The Vietnamese dream (Issue 12, 2009)

20090708_Student-profile_Nam_AK

Nam with Bendigo Student Support Coordinator Grace White Feather

Bao Nam Dinh always dreamed to study in the United States and was sure he would continue his education there. That’s until his father convinced him he should try studying in Australia, a friendly and warm country, where he would feel like home and meet friendly people. Now Nam couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.

Nam is a scholarship student studying Bachelor of Civil Engineering at the Bendigo Campus and he is grateful for listening to his father’s advice. He was a winner in the Mathematics National Competition in Vietnam, but he still finds the course challenging and enjoys expanding his skills and finds that the course gives him the opportunity to do that.

‘One thing that I really enjoy about education in Australia is the class interaction which allows me to develop my communication skills. I feel I now have more abilities to discuss with my classmates and my confidence is increasing all the time,’ says Nam.

Nam’s family is also very grateful that Nam is enjoying his experience and that he is getting so much support from La Trobe. His father even decided to offer the university a beautiful painting that he crafted himself. It represents eight horses, which in Vietnamese culture represents vigour and strength.

‘I believe that great academic records are not enough for me to be successful in my career, so I take every chance I have to experience the culture here and the people here,’ adds Nam.

Nam would like to stay in Australia for a few years and gain some work experience before continuing his studies at postgraduate level.