From the lecture hall to APEC: HUFLIT students' international integration journey

Right from her first year, Nguyen Tran Thuy Tien, currently a senior student of the Faculty of International Relations and Communication, Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages ​​and Information Technology (HUFLIT), entered a professional working environment as an assistant to a foreign designer at the Vietnam Fashion Week event. From there, Thuy Tien realized the importance of basic knowledge of the industry and proactively built a skill development roadmap to conquer major milestones, including the APEC workshop - a space to expand thinking and foster integration skills for global students.

International Study Opportunities - When HUFLIT Students Step Out into the World

* Can Thuy Tien share about her journey to becoming one of two outstanding Vietnamese students attending the APEC workshop?

HUFLIT has its own website that provides job, internship and international exchange opportunities for students. Here, I learned about the workshop organized by the APEC Innovation and Education Center (IIED) of Taipei Tech, under the auspices of HRDWG (APEC). As an International Communication student, I found this a suitable opportunity, but at first I was hesitant because I lacked confidence. However, with the thought "if you don't try, you won't know your ability", I decided to apply. In the interview round, I also had to overcome many seniors to talk directly with Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan - Principal and Ms. Nguyen Thi Thieu - Head of the Foreign Affairs Department. The two teachers in the Foreign Affairs Department accompanied and supported me a lot in the preparation process before going to Taiwan to attend the workshop.

This was my first time attending an international event, so everything was new and memorable. The workshop lasted two days: the first day was to connect and learn about APEC; the second day was to simulate a conference, each economy had 4 minutes to present on global issues such as gender inequality or technology application in education... This was also a valuable opportunity for me to apply the knowledge from HUFLIT into practice, and at the same time, it was a great opportunity to meet and connect with many talented people from all fields, jobs and professions from many countries around the world.

HUFLIT on the journey to APEC - Launch pad for the spirit of integration

* During your studies at HUFLIT, what helped you feel confident when participating in international activities?

Since high school, I have identified foreign languages ​​as the key to integration, so I have always cultivated this skill. The rest, most of my current soft skills and specialized knowledge are thanks to the wonderful learning environment at HUFLIT. Many subjects are close to reality, helping me apply them immediately when entering the international environment. HUFLIT creates an ideal environment for those who are proactive, and teachers are always ready to support and accompany you, helping you become a person capable of self-study, self-research and continuous self-development.

* In your eyes, what kind of place is HUFLIT for young people to confidently step out into the world?

I believe that HUFLIT students can confidently step out into the world with international experiences right at school. HUFLIT regularly organizes exchange activities and academic cooperation with foreign partners. Not only do HUFLIT students get to go abroad, to international, multinational environments to learn and experience, but students from other schools around the world also regularly come to HUFLIT to participate in exchange activities, academic exchanges and cultural sharing. Being exposed to, working and studying with friends around the world right from when we are still in school helps us practice confidence, cross-cultural communication skills and a solid integration mindset - necessary provisions to step out into the world.

Integration through the lens of young people

* After the workshop, do you have any different views on "integration"?

After the workshop with the presence of more than 60 representatives from 15 different economies, I realized that for the integration process to take place smoothly, peacefully and create value, a common code of conduct is extremely important. People will think that integration is something very big. However, as a student, I believe that the integration process is happening continuously and is present in every aspect of life, from our country participating in an international organization or a student studying abroad, or the fact that we are improving our foreign language every day is also a testament to the spirit of "readiness" to integrate of today's youth.

* Advice for new students preparing to enter university, especially at HUFLIT?

The first thing is to seriously invest in foreign languages, because it is an important "bridge" in the integration journey. If possible, learn a second language to expand your opportunities. Second, start early and prepare yourself solidly from the beginning, from knowledge, soft skills to learning attitude, because this will be a great advantage on the path of development. When you are ready to study and improve your knowledge, HUFLIT teachers will always accompany you.

The school also accompanies students, especially new students, throughout many activities and support programs so that they can confidently pursue their entire learning journey; including a scholarship fund of 46 billion VND , a student support fund worth 13 billion VND each year so that students can borrow money to pay tuition without having to pay interest, along with a stable tuition policy for the entire course. Therefore, Tien believes that as long as you are proactive, HUFLIT will be the ideal environment for you to pursue your dreams and shine.

And finally, be confident to start and dare to commit. Only when you proactively seize opportunities and live fully with the experience, will you truly reach the results you desire.

* Thanks Thuy Tien for the chat!