What’s New: Keuka Vietnam

Published December 1, 2011 at 10:51 pm in Keuka Magazine by Rachel E. Dewey.

Editor’s Note: In terms of “What’s new at Keuka College,” the newest are 174 Vietnamese students who began pursuit of management science degrees Oct. 3 at the University of Science, Vietnam National University—Ho Chi Minh City (HCMUS), ITEC (International Training and Education Center). Assistant Editor Rachel E. Dewey conducted an interview with six of them via Skype and email.

Twenty-one year-old Tran Thi Phuong Khanh (“Khanh”) found much to love in the first week of classes at HCMUS.

“The professors are so friendly, and that makes me feel comfortable,” she said. Tran chose Keuka in order to study in an international environment that would make her confident, and provide realistic experiences, not just pages in a book.

“Yesterday, I learned about international experiential education,” she said, referring to Keuka’s reputation as the national leader in experiential, hands-on learning.

Like a handful of other new HCMUS students, Tran would like to finish her Keuka degree at the Keuka Park campus. After graduation, she hopes to become a public relations manager, in addition to organizing and promoting events.
“In my family, my aunt is a PR manager for a company. She is successful in life and on the job and when I finish this program, I want to be like her,” Tran said.

Once in the States, Tran hopes to see the Statute of Liberty, Wall Street, and the White House. The prominent American she would most like to meet comes from the world of politics.

“I would like to meet George W. Bush, former president, because he encountered many difficult cases as president, but he remained strong and firm,” Tran said.

Her classmates cited Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and personal family members of their own as successful leaders they hope to emulate. All six students were enthusiastic about conducting studies in English, improving their language skills, and staking claim to their own success in a variety of managerial roles.

Nguyen Hoang Truc Khanh (“Kannie”) wants to manage a computer or entertainment company. Nguyen Phuong Khanh (“Rosaline”) would like to run a hotel and restaurant, or work as a tour guide and tourism manager. While Huynh Kim Long (“Jin”) is exploring management of a restaurant or foreign company, Pham Thuy Ngoc Nga (“Katherine”) is eager to open her own coffee shop. And Lam Chi Le (“Lee”) hasn’t yet settled on a career track, but considers Keuka’s program “the perfect opportunity for me to take steps to a higher level,” he said.

After just one week, the Keuka Vietnam students were in high spirits.

“I want to know how I can study, how I can learn in this English environment. It won’t be easy, but I will try my best. I’m very excited about how they teach us, it’s more wonderful than I thought,” said Lam, referring to his three American professors. “The Keuka program is awesome.”