In the first semester of the 2023 - 2024 academic year, the University of Economics and Business - VNU welcomed Mai Quỳnh Anh, a student from the University of Economics and Law, VNU Ho Chi Minh City (UEL), for a credit exchange program. Having spent more than half of her academic journey in this entirely new environment, Quỳnh Anh has enjoyed interesting experiences, gained valuable knowledge, and made new friends at UEB.

Sitting down with Quỳnh Anh after her meeting with the Rector - Associate Professor Dr. Lê Trung Thành and UEB faculty, I understood why this student from sunny Saigon was determined to come to Hanoi and choose UEB as her exchange destination this semester.

Reporter (RP): Hello Quỳnh Anh, this must be your first time at UEB. What are your impressions of this new school?

Quỳnh Anh: “Wow” - that was my first reaction when I arrived at UEB. Although I had researched and seen many images of the school before coming here, UEB is even more beautiful in reality than I had imagined. The school has many lecture halls, not concentrated in one area, which is a bit different from UEL. However, every lecture hall at UEB is beautiful, especially the “royal” E5 hall where I study. I am really happy to be here!

RP: What courses have you registered for credit exchange? How do you feel after studying at UEB for over a month?

Quỳnh Anh: I registered for 5 courses: Commercial Bank Accounting, Accounting Information Systems, Data Analysis in Economics and Business, Strategic Management, and Taxation. All my classes are in the E5 lecture hall.

A common feature of all these classes is the familiar and friendly atmosphere, just like at UEL. I was a bit nervous at first, but the teachers and students at UEB were very helpful, so I quickly adapted.

RP: Can you describe the UEB faculty in three words?

Quỳnh Anh: I would choose: Talented - Youthful - Friendly!

Since arriving in Hanoi, the teachers have enthusiastically supported me with dormitory procedures, course registration, and scheduling. I also feel the warm affection that UEB's lecturers bring to each lecture. They are always ready to answer any questions from me and other students, even outside of class hours. Therefore, even though I'm just a “guest,” I have never felt “out of place”!

RP: Tell us about your new friends at UEB? What impresses you about UEBers?

Quỳnh Anh: Intelligence and dynamism are what impress me the most about UEBers. I see them studying diligently in class and then energetically running to events right after class. They are also very hospitable; they have helped me a lot in both my studies and daily life in Hanoi for the past month.

RP: What is your most memorable experience at UEB so far?

Quỳnh Anh: It was probably just recently, during my meeting with the Rector - Associate Professor Dr. Lê Trung Thành, when I received two special gifts! The first gift was a scarf in the colors of UEB's brand. I learned that this scarf is given to graduates or international guests, so receiving it was really touching. I feel the affection from the teachers and the University of Economics and Business - VNU.

The second gift was a newly published book by the Rector. I am honored to be the second person to receive his autographed book.

RP: It seems like you haven’t discovered the “photo-worthy corner” at UEB, have you? UEBers often say that you can take beautiful photos anywhere in this space. Would you like to explore it?

Quỳnh Anh: (Brightly smiling) My friends have boasted about the school's Creative and Artistic Space, but I only fully appreciated UEBers' pride after visiting it. It's like an art exhibition! So vibrant!

“The name says it all” - this is true for the space on the 5th floor of the E4 building at UEB. This will surely be my go-to place for relaxation or a break between morning and afternoon classes.

RP: With just over a month left in your exchange program at the University of Economics and Business - VNU, can you share your upcoming plans, things you’ve listed to do before returning to Ho Chi Minh City?

Quỳnh Anh: There are still many plans I haven’t fulfilled since arriving here. However, making more UEBer friends and hanging out with them will be my top priority, especially now that it's autumn in Hanoi. I want to “pack” this cool air to take back to Saigon! (Laughs).

Interestingly, the distance from my house to UEB is only 1/10th of the distance to UEL. Wanting to experience a new life, I chose to study in Ho Chi Minh City, and now, having the opportunity to come to Hanoi for study, I immediately registered. I am very grateful to UEB and UEL for this valuable experience. I will cherish every remaining day of my exchange at UEB.

Thank you, Quỳnh Anh, for sharing your experiences. Hopefully, the knowledge and new experiences at the University of Economics and Business - VNU will make you even more confident in your upcoming journey!

UEBers, are you ready for domestic student exchanges? Register for the program HERE.

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