Thi dreams of becoming a university lecturer to inspire future generations.

Her international journey began with a youth leadership workshop in Singapore.

Despite language barriers, she’s learning Polish with determination, seeing every challenge as a chance to grow.

Welcome centre: Hello! We are delighted that you joined us!

Thi: Hi! Thank you. I’m excited about the project as well.

Welcome centre: Let’s start with a short introduction from you.

Thi: My full name is Thị Ngọc Thùy Nguyễn (or just Susan in English). I’m a passionate and determined person with a strong background in International Business and a growing experience in International Economic Relations. My journey to Kraków University of Economics has been driven by my lifelong commitment to learning, research, and making meaningful contribution to society. During my undergraduate years, I’ve been actively involved in the Student Union, where I co-organized various events and participated in volunteer work. I speak Vietnamese, English and I’ve been learning Polish with great dedication. In my leisure time, I enjoy reading books, listening to music, doing yoga which helps me to improve my mental and physical health and gives me time to have a deep insight about life. Besides the academic flow, I always actively seek for international academic exchange opportunities early since entering university.

Welcome centre: That’s such an impressive list of activities! It’s clear you’ve really made the most of your university experience, both academically and beyond. It’s great that you’re also putting so much effort into learning Polish! Can you tell us more about the kinds of projects or international experiences you’ve taken part in over the years?

Thi: Since the beginning of my bachelor’s studies, I’ve actively participated in academic competitions like Vietnam Young Logistics Talent 2021, various entrepreneurship projects, and international exchange programs. One of the most memorable was a workshop about “Future Thinking and Scenario Planning for Youths” in Singapore back in 2019. I was just a freshman at the time and it felt like stepping into a whole new world. That experience really broadened my horizons and changed the way I see life and the future.

Welcome centre: What an amazing opportunity to dive into an international environment right at the start of your studies! These kinds of experiences are always such a great adventure. You learn so much, not only about the world but also about yourself.

Thi: I still vividly remember this significant time, it felt like stepping into a whole new world that really broadened my outlook and awareness of life. The event boosted my confidence, especially because I had a chance to work with experienced, well-known professors and mentors from the fields of economics and public policy, as well as connect with international peers. Our group was assigned to develop an educational project and instead of giving a regular presentation, I suggested we create a short play on the topic of Education on Mar. It was a great way to show our creativity and teamwork. These valuable experiences gave me the motivation and confidence to apply for other international programs.

Welcome centre: It’s great that you weren’t afraid to step outside the box and make the most of that opportunity. Has all of this shaped a vision for what you’d like to do in the future?

Thi: My ultimate goal is to become a university lecturer. I want to pass on the motivation that drives my life, share my knowledge and inspire younger generations to contribute to global trade and economic development. I truly believe that education is the key to change and that, as they say, "every great change begins with a dream.” That belief is one of the main reasons why I chose to pursue studying abroad. It allows me to gain advanced knowledge, broaden my global perspective, and sharpen professional skills in international economics and trade.

Welcome centre: That’s an inspiring mission. Education is a powerful tool for shaping the future.

Thi:I have always asked myself: What is my life’s mission? Growing up in a peasant family in the Mekong Delta, I developed a strong passion for improving Vietnam’s economic sector, especially in my hometown. When I was a little girl, I witnessed farmers face many challenges such as unstable incomes and limited market access, despite the region’s great potential. My goal is to help bridge this gap by attracting investment, modernizing production methods and promoting high-quality agricultural products internationally, including here in Poland.

Welcome centre: Your dedication to supporting your community and fostering international cooperation stands out. Moving to a new country and starting university abroad must have brought its own set of challenges. What would you say was the biggest challenge you faced here?

Thi: The biggest challenge for me in a new country and university has been the language barrier. Since I only had a few months of Polish preparatory courses, I still struggle with specialized vocabulary in my field. In class, I can understand the general idea but often miss details, which makes it harder to interact fluently with lecturers and classmates. However, I see this challenge as an opportunity for growth. Every day, I dedicate extra hours to translating, memorizing, and practicing new vocabulary and terms. If others try once, I try a hundred times to catch up. Fortunately, my background in International Business helps me grasp subject matter and my strong self-study skills keep me motivated. I believe that with perseverance and continuous effort, I will overcome this barrier. My positive attitude and enthusiasm for learning ensure that I make the most of this opportunity.

Welcome centre: Language barriers can definitely make studying abroad more demanding but it’s clear you’re putting in a lot of effort to improve every day. On a lighter note, what do you like the most about studying here at KUE? And is there anything you think could be improved?

Thi: Honestly speaking, there are many things I appreciate about my university but what stands out the most is the support and encouragement I receive from my lecturers and classmates. They understand the challenges I face with the Polish language and always encourage me to keep going. I also admire the university’s academic environment, which fosters critical thinking and independent research. After nearly one semester, I’ve achieved some good results, which has boosted my confidence even more. I really want to sincerely thank my teachers and friends for their warmth and help. Thanks to them, I am more determined than ever to improve my Polish, integrate better and become the best version of myself.

Welcome centre: It’s wonderful to hear how supportive our university community has been. That kind of encouragement makes a huge difference. Looking ahead, do you think studying in Poland will be beneficial for your future career and personal growth?

Thi: I believe my Polish experience will be very beneficial for my future. Learning Polish has not only improved my language skills but also taught me the importance of perseverance and adaptability when facing new challenges. It has helped me strengthen my communication abilities – something that will definitely be valuable in both my personal and professional life. Moreover, living and studying in Poland has given me a deeper understanding of the local culture, which has enhanced my cultural awareness and open mindedness - essential qualities in today’s globalized world.

Welcome centre: Gaining that kind of perspective and adaptability is one of the most valuable outcomes of studying abroad. What advice would you give to other international students or applicants who are still hesitating or feeling uncertain about going abroad?

Thi: My advice to international students who are hesitating about going abroad is: be brave and step out of your comfort zone. Studying in another country isn’t just about academics - it’s a journey that tests your determination, patience, and resilience. Believe in your dreams, stay focused on your goals and don’t be afraid of challenges, they’re what make you grow. I’m also always happy to support others on this journey. I’ve already advised several students who were passionate about studying abroad by guiding them through scholarship opportunities and keeping them motivated. If you’re willing to fight for your dreams, every challenge will be a step toward your success. The journey might not always be easy but the personal growth you gain is priceless.

Welcome centre: That’s a thoughtful perspective and it’s great that they would have support, especially at the beginning. We hope your dream of becoming a university lecturer comes true, and who knows, maybe one day we’ll see you back here at KUE, this time on the other side of the classroom.

Thi: Thank you so much for having me and for all the kind words! I’ve really enjoyed sharing my story and I hope it might inspire someone out there.