Introduction: At UBIS, our diverse community is made up of individuals from all walks of life, each with a unique story to tell. In this edition of our Student Spotlight series, we are excited to introduce you to Uyen Tran, a bright and spirited student pursuing a degree in International Relations. Join us as we delve into her journey, her favorite subjects, and her dreams for the future.
Getting to Know Uyen: Uyen, a student who loves her unique Vietnamese nicknames, has been in Geneva for two years now, immersing herself in the rich cultural tapestry of Switzerland. She is set to graduate in August 2024, and her path to UBIS was a bit unexpected. “It was very random,” she says. “I didn’t know about UBIS at first, and I was also applying to another university. But my friend told me that she was applying for UBIS and asked me to join her. So I applied.”
Favorite Subjects at UBIS: Uyen is a student who thrives on communication, and her favorite subjects at UBIS reflect that. “I have a lot of favorite subjects, but I would say the ones related to communication are my favorite. For example, MGMT305,” she shares.
Family as Heroes: For Uyen, her heroes are close to home. “I would say my mom and dad because they have done many things to help me in this journey and encourage me to do everything that I want.”
Future Aspirations: Uyen’s ambitions extend beyond her time at UBIS. “Right now, I’m trying to become an official employee at the UN and have a chance to continue to stay and work in Geneva.”
Surprises in Switzerland: Coming from a different culture, Uyen found many aspects of Switzerland surprising. “I would say everything. Especially the opening and closing times; I was very shocked when I heard that all the stores and shops would be closed at 6 pm.”
Hobbies and Pastimes: Outside of her studies, Uyen enjoys dancing and is a member of a dancing group in her home country. She also has a penchant for watching horror movies. On summer weekend nights, her favorite activity is taking a leisurely walk along the lake and indulging in ice cream.
Culinary Preferences: Uyen’s favorite food is Vietnamese cuisine, and she invites everyone to give it a try. “You guys should try them once; I’m sure you’ll like it.” When it comes to ice cream, she prefers the best of both worlds: a mix of vanilla and chocolate.
A Fearful Leap: Uyen’s scariest experience was “going to study abroad alone without any family and relatives,” a courageous endeavor that has undoubtedly shaped her into the independent person she is today.
Dream Destination: If she could choose one place to visit, it would be Norway, a land of breathtaking natural wonders. “I would like to visit Norway because I love to see the Aurora.”
Sharing Traditions: Uyen is keen to share a unique tradition from her home country with fellow students. “In Asian countries, we have two calendars – one for the moon and one for the sun. This means we will celebrate the New Year twice – New Year and Lunar New Year/Chinese New Year. We also have two weeks of days off to visit our families, celebrate with them, and do many fun activities.”
Essential Apps: In the age of smartphones, Uyen’s essential apps are Messenger, Gmail, and Spotify. Messenger keeps her connected with friends and family, Gmail ensures she stays on top of her emails, and Spotify provides the soundtrack to her life.
The Best Advice: Lastly, Uyen leaves us with some wise words she received from her mom: “Be yourself, do your best, and everything will pay off.”
Conclusion: Uyen Tran’s journey at UBIS is a testament to the unpredictability of life’s twists and turns. With her passion for communication, her love for family, and her fearless pursuit of her dreams, she exemplifies the spirit of our diverse and dynamic student body. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for Uyen as she continues to make her mark on the world. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our incredible UBIS community.
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