Creating connections
Vietnamese student union helps ease isolation
A Deakin union is helping Vietnamese students overcome cultural barriers and feel connected to their heritage throughout their university studies.
Stacy Doan established the Deakin Vietnamese International Students of Geelong after discovering there were limited support and resources for South East Asian students.
The 22-year-old moved from Ho Chi Minh City to Geelong in January 2022 to study an occupational therapy degree.
“When Vietnamese students come to Geelong, they often feel isolated and not very connected,” Ms Doan said.
“We didn’t have any support services for Vietnamese students but other international students have their own societies and communities.
“I was surprised and I realised we needed to create a student union.”
Ms Doan said international students could often experience mental health challenges, financial hardship and cultural barriers when they arrived in Australia.
She said it was difficult for students to find work because of language barriers.
“Not a lot of Vietnamese students are fluent in English,”
Ms Doan said.
“I have friends who went through depression (after moving to Geelong).”
When Ms Doan arrived in Geelong, she said she lacked a sense of belonging.
“It was hard to connect with other Vietnamese student because we didn’t have a network,” she said.
“I wanted to see my Vietnamese culture being shared and promoted in the community and for other students to feel proud of their heritage.”
Ms Doan started to host an informal gathering of Vietnamese students about a year ago, which has grown into an official union.
“We provide mentorship and advice to each other,” she said.
“For Vietnamese students coming (to Geelong), we want there to be support available to make sure their experience is the best it can be.”
Ms Doan said international students’ university experience has “improved” since joining the union.
“The feedback has been really positive,” she said.
“Students have found their own networks which is really great.
“I want people to be able to connect so they can hang out of the weekend, enjoy activities together and support each other throughout their studies.”