A world of difference for Mia

At just 17, Mia Le made a life-changing decision that she will never regret. 

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The young Vietnamese student knew a quality education would help her achieve her goals of working in the business world. 

She had seen firsthand the difference an international education could have, thanks to her father who had completed his own higher education in Australia. 

Choosing Australia as a destination to study   

Following the advice of an international education agent just two years ago, she packed her bags, left Hanoi, and headed to Wollongong to begin her academic journey at UOW College. 

“I was only 17 at the time, and my agent recommended UOW College for its smaller class sizes and the easier transition it offered into university life,” she says. 

“My first option was to study in the US, but when I looked at the university rankings, the University of Wollongong (UOW) was very high, and I liked the weather in Australia. 

“I was also lucky to secure a scholarship to come to the College.” 

“I completed the fast-track Diploma of Business through UOW College, so I finished it in two semesters,” she says. 

“And it gave me guaranteed entry into the second year of a bachelor's degree at UOW.” 

Achieving academic success  

Despite being also offered a position at the top Vietnamese university, Mia still chose to complete her Diploma at UOW College, and as soon as she could travelled to Wollongong. 

“I thought I would complete my first year at the UOW College because there was more support and care for me,” she says. 

“The teachers were very attentive, and with the ability to be able to graduate with a bachelor's degree in the same timeframe, I thought it was the best way to do it. 

“And everyone was so supportive. It was amazing and is something I will never regret.” 

Mia says UOW College helped her not just transition into life away from home but allowed her to gain important skills that she said were essential for her to understand what was required of her in university study. 

“I learned how to do things like referencing and annotating, which I had not been taught in high school,” she says. 

“The way the College courses are structured allows for deeper focus and there is an emphasis on creative thinking and flexibility. 

“I used the Peer Learning Program which I would recommend for everyone. The Peer Learning Leaders spent a lot of time with me and helped me a great deal. 

“Peer Learning Leaders are helpful and supported me a lot in keeping up with lectures, preparing for exams or sharing some experiences from their learning journeys. 

“Some support services, such as Studiosity, helped me prepare well for my exams and Student Mentors programs provided me mental support for the further journey ahead.  

“The teachers were very supportive. They remember everyone’s names and situations and help attach context to our learning because they know us well.” 

 

Growing in confidence  

Now completing a Bachelor of Business with double major in Human Resource Management and Marketing, Mia says the College has also helped her become a much more confident person. 

She says before leaving Vietnam, she was shy and scared of being away from the protective environment of her parents and two sisters. 

“I had never been anywhere else in the world,” she says. 

“In high school I was very introverted, but when I came to UOW College my teachers encouraged me to meet people. 

“Now I have friends from all over the world.” 

Her confidence has grown so much in the past two years, that Mia is now an International Student Ambassador and Digital Media Ambassador, using her own experience to help other international students find their way in a new country. 

She says that UOW College has given her such a strong foundation that she is already putting in place plans to pursue opportunities for internships and jobs. 

She says her parents are very proud of her and happy about her positive experience. 

“I believe it was all made possible by the support I received at the College,” she says. 

“UOW College is like a secret oasis of learning, with its small, engaging classrooms, a community of caring and supportive individuals, and an electrifying atmosphere that fuels your ambition." 

Learn more about the Pathways Programs available at UOW College.

Mia Le
Diploma of Business Fast Track