Making a last-minute decision to pursue Computer Science at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (HCMUT, VNU-HCM) , Minh Thư found herself as the only woman in a class full of men. This marked the beginning of her vibrant university years, filled with countless experiences that proved ‘nothing is impossible’.

Hi, It’s Nguyen Quoc Minh Thu. Little did I know, I’d also be the only girl in my class, CC20KHM2! Even in other specialised classes, women are a rare sight. It can be intimidating sometimes, even as I near graduation, but I take a deep breath and push through the awkwardness whenever I have to speak up in class.

My strengths lie in my ability to adapt, my thirst for knowledge, and my adventurous spirit. My family might tease me and call it a weakness, a tendency towards recklessness, but these bold decisions have constantly pushed me out of my comfort zone and towards exciting new milestones.

AT HCMUT, “IMPOSSIBLE” BECOMES “I’M POSSIBLE”!

They used to joke at home that I went to HCMUT to find an engineering husband! Let me tell you, the reality was far more exciting. Choosing the English-taught Computer Science Program at HCMUT, was a well-considered decision based on a multitude of factors.

Back in high school, even though I was in Social Sciences, I had a deep love for maths and always balanced both the Social Sciences and Natural Sciences tracks. Coming to HCMUT wasn’t just about its long-standing history and top-ranked education in southern Vietnam; it was about the dynamic learning environment and the abundance of research opportunities across various fields. Plus, the university boasts extensive international collaborations and partnerships with major companies like Bosch, Renesas, FPT Software, VNPT, and Vettel. All of this would be a crucial springboard for my future career.

On top of that, being a thrill-seeker at heart, I wanted to see how I’d adapt to HCMUT’s notorious reputation for being tough, demanding, and “dry.” Despite continuous tests of my resilience and determination with relentless deadlines, I’ve never once regretted my decision to join HCMUT

The program wasn’t just about improving my English – although that’s definitely a perk! It allowed me to stay on top of the latest global technology trends. Learning specialised English opened doors for me to connect and collaborate with international peers, a crucial skill in the globalised world of IT.

The university’s emphasis on international collaborations, coupled with their diverse and flexible teaching methods, equips us with the adaptability and global perspective needed to thrive in the labour market.

The years at HCMUT were a rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs, forging within me the unshakeable belief: “nothing is impossible.” This spirit has empowered me to conquer obstacles in both my academic and personal life.

Among all the courses I’ve encountered, Programming Language Principles, taught by Professor Nguyễn Hứa Phùng, has left a particularly strong impression. 

It’s known as the “butcher shop” of the Computer Science program for a reason, but I embraced the challenges and emerged with a deeper understanding of programming fundamentals. Professor Phùng’s emphasis on thorough understanding and the absence of shortcuts resonated deeply with my own approach to learning.

The class entry exams pushes our effort in class preparation. Meanwhile, knowledge is crafted into our head through various assignments and hundreds of test cases. It is truly a chance for academic leverage besides soft skill development: communication, presentation, collaboration, and time management. 

My academic journey wouldn’t be the same without the incredible camaraderie and support of my fellow HCMUT students. The high caliber of my peers has been a constant source of motivation, pushing me to strive for excellence. The positive peer pressure I experience fuels my determination to succeed and reach new heights.

PACKING THE HCMUT SPIRIT INTO INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE

I was lucky to receive the TL-Stiftung scholarship for an exchange at Hochschule Regensburg (University of Applied Sciences Regensburg) in Germany in November 2022. The one-month application process was a challenging yet exciting journey.

The TL-Stiftung scholarship foundation covered the necessary expenses, allowing me to focus on preparing my application. My gratitude is also delivered to professors in the Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering and the External Relations Office provided valuable guidance, ensuring I met all the scholarship criteria.

Juggling academics with the exchange application process, including credit transfer, course selection, study schedule, visa paperwork, financial proof, and insurance, was a pressure cooker. I learned new skills like organizing my life, time management, international communication, and taking charge and handling everything.

My secret to conquering the selection committee was to start building my application early and clearly articulate my goals and passion for exploring the world during the interview. I also highlighted my adaptability and ability to work in multicultural environments, a crucial aspect often emphasized in international exchange programs.

And so, I packed the HCMUT spirit of “nothing is impossible” into my backpack and headed to Germany for a nearly year-long credit exchange. The rock-solid foundation I received at HCMUT enabled me to adapt to the new environment at Regensburg University of Applied Sciences. Proudly, the quality of instruction in the English-taught Computer Science program at HCMUT was on par with the new university.

Life in Germany and studying at Hochschule Regensburg offered me a rich experience. One of the most surprising aspects was how German universities actively connect students with real-world professions. I had the opportunity to learn from technology experts from InterContinental, AWS, Google, and others. They not only shared their knowledge and experience but also introduced us to practical projects, helping us better understand both theory and application.

The teaching methods in Germany were also quite different from those in Vietnam. Most projects required students to work flexibly and independently, to be resourceful in their research, and to strive to solve problems. This encouraged us to develop discipline, self-study skills, and a creative, innovative mindset.

Furthermore, the German lifestyle is also worth emulating. They prioritise balance in all aspects of life through healthy habits and flexible work policies.

After 11 months of exchange at Hochschule Regensburg, I achieved two humble milestones:

• Earned 63 European credits. My grades in my major subjects were always between 1 and 1.7 on the German scale (with 1 being the highest grade);
• Secured an internship at a reputable software company in Munich with a starting salary of 1,500 EURO.

For me, the exchange exceeded all expectations, providing a more comprehensive perspective on advanced education and professional work practices in Germany. It reinforced my confidence in my ability to integrate and thrive in an international environment, while also nurturing my ambition to continue honing my professional skills and pursuing advanced knowledge in the field of Computer Science.