Chansanga Chansakda, a 20-year-old enthusiastic student from Kaysone Phomviharn, Savannakhet, Laos, has chosen Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE) as his destination to pursue his dream of becoming a civil engineer. Chansakda's journey not only demonstrates his determination to follow his passion but also serves as a testament to the warm support HCMUTE offers to international students.

From a young age, Chansakda has been fascinated by the bridges and architectural structures in his homeland. "Since I was a child, I have been thrilled by seeing bridges being built and telling myself, ‘I want to create such structures and contribute to building a more developed country,’" Chansakda shared. During his high school years in Vientiane, he continually worked hard, especially in subjects like Physics, and was selected for the national student team, which was a significant step toward realizing his dream of studying abroad.

A Turning Point at HCMUTE – When Dreams Become Reality

That dream came true when Chansakda received a scholarship from HCMUTE, one of the leading technical universities in Vietnam. Along with the joy of this opportunity, he also faced many new challenges in language, culture, and an unfamiliar learning environment. "I was excited yet nervous about studying in Vietnam. Vietnamese is very difficult, and the culture is different," Chansakda recalled. To prepare, he studied Vietnamese for three months in Laos, then continued with an intensive nine-month course at HCMUTE. Gradually, Chansakda became more confident and overcame his initial fears. "Teachers and friends have helped me a lot, and thanks to them, I no longer feel lost," he expressed gratefully.

Chansanga Chansakda (second from left) at the Bun Pi May traditional festival organized by HCMUTE in April 2024.

In the beginning, Chansakda was shy about communicating for fear of making mistakes, but through attending Vietnamese language classes and his own efforts, he became more confident. "Interacting and talking with Vietnamese people has helped me improve my language skills and better understand the culture here," Chansakda shared. One of his unforgettable experiences when he first arrived in Vietnam was the traffic. "When I first arrived, I was afraid to cross the street because the traffic was so heavy and fast. It took me a while to get used to it, but now I’m confident riding a motorbike on the streets of Saigon," he said cheerfully.

Additionally, Chansakda currently shares a room with fellow Laotian students, providing him with companionship and mutual support while being away from home. The group often organizes small gatherings and participates in "drinking parties" to get acquainted with local culture. Chansakda happily shared, "Vietnamese friends are really friendly and enthusiastic. They welcomed us warmly, making us feel like we’re at home."

HCMUTE – A Place to Nurture Passion and Experience

Chansakda enjoys a rich student life at HCMUTE, participating in various extracurricular activities, from sports and music to academic competitions. Taking part in the SMART SOLUTION competition was one of his memorable experiences, where he learned teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. He also regularly plays badminton to maintain his health and connect with friends. "Sports and music help me relieve stress and make new friends. Here, I’ve also discovered many Vietnamese dishes that I really love, such as bún đậu and bánh xèo," Chansakda shared.

HCMUTE is not just a school but has become Chansakda's second home. The university provides international students with comfortable dorm accommodations and visa guidance. "The school cares a lot about international students. Teachers not only help with academic learning but also guide us to adapt to our new life," Chansakda shared. With modern facilities, from advanced laboratories to practical training sessions, he feels lucky to be a student here. "What I love most is the practical experience; it's not just about studying from textbooks but also experiencing real-world applications," he excitedly said.

Chansanga Chansakda during a class on civil engineering in transportation at HCMUTE

In addition, compared to Laotian students at other universities, Chansakda feels he has integrated well and gained more specialized knowledge thanks to the learning environment at HCMUTE. "The teachers here are always ready to help, answer any questions, and support me through challenges," he shared. Thanks to this, he has overcome language and cultural barriers and is developing holistically.

Chansanga Chansakda (standing in the middle) singing with Laotian and Vietnamese students

Despite receiving much support from the university, Chansakda hopes HCMUTE will organize more intensive Vietnamese language courses and create opportunities for international students to connect with Vietnamese students. "If possible, the university should help us connect with Vietnamese students in terms of studying and daily life. This will help international students integrate and overcome language barriers more easily," he suggested.

Aspirations to Contribute Back to Laos

After graduating, Chansakda hopes to bring the knowledge and experience gained at HCMUTE back to his home country, Laos. He plans to open a construction company focused on infrastructure development and improving the quality of life for people in Savannakhet. "I want to build large structures, not just to develop the country but also to improve the quality of life for everyone," Chansakda shared with strong determination.

Chansakda also sent a message to international students: "Don’t hesitate to challenge yourself and believe in yourself. HCMUTE is an ideal environment for studying and growing. This is not just a place to gain knowledge but also a place that helps you grow." Chansakda's journey is an inspiring story of perseverance and effort to overcome barriers, ready to contribute to his country and carry the belief in building his nation.

With Chansakda's story, HCMUTE affirms itself as an ideal destination for international students who want to study, grow, and experience life in Vietnam.