When Nhu Hoang Van Pham began exploring colleges in the United States, she and her family were looking for more than a strong academic program. They wanted to know that she would feel welcomed, supported, and safe while living thousands of miles away from home.

At Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon, they found a college that took the time to understand their concerns—and a supportive community that would help Nhu begin an extraordinary academic journey.

A Personal Connection That Made a Difference

Carla Andersen, Associate Director for International Recruitment at Lane Community College, first met Nhu’s family in Vietnam in 2015. Over the following year, she met with them several times as they considered different U.S. colleges.

Like many parents preparing to send their child abroad, Nhu’s family had questions about academics, housing, safety, and daily life in the United States. Nhu’s mother also wanted to know whether her daughter would be able to continue practicing her Catholic faith in Eugene.

Instead of offering a simple answer, Carla researched churches in the area and sent the family detailed information about several options, including St. Mary Catholic Church near Lane’s Titan Court student housing.

The family later explained that Lane was the only college that had taken the time to provide such a thoughtful and personalized response.

That care helped them recognize something important: Lane was interested not only in enrolling Nhu, but also in supporting her as a whole person.

Beginning Her Education at Lane

Nhu enrolled at Lane Community College in fall 2016. During her two years at Lane, she completed her associate degree and became an active member of the campus community.

She also served as a Peer Mentor, helping new students adjust to studying and living in the United States. Through this role, Nhu was able to offer other students the same encouragement and sense of belonging that had shaped her own experience.

Looking back, Nhu credits Lane with giving her a solid foundation for academic success in the United States. She especially remembers the professors who helped prepare her for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Lane’s International Programs team currently advises more than 400 international students each term through its International English, university-transfer, and technical programs. International advisors help students understand their course placement, register for classes, adjust to life at Lane, and create individualized degree and transfer plans. Learn more about Lane’s International Programs.

From Lane to Purdue University

After graduating from Lane, Nhu transferred to Purdue University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Ecological Engineering.

Her academic accomplishments and research potential led Purdue to invite her into its cross-disciplinary doctoral program in Ecological Sciences and Engineering.

In May 2026, Nhu successfully defended her Ph.D. dissertation—completing an incredible journey that began at a community college in Eugene.

Her experience demonstrates how starting at Lane can become the first step toward ambitious educational goals. Students can build their academic skills, receive personalized guidance, complete an associate degree, and prepare to transfer to a university.

A Connection That Continues Beyond Graduation

Nearly 11 years after Carla first met Nhu’s family in Vietnam, Nhu returned to Oregon for a professional conference. The two reunited over dinner and reflected on how far Nhu had come—from a prospective international student searching for the right college to a successful Ph.D. graduate.

But Nhu’s connection to Lane did not end when she transferred.

Her parents have continued supporting the college by participating in Lane recruitment events in Vietnam. They share their family’s experience with prospective students and parents, answering questions about academics, student support, housing, safety, and what it is like to send a child abroad.

Their perspective offers something especially valuable: reassurance from a family that has experienced the international student journey firsthand.

Nhu and her parents have become trusted ambassadors for Lane, helping other families imagine what may be possible for their own children.

Why International Students Choose Lane

Nhu’s experience reflects Lane’s relationship-centered approach to international education. Students are not simply selecting courses or earning credits—they are joining a community that wants to help them succeed.

At Lane, international students can benefit from:

• Personalized international student advising
• University-transfer pathways, including 2+2 and 2+1 options
• International English and nationally accredited technical programs
• International student scholarships for eligible new and continuing students
• Peer mentors who help students settle into their new community
• Fully furnished student apartments at Titan Court
• Airport pickup on designated arrival dates for students living at Titan Court
• Opportunities to gain practical experience, with students participating in more than 800 internships annually

Located in Eugene, Oregon, Lane offers international students the opportunity to study in a welcoming community surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Explore the international student experience at Lane.

Your Journey Can Start at Lane

Nhu arrived at Lane with big goals and the support of a family that wanted the best for her. Lane helped her build the academic foundation, confidence, and community connections she needed to move forward.

Her journey ultimately took her from Vietnam to Eugene, from Lane to Purdue University, and from an associate degree to a Ph.D.

Your educational journey will be uniquely your own—but Lane Community College can help you take that important first step.

Learn more and apply to Lane Community College.