Nurturing Dreams at Dongguk University WISE Campus - An Interview with International Ph.D. Student Thu Thi Le Dung

International Student with Global Aspirations Chu Thi Le Dung (PhD in International Business Administration)

Hello, WISIANs! Our campus is currently home to an international student who brings warmth across borders. The student ambassadors "Companion" met with Vietnamese student Chu Thi Le Dung, who is actively serving as a bridge connecting service, academics, and culture through her participation in the APEC International Student Volunteer Program. In this interview, we heard about her study abroad journey, challenges on the international stage, and her vision for connecting Korea and Vietnam.

Q. Hello, thank you for agreeing to this interview. First, please introduce yourself briefly and tell us about your current academic journey!
Hello. I'm Chu Thi Le Dung, an international student from Vietnam. I'm currently a first-year PhD student in International Business Administration at Dongguk University WISE Campus. It's been 9 years since I started studying in Korea. During this time, I completed one year of Korean language training, four years of undergraduate studies in Business Administration, two and a half years of master's degree, and after about a year's break, I'm now pursuing my doctoral degree.

Q. We heard on the broadcast that it's been 9 years since you came to Korea for language studies. Was there a special reason why you chose Korea initially?
Yes, initially it started with the simple thought that the Korean language was very attractive. The sounds and intonation of Korean were so beautiful and interesting that I naturally developed a fondness for Korea, and with the desire to learn more deeply, I decided to study abroad in Korea.

Q. You're currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Business Administration at Dongguk University WISE Campus. Please tell us about your reasons for choosing this major and your future career plans.
Having majored in Business Administration for both my undergraduate and master's degrees, I felt the depth of this field. International business was particularly attractive because it can serve as a bridge to understand and connect various cultures and markets in the global era. In my PhD program, I want to research not only theory but also practical applications broadly. In the future, I want to grow as an expert in international exchange and education, serving as a bridge for educational and industry-academia cooperation between Korea and Vietnam.

Q. What motivated you to participate in the 'APEC International Student Volunteer Program'?
I've always had a desire to contribute to Korean society as an international student. The opportunity to participate as a volunteer in such an important international event as APEC was very meaningful, and I thought I could gain a broader perspective by working with people of various nationalities, so I actively applied.

Q. Please share your experience and thoughts on working for the successful hosting of APEC.
Actually, the APEC volunteer activities are still ongoing, so "real-time experience!" would be more accurate than "experience." Every meeting, I meet new friends and encounter various countries and cultures, feeling like I'm inside a small global village. Particularly, directly participating in and experiencing the preparation process for international events is truly a special experience. There's still much left to do, but I think if I work hard until the end, it will definitely become an unforgettable memory and source of pride.

Q. Finally, if you were to recommend Dongguk University WISE Campus to international students, what attractions would you want to boast about?
Dongguk University WISE Campus not only has academic excellence but also has a well-established support system for international students, making it a really good environment for studying. The professors provide careful guidance to each student individually, and there are many opportunities to learn both theory and practice through active community engagement activities. Also, Gyeongju is a quiet and safe city that's good for concentrating on studies. I definitely want to recommend this school to international students!

Through this interview, we were able to feel the sincere story and passion of APEC international student volunteer Chu Thi Le Dung, who practices warm sharing across borders and cultures. We send our applause of support for her journey as she grows into a bridge that understands diversity and connects the world, and we look forward to Dongguk University WISE Campus continuing to be a strong foundation for nurturing the dreams and possibilities of global talents.

Interview by: Student Ambassador 'Donghaeng' Jeon Jeong-hyeon (Dept. of Information Management)