Studying abroad has always been a dream for many young Vietnamese, including myself. It’s a golden opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, to grow into independence, and to embark on a journey to the wider world.
When I first arrived in Australia, I struggled deeply with homesickness and found myself stuck in memories of my past life in Vietnam. I missed everything; the comfort of waking up in my cozy room, daily meals with my parents, and the familiar rhythms back home. The cultural differences between Vietnam and Australia felt overwhelming. That unexpected homesickness took a toll on my mental well-being, and I questioned if I made the right decision to study overseas.
Everything changed on Orientation Day, when I came across WVISA, the Western Vietnamese International Students Association. Their booth stood out with the vibrant Vietnamese national flag, traditional snacks from back home, and custom label prints as welcoming gifts.
Those small touches already brought comfort, and I instantly felt a genuine connection to find out more about the club. When I saw they were recruiting, I applied: with all my heart!
And luckily, I successfully became an official member.
Since joining WVISA, I’ve met so many other Vietnamese students who understand exactly what I was going through. We’ve supported each other academically and emotionally.
Speaking the same language, sharing the same background, and laughing at the same jokes made me feel at home again. Slowly but surely, WVISA became my emotional anchor throughout my studies. The loneliness faded, replaced by a new sense of belonging, even in a country with a 10-hour flight away from Vietnam.
‘I love speaking my mother tongue, eating my favourite traditional snacks’, said Sunna Train, a WVISA senior team event executive member. ‘By joining the club, I’d love to connect with more Vietnamese students in our university’s international environment’.
WVISA’s main mission is to connect Vietnamese students at Western, while sharing our country’s rich culture with the wider student community. For over five years, the club has organised signature events like Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), the Mid-Autumn Festival, and even National Independence Day, where we dress in traditional áo dài and recreate the unique cultural activities. We’ve also run “The Amazing Race” – a campus-wide scavenger hunt that many international students loved participating in.
In 2024, WVISA’s Moon Festival won Western’s ‘Best Club Event of the Year’ at the 2024 Student Clubs Gala night. Inspired by the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival, the event recreated the legend of Cuội and Hằng Nga – two famous folk characters, allowing participants to taste mooncakes and spring rolls, and take part in the lantern parade. It was a proud moment for our team and left unforgettable memories for many Vietnamese students on campus. For others, it was a warm introduction to our culture. It felt meaningful to help Vietnamese students feel less alone and to proudly share our culture.
(WVISA’s Moon Festival Event – Photo by: Linh Pham, 2024)
Here, every member treats WVISA as their second home. We build real friendships, share honest stories, and grow together. Senior members always generously advise on everything, from professional skills to daily life tips for living abroad. I’ve personally benefited from the guidance of club president Ms. Thu Nguyen, our club president. Similarly, Sunna learned much from WVISA’s former head of events too.
WVISA is beyond preserving a nationality, it’s about fostering inclusivity and belonging in Western’s multicultural environment. And guess what? You don’t have to be Vietnamese to be part of our “home”! Domestic and non-Vietnamese students are welcome to join!
(WVISA members hanging out, Photo by: Nguyen Xuan Hoang, 2024)
We understand studying abroad is more than a journey, it’s a chance to discover who you truly are, and how far you can reach. And for international students, a sense of belonging isn’t just a bonus – it’s essential. When living far from home, in a completely different country, finding a place where you’re truly seen, heard, and understood can mean everything.
So, whether you’re craving a connection, curious about Vietnamese culture, or just want some good food and warm company – WVISA will welcome you with open arms.
Check us out on Instagram and our our WESTERNLife group here for events and other updates! You can also email us at western.visa@student.westernsydney.edu.au
