Every year, Vietnamese universities welcome between 4,000 and 6,000 new international students, with Laos and Cambodia accounting for nearly 80% of this population. 

Arriving in Vietnam in October 2023, Oeng Chhengheang and Kun Ratanak officially enrolled at Ho Chi Minh City Open University, which currently hosts many international students from countries such as Laos, Cambodia, France, the Philippines, and others.

Kun Ratanak (right) and Oeng Chhengheang (left) enthusiastically share their experiences of studying and living in Vietnam

Dreams and Expectations

Carrying dreams they had nurtured since childhood, Kun Ratanak and Oeng Chhengheang chose Vietnam as their study abroad destination. Sharing their challenging yet exciting journey, Kun Ratanak revealed that upon first setting foot in this new land, they faced many difficulties in adapting to a completely different living environment, from communication and daily activities to transportation.

"A mixture of joy and anxiety about a new journey filled my mind when I learned that I had received a scholarship to study in Vietnam. Being away from family for the first time and living independently in a foreign country would surely bring many challenges. I was eager to learn about this land through the internet. Images of Vietnam with its rich history, diverse culture, and famous landmarks have aroused in me a desire to explore and experience life here," Oeng Chhengheang shared.

Unexpected Discoveries

Vietnamese is a challenging language for foreign students. In addition, in their independent life, they also face many obstacles in terms of earning a living, communicating, and getting around.

Recalling the early days of arriving in Vietnam, Kun Ratanak fondly shared that he was once a very shy person. At that time, his limited Vietnamese made it difficult for him to communicate, even buying groceries was a big challenge. Determined to change himself, he stepped out of his comfort zone, traveled around, and gradually integrated into the new life using both Vietnamese and English, even with body language.

Kun Ratanak confidently buys breakfast in Vietnamese.

"Fortunately, the Vietnamese people are very friendly and always ready to help me with a warm smile. They patiently listened, enthusiastically guided me, and created conditions for me to overcome language barriers. Thanks to that, my shopping experience was not only smooth but also became a beautiful memory in my study abroad journey," Kun Ratanak confidently shared in fluent Vietnamese.

In contrast to the common concerns when setting foot in a new land, Oeng Chhengheng chose a proactive and optimistic approach. Recognizing that life here is not always easy and smooth, he took the time to prepare thoroughly for himself. Instead of getting caught up in his fears, Oeng Chhengheng proactively made a list of potential difficulties he might encounter and effective solutions. His optimism and self-belief are the guiding compass that helps him always stay motivated on this new journey.

In addition to thorough mental preparation, Oeng Chhengheng also actively cultivates the necessary skills for life in Vietnam. From learning to ride a motorbike, improving his English and Vietnamese, to discovering delicious food, he shows his enthusiasm and readiness to integrate into the new environment. Oeng Chhengheng's positive and progressive attitude is a testament to the spirit of learning and adaptability - the key factors leading to success on the study abroad path.

"When I first came to Vietnam, using Grab Bike was the best option for me because it was cheap and safe. After using ride-hailing motorbikes for a while, I got used to the traffic rules and memorized many roads, especially the way to the university. Thanks to that, I can now confidently drive my own motorbike to school" - Heang shared happily.

"After just a short time immersing myself in the vibrant life in Vietnam, I confidently conquered the skill of riding a motorbike - the most popular means of transportation here. At first, the crowded and bustling streets made me a bit overwhelmed. However, with perseverance and effort, I gradually mastered the steering wheel and felt the fun and safety of traveling on Vietnamese roads," Oeng Chhengheang shared.

Growth and Development

The Ho Chi Minh City Open University is not only a place to study but also an environment for students to develop comprehensively. The university creates conditions for students to explore themselves, cultivate soft skills, and integrate into the community through a variety of extracurricular activities, from exploring the vibrant city, cultural exchange to meaningful volunteer activities. The university aims to give wings to their dreams, help them enter adulthood with a ready-to-face attitude with any challenge.

"Although I came to Vietnam alone, I never felt alone because there were always warm arms around me, ready to share and support. These are Vietnamese and international friends who have always accompanied me throughout my study abroad journey, or dedicated teachers who have guided and imparted knowledge to me. Thanks to those wonderful people, I have reaped countless valuable lessons, from specialized knowledge to life skills and how to love those around me. More than that, I have also found a direction for my own development and the joy of spreading positive things to the community," Kun Ratanak shared.

The stories of international students at Ho Chi Minh City Open University are a testament to the perseverance, effort, and adaptability of young people. They have overcome the initial difficulties, integrated into new life, and grown stronger every day.