Nguyen Dinh Minh, a student from the University of Economics and Business (VNU-UEB), carried his accumulated knowledge and experiences from his VNU-UEB classroom to embark on an academic exchange at the prestigious Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, USA. Driven by a thirst for knowledge, Minh didn't just expand his expertise in his field but also immersed himself in the distinct cultural values of the United States. Choosing to step outside his comfort zone became a turning point, allowing Minh to gain profound experiences and gradually refine himself. Join us as we listen to Minh's emotional reflections on his memorable academic journey at one of America's top-ranked business schools.

Hello everyone! My name is Nguyen Dinh Minh, and I am a student from class QH-2022-E KTQT 1, majoring in International Economics at VNU-UEB. I'm here to share my incredibly valuable experience participating in the international student exchange program at the Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, USA, from August to December 2024! From integrating into an international learning environment to discovering culture and making friends from all over the world, every moment of the trip held a special meaning, deeply imprinted with the unforgettable marks of us UEBers as "global citizens".

Farewell Vietnam, See You Soon!

I've stood at Noi Bai Airport many times before, saying goodbye to my parents as I embarked on short trips abroad. But this time, the feeling was different. This wasn't just a journey of discovery, but a new chapter marking my growth as a student and as a person, as a UEB student. Moreover, in addition to my family, close friends also came to say goodbye, sending wishes and incredibly special farewell gifts.

Student Life at Kelley

Lessons from International Experience

Confidence in Communication: Group discussions and classroom activities significantly improved my English proficiency. Initially, I hesitated to speak for fear of making mistakes, but thanks to the encouragement of teachers and friends, I gradually became bolder. This not only helped me communicate more naturally but also gave me the opportunity to present ideas and learn from international classmates.

Respect for Differences: I realized that everyone brings unique perspectives and experiences, and listening to others is a way to broaden my thinking. In a multicultural environment, respect and openness are the keys to effective teamwork and building positive relationships.

Superb Cooking Skills: One of the unexpected skills I acquired during my time in the US was cooking. I not only learned how to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes but also ventured into Western cuisine. One of the most memorable times was when I cooked a pot of pho (authentic Hanoi beef pho) for over 10 people, including international friends and the Vietnamese community. Besides pho, I also tried cooking dishes like bun bo Hue, spring rolls, and even Western dishes like spaghetti or beefsteak. Time in the kitchen not only helped me reduce stress but was also an opportunity to connect with people through home-cooked meals. It was from these moments that I realized that cooking is not only a necessary skill but also a great way to connect with others and share my culture.

An Internationally-Recognized Learning Environment

Kelley School of Business is renowned for its modern facilities and innovative educational methods. Classrooms are fully equipped with technology to support learning, from touch screens and lecture recording systems to advanced data analysis software. The quiet and comfortable library space is not only a place to read but also provides group discussion rooms, personal study areas, and creative spaces for students.

In addition, the school has modern academic support centers where students can seek help from experts in their field. Functional spaces such as business labs and innovation centers have truly become places for students to apply theory to practice. For me, the group study room was the place I used the most to practice presentations with classmates. To use the group study rooms, students have to go to the school system and reserve a time slot, then go to the room and scan their card to enter.

Unique Courses

During my time at Kelley, the course Negotiation and Alternative Dispute Resolution was the most unique. I had the opportunity to participate in a role-playing scenario called "Theotis Wiley." In this scenario, I played the role of a representative of Theotis Wiley, a promising basketball player with a complicated past. My task was to negotiate a potential endorsement deal with Erive, a small shoe company preparing to launch a new line of basketball shoes.

Before starting, I carefully analyzed factors such as Theotis's value to Erive, the impact of his past on the company's image, as well as the benefits and risks for both parties. During the negotiation process, I learned how to use BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement) and reserve values to define my limits and goals. I also realized the importance of strategically exchanging information to create shared value and reach a win-win agreement.

This experience not only helped me improve my negotiation skills but also better understand how to resolve conflicts in an international business environment. I realized that to become a good negotiator, you need to have strategic thinking skills, be sensitive in handling situations, and know how to build trust with partners. This was definitely one of the most memorable experiences during my time at Kelley!

Highlights of the Education System

What impressed me most about the American education system was the emphasis on creativity and self-learning. Here, every day I had a fair amount of homework, which required me to manage my time appropriately to complete. But in return, the pressure from the final exam was greatly reduced, as most of the grade came from weekly assignments and projects.

I gradually became accustomed to taking responsibility for my own learning, from preparing for class to completing group assignments. Teachers always encouraged students to ask questions and present personal opinions, making the learning atmosphere comfortable and open.

Thanks to this special point, I not only learned how to manage my time but also greatly improved my independent working skills. This really helped me grow in my studies and better prepare for the future.

Extracurricular Activities

Billiards Club and an Unforgettable International Tournament

I joined the Kelley School billiards club, and this was truly one of the best experiences of my semester. Every week, we gathered to practice, share techniques, and compete in friendly matches. Beyond that, I had the opportunity to participate in tournaments with other universities such as Illinois University, Purdue, and Indiana University.

These matches were not only an opportunity to compete but also helped me expand my relationships with international friends. After each match, people would often sit down to chat, sharing about culture, life, and funny stories about their learning experiences. Thanks to these activities, I felt closer to everyone and more confident in communicating in English.

First Time Watching American Football

For the first time in my life, I experienced a real American football game, between Indiana University and the University of Michigan in a student league. Before the game took place, I participated in tailgating, a super interesting and unique cultural feature. The parking lot around the stadium turned into a giant party with lively music, the smell of barbecue, and enthusiastic fans wearing their team's outfits. The atmosphere was truly exciting, and I felt like I was becoming part of a community.

When the game began, the whole stadium exploded with cheers and applause. Although I didn't understand all the rules, I was still drawn into the emotions of everyone around me. Every score or defense made the stands erupt in excitement. When the Indiana team scored, people jumped up to celebrate, and I shouted along naturally as if I had been cheering them on for a long time.

This game was not just about sports but also an opportunity for me to feel the American culture more clearly, from the passion to the spirit of solidarity. This was truly a memorable memory that I will never forget during my time at Kelley.

Experiencing and Exploring the United States

Life in Bloomington, Indiana

Bloomington, where I lived during my time at Kelley, has a very distinctive landscape with four distinct seasons. Autumn is the most vibrant time of year, with rows of trees changing color from green to yellow and red. Leaves fill the roads and parks, creating a scene that is both beautiful and intimate.

Then comes "Indian Summer," a short but quite interesting period. The weather is still warm, with light sunshine during the day, while the mornings and evenings are cool. This is when I often take advantage of going for walks or participating in outdoor activities.

When winter comes, Bloomington becomes quieter with the first snows. Snow covers the roofs, trees, cars, and roads. It had been a long time since I had seen snow, and that made me very excited. Bloomington is not too bustling due to the characteristics of the hilly area, but the change in each season makes this place always have something new to discover. The days here helped me feel more clearly the difference in weather and landscape compared to Vietnam.

Exploring the Vast United States

During my time at Kelley, I had the opportunity to travel and explore many famous cities across the United States, from the East Coast to the West Coast. These trips not only helped me broaden my horizons but also provided diverse experiences in culture, people, and lifestyles in different regions. Moreover, in each place I went, I met very dear friends and had the opportunity to interact with the locals.

- San Francisco: The first city I visited on the West Coast was San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge really impressed me with its grandeur and iconic symbol. The atmosphere in San Francisco is very pleasant, and strolling around the Fisherman's Wharf area, enjoying fresh seafood, is an experience I will never forget.

- Houston: Houston, with its bustling atmosphere, gave me a new perspective on the culture of the Southern United States. I really liked the museums here, especially the Houston City Hall and the Houston Space Center, where I had the opportunity to learn about the history of US space exploration.

- St. Louis: This city is famous for the Gateway Arch, a symbol of the Midwest. Standing under this architectural structure, looking at the entire city, made me feel the uniqueness and beauty of this land.

- Tampa: In Tampa, I spent most of my time enjoying the beautiful beaches and warm weather. The days here were really relaxing, and I also took the opportunity to explore the local cuisine with the typical dishes of the Florida region.

- New York: The trip to New York was perhaps the most memorable experience. From the brightly lit Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, to famous museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, everything made me feel overwhelmed. This city truly never sleeps and is a place I always want to return to.

Each city I went through had its own characteristics, from climate and landscape to culture and people. These trips not only helped me better understand the United States but also enriched my memorable memories during my studies here.

Initial Difficulties and How to Overcome Them

Initially, adapting to a new education system and a different living environment was truly a challenge. The large amount of homework, along with group projects and high self-study requirements, sometimes made me feel pressured and overwhelmed. In addition, differences in language and communication styles sometimes made it difficult for me to express ideas or participate in discussions.

However, I was fortunate to have great support from international friends and teachers. They not only helped me get acquainted with the new learning methods but also often encouraged me, sharing experiences in time management and effective learning methods. Group study sessions or conversations with friends also helped me become more confident in communication.

Even better, the billiards hall was a 5-minute drive from my house, so whenever I felt "stressed," I'd go out there to relax.

Memorable Memories

Unforgettable Memories

One of my most memorable memories during my time at Kelley was participating in the Vietnamese community here. Despite being far from home, I still felt the connection and warmth from more than 40 Vietnamese people living and studying in Bloomington. This community is like a big family, where people are always ready to help and share with each other.

Every week, we often organized sports activities, from football, badminton to volleyball. These sports sessions were not only a way to exercise but also an opportunity for everyone to chat, laugh, and reduce stress after days of studying and working. The atmosphere was very fun, and I always looked forward to the weekend to see everyone.

Especially, on special occasions or at the end of the month, we often organized potlucks, with hotpot almost becoming a favorite choice. The feeling of sitting around a steaming pot of hotpot, chatting lively, really made me feel as close as if I were at home. Everyone would bring a dish, from vegetables, meat, seafood to spices, creating a full and authentic Vietnamese meal.

Those moments not only helped me miss home less but also made me appreciate the feelings and solidarity of the Vietnamese student community in a foreign land. This is definitely a part of the memory that I will always carry with me wherever I go.

Advice for Future Exchange Students

Prepare carefully: Learn as much as possible about the weather, culture, and necessary items before leaving. This will help you avoid many unnecessary inconveniences and feel more confident when starting life in a new country.

Participate in extracurricular activities: Don't miss the opportunity to join clubs, events, or exchange activities at school. This is a great way to make friends, build relationships, and better understand local as well as international cultures.

Be confident and open: Don't be shy when communicating with people. Take the initiative to chat, ask questions, and share your opinion.