Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics is proud of its close ties with both the largest Vietnamese community outside of Southeast Asia in Little Saigon and the emerging economy in Vietnam. Last fall, the college’s economists presented an in-depth report on the economic impact and future of Little Saigon. And this year, Dean Sri Sundaram and the Small Business Development Center are leading a trade mission to Vietnam and Korea.
In addition to supporting the local Vietnamese community and business landscape, the college also plays a vital role in higher education by educating hundreds of Vietnamese American and Vietnamese international students, many of whom are first-generation students and Business Titans. Among them is Vui Nguyen, a second-year MBA student. Just a few years ago, she could be seen selling vegetables at the market at Thai Binh City outside of Hanoi, striving to make enough money to afford high school tuition.
Today, after six years in the Vietnamese banking industry, this enterprising young woman is pursuing her business graduate degree at CSUF. “I wanted to further my education at a university outside Vietnam, particularly in the U.S.,” she said. “I also wanted to be in a place that provides opportunities to grow and learn, where my voice is heard. Additionally, I wanted to break the cycle of poverty in my family that had existed for so many years.”
Why did Nguyen select Cal State Fullerton for her international student experience? Along with hundreds of other students from around the world, factors included an ideal location in the midst of the Los Angeles and Orange County metro, a strong commitment to supporting the Little Saigon community, a solid reputation for teaching and research excellence, and a large and diverse alumni base in Southern California and Southeast Asia.
“I believe it’s a great place to study because we have truly qualified professors who teach with heart, soul and compassion,” she says. “With no family in the U.S., I have developed a sense of community and belonging at CSUF. It is not just the academic knowledge that I have gained, but the mentorships, friendships, on-campus employment, and support system that have made my MBA journey truly transformative and memorable. At CSUF, I have found a place where I can call home. I have learned to expand my understanding of family with rich, diverse experiences, and a wide network of relationships to enhance my personal and professional growth.”
Next up for Nguyen: A doctorate. Then, returning to Vietnam to make a difference in the economic development of her home country as a member of Southeast Asia’s growing higher education sector.
Read this article in CSUF News to discover more about Nguyen’s journey. For additional details on the college’s commitment in Little Saigon, read more about our economists’ recent expert review of the past, present and future of this ethnic enclave. Or read more of our articles about Business Graduate Programs at CSUF.
