Phuong Le
MSc Business and Event Management, 2020
MSc Human Resources, 2022
Vietnam
One of the best experiences I’ve had so far was when I organised a cultural event for locals. ”
I was always a strong student, though naturally shy and introverted. During high school in Vietnam, I focused mainly on academics, especially in preparation for the demanding national exams. However, my parents encouraged me to become more independent and confident by studying abroad, believing it would help me grow personally and professionally.
I began my studies at Ho Chi Minh City International University in the Business and Administration programme, which offered a partnership pathway to University of the West of England for my third year. I was especially interested in event management because it offered practical learning opportunities that were difficult to access in Vietnam. At UWE, students could organize and cater real events, gaining firsthand experience with the challenges event managers face.
Studying abroad appealed to me not only academically, but also personally. I wanted to meet new people, experience different cultures, and improve my communication skills. Bristol seemed like the perfect city: large enough to provide opportunities and entertainment, yet more affordable and comfortable than London. I also hoped that part-time work would help me gain independence and practical experience.
When I first arrived in Bristol, adapting was challenging. My English was limited, and the Bristol accent was difficult to understand. Over time, however, my listening and speaking skills improved significantly. More importantly, I became more confident and outgoing.
Working as a caterer and organizing events required constant teamwork and communication, which gradually helped me overcome my shyness. My managers and colleagues were supportive and patient, teaching me that mistakes are opportunities to learn rather than reasons to feel embarrassed.
Alongside my part-time catering work, I also volunteered as a Unibuddy, helping international students by answering questions and guiding them through university life. These experiences allowed me to develop strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
Fortunately, homesickness was never a major issue because Bristol has an active Vietnamese community. Through Facebook groups, I connected with other Vietnamese students who even helped me find accommodation. Living with international housemates also gave me the opportunity to learn about many cultures, including Malaysian, Indian, Bangladeshi, and Turkish traditions.
One of my proudest achievements at UWE was organizing a multicultural event for my final Business and Event Management project. I invited students from several countries to introduce their cultures and traditional dishes to local residents. The event attracted more than 30 guests and was highly successful, earning me an excellent grade.
After completing my bachelor’s degree, I returned to Vietnam and worked in the HR department at VNG Corporation, one of Vietnam’s leading technology companies. This experience showed me how much I wanted to deepen my knowledge of human resources, inspiring me to return to UWE for a master’s degree in HR. Receiving a scholarship that covered half of my tuition made this decision even more meaningful.
In the future, I hope to gain HR work experience in the UK before returning to Vietnam to build a career with a multinational company such as Coca-Cola or Unilever. My international education and multicultural experiences have strengthened both my professional abilities and personal confidence.
For other international students, my advice is simple: be confident, step outside your comfort zone, and actively engage with local people. Taking part-time jobs or volunteer roles can transform your communication skills and open unexpected opportunities for growth.
