources, such as mock interviews, job fairs, and on-campus interviews. All of them are available to students for free. I think USD really cares about its students and wants them to succeed.

What do you miss most about home?

Definitely my family and friends. I miss coming home after a long day at school. Although they are just a call away, it's still not the same. They are my motivation to work hard.

What was your biggest surprise about U.S. life and education?

I would say it’s the people here. Almost everyone I have met is so kind and willing to help you if you reach out to them. I also learned one valuable lesson, that nothing is impossible. There are always opportunities available if you work hard enough.

 ... your biggest disappointment?

I would say the hurdles when applying for jobs. Some companies state clearly on their websites that they do not hire international students or those that are not U.S. citizens. I just think that’s frustrating and disadvantageous to foreigners to some extent…

How have you handled:

... language differences?

I tried to be involved as much as possible. I made friends with American people, went to workshops, and did volunteer work. I think just talking without being afraid of making mistakes helped me improve my English a lot.

... finances?

I worked on campus. I could work up to 20 hours a week. I also had some internships in the summer. That helped a lot. 

... adjusting to a different educational system?

At first it was hard. I reached out to professors and advisors for help, and they were really kind. They were always welcoming and willing to help.

What are your activities? 

I was involved in the International Club on campus. I got to host a couple of cultural events with other international friends. It was an eye-opening and interesting experience! I am also a member of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) — an honor organization for accounting and finance students. Joining BAP, I was able to develop my leadership skills, learn a lot more about the industry, and give back to the community. 

How easy or difficult is making friends in the USA?

It’s easy if you push yourself out of your comfort zone. I understand we all are afraid of making mistakes or cultural differences. But once you step out of your comfort zone, you’ll see it’s not hard to make friends with people who are different from you.

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

I want to pursue my master’s in accountancy and then become a certified public accountant. My college has really helped me be one step closer to my goals, and I’m forever thankful for my experience here.

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

I would say be confident, be bold, and believe in yourself. I understand going to another country to study abroad is a lot to think about. But once you believe in yourself and start going after your dream, there will be doors open and opportunities available to you. You know what they say, “go big or go home.” 

Follow us:
Written by

Study in the USA ®


Tam Le from Vietnam

Get matched to the best program for you

Let us know what you're looking for so we can find the best school for you.

Get matched
Call to action background image. Decorative.

Useful Articles

Main image for the article titled Ready to Start Your U.S. College Journey? We’re Here to Help You Every Step of the Way!
Ready to Start Your U.S. College Journey? We’re Here to Help You Every Step of the Way!
Main image for the article titled Why Study at the International Language Institute (ILI)?
Why Study at the International Language Institute (ILI)?
Main image for the article titled How CSU, Chico Transformed Sourabh Kulkarni's Journey to Success in Computer Science
How CSU, Chico Transformed Sourabh Kulkarni's Journey to Success in Computer Science
Main image for the article titled Discover Scholarships Up to $45K: Your Grad School Journey Starts Here
Discover Scholarships Up to $45K: Your Grad School Journey Starts Here
Read more

Check Out These Schools

University of South Dakota

University of South Dakota

$10,000 — $15,000 Year

Undergraduate Bachelor Degree Masters
Contact
Truckee Meadows Community College

Truckee Meadows Community College

$5,000—$10,000 Semester

Certificate/Short Term English Programs Bachelor Degree
Contact

Featured Programs

Midway University

Typical cost per Year: $25,000—$30,000

Bachelor Degree Masters Undergraduate
Learn More

Foothill College / De Anza College

Typical cost per Year: $5,000—$10,000

Bachelor Degree Summer English Programs
Learn More

Santa Rosa Junior College

Typical cost per Year: $10,000 — $15,000

Certificate/Short Term 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs Online
Learn More

Related Stories

Tips for Applying to Internships

Main image for the article titled Tips for Applying to Internships
Tips for Applying to Internships

Main image for the article titled Tips for Applying to Internships
5 Tips for Your First Job or Internship Interview

Main image for the article titled 5 Tips for Your First Job or Internship Interview
Internships for Credit: What You Need to Know

Main image for the article titled Internships for Credit: What You Need to Know

Start your U.S. adventure with Study in the USA

What's your dream? We can guide, advise, and connect you with your perfect U.S. school. We can also help you with the application process.
More about us
Partner Services

Learn About U.S. education financing, housing, and more

Partner service logo for Renters Insurance

Renters Insurance

SURE offers hassle-free renters insurance that'll protect your clothes, furniture, and even yourself from unexpected damages and injuries. The SURE team will get you set up with a free quote and the correct coverage that you need!

Read more
Partner service logo for Search for Education Loan Options today!

Search for Education Loan Options today!

Nomad Credit helps international students search for and compare education loan (student loan) options, including options for students with a US cosigner or those pursuing a graduate degree. The Nomad team will personally help you with your education...

Read more
Partner service logo for campusSIMS

campusSIMS

campusSIMS helps international students get connected with mobile phone service in the US. Through campusSIMS’ exclusive partner Mint Mobile, students can sign up and get their US phone number while in their home country, and have mobile phone servic...

Read more

Resources

Learn about American culture and education direct from our experts at Study in the USA. Read more

Achieving Your Goal
Admissions and Placement Testing
Beyond the Basics
Education System in the USA
Financing Your U.S. Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Life in the USA
Resources
Student Experiences
For students age 10-18
Study in Canada
Podcasts
Magazines
Videos
Student Voices
Ask StudyUSA.com

Subscribe to get the latest from Study in the USA

You can unsubscribe at any time.


StudyUSA
Explore

  • School Search
  • Resources
  •   Articles
  •   Student Voices
  •   Videos
  •   Magazines
  • Partner Services
  •   Accommodation
  •   Career
  •   Financial
  •   Insurance
  •   Other
  •   Support
  •   Testing
  • TOEFL Testing
  • Apply
  • Chat
Information

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Course Index
  • Featured Programs
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
  • For Educators & Institutions
Match Me
  • English
    العربيـة English Español Français Bahasa Indonesia 日本語 한국어 Português Русский ภาษาไทย Türkçe Tiếng Việt 简体中文 繁體中文

  • Privacy & Policy
  • /
  • Terms

Study in the USA logo

© 2025 Study in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

Global Study logo
A member of the Global Study network

When you visit or interact with our sites, services or tools, we or our authorised service providers may use cookies for storing information to help provide you with a better, faster and safer experience and for marketing purposes.