International student Dang Dam pursues degree to help family business and experience American culture

Every student that attends Morehead State University has their own distinct motivation for pursuing a college degree. For Dang Dam, an international student from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, it is a desire to better himself and his family that brought him to MSU. By being an international student, Dam hopes to improve his English skills, gain a deeper understanding of American culture and apply his newly acquired knowledge to help his family. 

Dam is currently studying accounting. With this degree, he hopes to help his family analyze and prepare financial records for their small business.  

“I want to go back and work for my parents,” said Dam. “From my studies, I will be able to help them improve their small business.” 

Dam splits his time between studying for his accounting classes, lifting weights at the Recreation and Wellness Center and being involved with the Baptist Campus Ministry (BCM).  

“I go to the Recreation and Wellness Center every day, except on the weekends. It is a great resource that MSU offers,” said Dam. “I also spend a lot of time at the BCM. They have potlucks for international students and American students. The first time I went, I made new friends. That day I cooked food from my home country to share with others.”  

As part of the international student program, Dam was assigned a student mentor. This mentor functions as a friendly face and resource to help international students get acclimated. Dam’s favorite memory with his student mentor was when they traveled to Cincinnati.  

“We went to a mall for shopping, the zoo and then went to an art museum. It was a lot of fun.” 

From all his experiences at MSU so far, seeing snow for the first time was his most memorable. Dam is from a hot and humid climate where snow is only visible on the peaks of the mountains.  

“The first time I saw snow here it was amazing. I can see the complete four seasons which is something I haven’t gotten to experience before.” 

Additional information about the accounting program in the Elmer R. Smith College of Business and Technology, is available by visiting www.moreheadstate.edu/study/accounting, emailing cbt@moreheadstate.edu or calling 606-783-2090.  

For additional information about admission for international students, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/international.