An American IT Student at DTU
From Appalachian State University in North Carolina, USA, Philip Gardner is a 21-year old student of IT and Business. This is the first time Philip has been to Vietnam, so everything is unfamiliar. Philip says: “With the support of DTU lecturers and staff, I have easily adapted to the pace of life in this charming coastal city of Danang. I am deeply impressed by the friendliness and hospitality of my DTU lecturers and classmates.”
Philip Gardner in the DTU library
In his first semester, Philip registered for five subjects, like the Vietnamese students, including Operations Management, Principles of Marketing, Human Resource Management, System Integration Practices and Software Project Management. His results will be included in his transcript at Appalachian State. “The study environment here is rather similar to that in the US,” Philip explained, “with the similar teaching methods and learning styles, I feel at home. The DTU facilities are modern and meet our requirements. Teaming with my classmates, preparing slides for presentations, I realize that they are very dynamic, hard-working and eager to learn.”
Philip is also excited learning about the customs and fine cuisine of Danang. “After class, my colleagues took me to some places to enjoy the local culinary specialties. They also left me with unforgettable experiences during the traditional Vietnamese Tet holiday. Shopping in the bustling crowds, decorating the house, going to the flower market, receiving lucky money and eating with their families helped me to understand the life, culture and people of Vietnam. Looking ahead, as an International Enrollment Ambassador for DTU, I hope to introduce the beauty and culture of the Vietnamese people to other American students and hope that many of them will come here to study and have as wonderful an experience as I have at DTU.”
Students of Singapore Polytechnic in CDIO and Learning Express projects
DTU and SP students had interesting experiences when they visited traditional craft villages in Danang and Quang Nam, acquiring much practical knowledge during CDIO and Learning Express projects.
Students of DTU and Singapore Polytechnic (SP) at the Learning Express Showcase
Wong Kok Ian, a student of Aeronautical Engineering at SP, said: “The DTU field trip into rural Vietnam was very important for me. I learnt how to conduct a project, first by collecting data and then finally by demonstrating our product models. I honestly felt shy talking with strangers, and this was the first time I had worked with foreign students. However, the friendliness of the DTU students gave me the confidence to complete my assignment. They also spent time showing us around Danang, and we thoroughly enjoyed the delicious local food. I will never forget my journey with them.”
Internship Opportunity in Danang
The year 2014-2015 saw the first foreign interns, in partnership with DTU, who visited real-time production and service facilities here. Three Thai students, Charoenkun Maneenuch, Saelee Worakit and Unmuang Patthakorn, interned for three months at the InterContinental Danang Resort. DTU students can, conversely, intern in Thailand. Over the past two years, the DTU Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality has sent several students overseas to do short and long term, paid internships at the Crowne Plaza Bangkok, the Centera and the J.W. Marriott in Phuket.
Felix Lee Xu Jian, a student of Chemical Engineering at Singapore Polytechnic considered his 35-day internship at DTU to be highly beneficial and broadened his horizon. He said: “This was my first time living overseas for more than a month, on my own, with just my colleagues. At first I thought it would be difficult to adapt to the new environment, however the DTU staff and students were really friendly and helped us to adapt easily. This program also taught me about Vietnamese culture. Now that I understand the way of life in Vietnam, I am more appreciative of what I have. Our projects were highly informative, as we learnt about producing biodiesel fuel from rubber seed oil and bio-gas from organic waste.”
What do DTU students talk about?
By studying and working with students all over the world right here at home, DTU students can develop and improve their self-confidence in these times of global integration. Ton That Binh, from the DTU International School, who studies in the same class as Philip Gardner, said: “Philip makes the class atmosphere more interesting. By talking with him after class every day, I have learnt about the lives of American students and have been able to improve my English and social skills.”
Traveling to traditional craft villages in Danang and Quang Nam with SP students, Pham Thi Tuyet Trinh of the DTU Faculty of Foreign Languages, said: “The SP students were very friendly, out-going and responsible in their work. They were willing to help the local people in the poorer rural areas of Quang Nam and gain good, practical experience during our projects. We still keep in touch with them and share our knowledge and experiences.”
