Carrying both Vietnamese and Chinese heritage, Li Zhao Ling chose the University of Languages and International Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (ULIS) to delve deeper into the Vietnamese language and culture while reconnecting with her roots. From initial unfamiliarity to fully embracing university life with confidence, Ling’s journey at ULIS has been marked by overcoming language barriers, building lasting friendships, and collecting unforgettable experiences.

A dual connection and the choice named ULIS

For Li Zhao Ling, the decision to study in Vietnam stemmed from a special affection for the country and its people. Carrying both Vietnamese and Chinese heritage, Ling has always felt a strong sense of closeness to Vietnamese culture, along with a deep desire to explore her roots.

Driven by this passion, Ling chose to pursue the Bachelor’s program in Teaching Vietnamese as a Foreign Language within the Faculty of Vietnamese Language and Culture, University of Languages and International Studies (ULIS – VNU). For Ling, this path is not only an opportunity to hone her Vietnamese proficiency, but also a meaningful journey of cultural discovery, reconnecting with her heritage, and better understanding her own identity.

The multilingual and multicultural environment at ULIS has also opened up numerous learning and growth opportunities for Ling. Beyond classroom lectures, daily conversations and campus activities have helped her progressively sharpen her language skills while gaining a richer perspective on Vietnamese life and people.

From initial unfamiliarity to confident integration

Ling’s first impression of ULIS was its green campus, vibrant academic atmosphere, and the dynamic, friendly nature of its students. The dedication of her lecturers and the warmth of her peers quickly made her feel at home, giving her the confidence and motivation to actively participate in both academic and extracurricular activities.

However, her academic journey was not without its challenges. During specialized lectures, Ling occasionally struggled to keep pace with the teaching speed or grasp new vocabulary and technical terms. Language barriers naturally caused moments of hesitation during those early days.

Rather than holding back, Ling chose to proactively adapt by staying focused in class and actively striking up conversations with her Vietnamese classmates. Through her own persistence and the support of her friends, Ling steadily improved her language skills and grew far more confident in her studies.

Using Vietnamese on a daily basis, both in lecture halls and in everyday conversations, has not only sharpened her communication skills but also allowed her to build meaningful connections and fully integrate into student life at ULIS.

Unforgettable memories at the VNU camp in Hoa Lac

Beyond her studies, Ling actively participates in extracurricular activities to broaden her horizons and meet new friends. Among these, the VNU Youth Camp in Hoa Lac stands out as one of her most cherished memories.

At the camp, Ling immersed herself in the vibrant atmosphere of group activities, joining in team games and engaging with students from various member universities across VNU. These experiences not only brought her joy, but also provided a great opportunity to expand her network and experience firsthand the dynamic, united spirit of the VNU student community.

For Ling, the trip was not only a chance to unwind after classes, but also a beautiful milestone in her journey of studying in Vietnam.

Growing through experiences at ULIS

Looking back on her journey so far, Ling sees many positive transformations in herself. From a hesitant Vietnamese speaker, she has grown into a confident language user, actively taking part in activities and becoming more independent in her daily life.

The learning environment at ULIS has given Ling much more than academic knowledge: it has encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone, discover her potential, and build meaningful relationships. The initial hurdles gradually turned into motivation to keep learning and striving for personal growth.

Drawing from her own story, Li Zhao Ling shares a warm message with international students considering ULIS for their studies:

“I think you shouldn’t worry too much when you first arrive in Vietnam. Try to communicate with people around you, join campus activities, and embrace student life. I’m confident you’ll create unforgettable memories at ULIS.”

For Ling, her time at ULIS has brought far more than new insights into Vietnamese language and culture; it has helped her mature, build confidence, and grow deeply attached to her second home.

Trần Linh/ĐSTT