Bio
Morehead State University’s
reputation for diversity continues to spread not only in the United States but
around the globe. With the cooperation of International Student Services and
Enrollment Services’ international recruitment, MSU has extended its good name
to places such as Southeast Asia.
Tuan Hoang, sophomore
finance major, first learned about Morehead State, while in his home of Hanoi,
Vietnam. He heard about the university from a friend who previously attended
MSU. Viewing the United States as a country where people have many
opportunities and can discover one’s own self, Hoang researched Morehead State
and decided he wanted to attend.
Arriving at MSU,
Hoang quickly felt Morehead was home. “MSU is a close-knit family. Class sizes
are small and professors take time to know you which helps build relationships,”
he stated. In Vietnam’s capital, he was accustomed to a high school classroom
setting of 30 or more students.
Hoang has become a
student leader on campus, working as a resident adviser in the Office of
Student Housing. He was influenced by his RA from his freshman year, who spent
time with him and other residents on his floor.
“MSU’s housing staff
wants to reach out to students to let them know we are available to assist with
problems that may occur. We are here to help students grow,” he said, noting
that he wanted to be an RA to help international students feel comfortable.
“At times,
international students can be hesitant to speak to American students, in fear
of making mistakes when speaking,” he said. It only took Hoang a-year-and-a-half
to learn the English language.
Hoang also
volunteers at the International Student Services house at the beginning of each
semester, to assist new students with their schedules and provide them with
walking tours around campus. He is appreciative of the staff and the work they
do.
“They help
international students feel comfortable and show a true American culture,”
Hoang said. Students frequently meet at the international house for movie night
and popcorn.
Hoang spends some
of his free time teaching basic Vietnamese words to friends he has made at the
university. “I feel that people care and are accepting of international
students when they want to know our languages,” he said.
He wants everyone to
know that international students are here at Morehead State to receive an
education, make friends and learn more about the U.S. culture. He advises
others to be patient and not to become frustrated about language barriers. “It
can be difficult on both sides, but those who put in effort have true lasting
friendships,” he stated.
Arriving in the
United States two-years-ago from a city of more than 6 million people, to now
living in a small eastern Kentucky town, Hoang has found a place he can call
home. “It’s really good to be here; I know I made the right choice.”