MCU Vietnamese Student Association Welcomes Freshmen

By Nabi Bui

On the afternoon of September 25, 2025, in a cozy classroom on Ming Chuan University’s (MCU) Taipei campus, the atmosphere was livelier than usual. Laughter and chatter echoed through the air, mingling with the faint aroma of pizza and creating an instant sense of warmth and familiarity for anyone who stepped inside. This year’s welcome event for new Vietnamese students was more than just a routine gathering — it was a chance for young newcomers to Taiwan to discover a “second family” in a foreign land.

The event began with a heartfelt greeting from Mr. Dang Truong An, president of the MCU Vietnamese Student Association (VSA). With a warm smile, he introduced each core member of the association: Vice President Mr. Kien, a steady source of support; Treasurer Mr. Ha, meticulous and thoughtful; Secretary Mr. Tung, diligent in taking notes; and Mr. Huy, the mastermind behind the seamless execution of events. We are not just here to organize events,” An explained. “We want to be the support system you can lean on whenever you feel lost or overwhelmed.”

To illustrate this, he shared images from past activities — from spirited sports festivals to the vibrant April 30th Cultural Day. Each image was a reminder that Vietnamese students at MCU are bound not just by academics, but by everyday moments of joy and togetherness. The association had prepared a “Taiwan Study Abroad Handbook” with a QR code for quick contact, along with a small gift for new students who participated.

The atmosphere grew even more engaging with the arrival of a special guest: Professor Ngo Thanh Sang from the International Business and Trade (IBT) Department. Speaking with warmth and sincerity, he recounted his own journey — from being a young international student unfamiliar with a new environment to becoming a lecturer at MCU. “I see myself in you today,” he smiled. “Full of excitement, expectations, and yes, some worries too.”

He likened studying abroad to climbing a mountain: at times exhilarating, at times exhausting, with moments when giving up feels tempting. But during those trials, clear goals serve as a guiding light. He left the students with three pieces of advice: set a clear goal, stay proactive both inside and outside the classroom, and above all, keep unity alive. The room grew silent as he closed with a thought that lingered in every heart: “The diploma is only a reward. The true purpose of studying abroad is to discover the best version of yourself.”

Excitement picked up again during the lively Q&A session. Questions ranged from practical to playful:
• Where’s the best place to eat cheaply near the dorms?
• Any sports centers for basketball or badminton?
• If I don’t know Chinese, what part-time jobs can I do?
Each question was answered thoroughly by senior students. Handy tips — like shopping at supermarkets after 9 p.m. for discounts, or visiting familiar Vietnamese community spots such as VNEX and INDEX — were eagerly noted by the newcomers.

The discussion also covered academic and legal concerns, from ARC extensions and scholarship requirements to driver’s license tests and work visa renewals. Thanks to the association’s careful preparation, the new students felt reassured, no longer adrift in uncertainty.

Before closing, President An left a heartfelt message: “If you face any problems, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’ll find a way to help. And we hope you’ll also join the association so that our community grows stronger together.”

As the last pizza box was cleared away, conversations carried on, and the warmth of the gathering lingered. For the students, this was not merely a start-of-semester event — it was the beginning of a journey. A journey where every Vietnamese freshman at MCU knows they are not alone. They have found a support system, a home away from home, and a community ready to walk with them every step of the way during their years abroad.