My Le has one outstanding memory from her time at UTS College so far. It’s the surge of confidence she felt as her English language skills grew. She says, “In Vietnam, even though I was at an international school, I never spoke English that much because all my friends were Vietnamese. So, when I started speaking in English here it meant I could meet all the friends from other countries. That’s very cool.”
Having successfully completed UTS Foundation studies (she was co-winner of the Outstanding Graduate Prize – a cash award for achieving the highest grade-point average in her course), My is now studying for her Diploma of Business. “I’ve been thinking about business since I was very young,” she says. “My family is in business, and I saw a lot of what they do when I was growing up. It’s always been interesting to me.”
An inspiring family
My’s supportive family have been an important inspiration in her life. “My Dad always wants me to try my best and he helps me when I have any questions. I think he’s my biggest inspiration, and after I finish my learning in Australia, I want to come back to Vietnam and help with the family business. I want to do well so I can help my family,” she says.
Her family also influenced her decision to come to UTS. “I have a cousin who studied here, and her experience was good. She’s also from Vietnam and she introduced me. I chose it because I wanted something that would give me practical experience and wasn’t too theoretical.”
Because she was under the age of 18 when she came to Australia, My stayed with an approved ‘special host’ who are close friends of her family. She says this has made it easier to adapt to Sydney life. “My parents know them, and I know them. I can always ask them for help. They drove me around the city and helped me learn about the buses and trains.” She says that despite having to learn to navigate a new city, she didn’t stress too much. “Sometimes catching trains, I would panic a bit because I was running late,” she says, “but I learned to stay calm and try to figure out which one was coming next and move to that. I think the secret is taking it slowly and staying calm.”
Preparing for success
The same calm, steady approach helps My stay on top of her studies. She says, “I found the UTS College way of learning helped me a lot. I’ve learnt to prepare for tutorials. When I prepare, I can do well in class because I understand what the lesson will be about.”
My says the group projects she completed in UTS Foundation Studies have given her valuable skills.
Learning.Connected, the UTS College model of learning, combines the latest educational research with insights from the College’s 35 years in pathway education. It uses advanced technology to help students develop deep subject knowledge in fun and unexpected ways. My has a few tips to help make the most of this approach. “The pre-tutorial work is important, and also the practice quiz. After your tutorial, just do the practice quiz. And try to do a little bit of your assignment every day so you’re ready by the due date. Then you don’t have to rush,” she says. “Your teachers give you a lot of support too, and I used online resources like Studiosity to help with my essays.”
A life beyond the books
UTS College is helping Hoai develop useful skills beyond her academic work. “I think the biggest skill is making presentations and doing group work. I have three group work projects happening right now and I think learning to communicate is as important as the presentation skills – things like body language and hand gestures are important. I learned a lot about those things in UTS Foundation Studies,” she says.
My also enjoys a full life outside of her studies. “I go to the gym, or go walking,” she says. “I like to walk around Darling Harbour. Or I just hang out with my friends. We like just relaxing and talking together at home, or sometimes we go out to eat. I usually like to eat dim sum or duck. My favourite place to eat is called Holy Duck. Their duck pancakes are delicious.”
When she completes her diploma, My plans to move on to Bachelor of Business at UTS. “After this semester, I’ll have to decide on my major. It will be either accounting or business analytics. And when I finish my degree, I want to get some experience for two or three years and then join our family business,” she says.
My has some words of encouragement for other international students. “Don’t be scared,” she says. “When you’re prepared, you can overcome every challenge, and the challenges help you grow. And don’t be scared that you’ll be alone. You will find friends.”
Learn more about UTS Foundation Studies>
Learn more about UTS College Diploma of Business>