Nguyen Tran Diem My, an overseas Vietnamese female student, was at Flinders Station in Melbourne, Australia on one chilly morning, waiting for Amanda Richardson, a coloured/black female student.

Amanda had just arrived in Australia to study in Melbourne University, and as she had come from the far-away country of Saint Lucia, she knew little about Australia and the City and so she needed help.   

Helpful guide for newcomers

Under the schedule, the overseas Vietnamese student took Amanda around the university and gave her important information that every overseas student in Australia should know as well as told her about key roads and public transport means. In the afternoon Diem My had another appointment with her Vietnamese countrymen who came to Australia under the AusAid Programme. Diem My is usually busy with such social activities but she feels happy to help new international students at Melbourne Uni. 

International students who have once received help from the overseas Vietnamese girl said that Diem My was very sincere and helpful. With her help, many international students could quickly settle down their lives in Australia, get used to their new living circumstances and feel better when they for the first time live in a foreign country.

“When I first set foot in Australia, I felt so worried and did not know where and how to start my life. I asked my friends and they all had the same feelings as me, so later I decided to help newcomers,” Diem My confided.

Many international students later see Diem My around the university and still thank her for her help during their first days in Australia.

Excellent student keen on social activities

In fact, Diem My is so famous in Melbourne Uni. because not only she often gives a hand to newcomers but also she is the President of the Melbourne Uni. International AusAid Student Club. She was elected as the President in 2010.

Leading more than 300 international students from 40 nations across the world, Diem My often organises activities for the members. The Club holds international cultural exchanges, excursions to Australian landmarks and farewell parties for those who have finished their courses and will soon return to their home countries.

Chief Executive of the AusAid Programme in Melbourne University, Ms. Lucia Wang said that Diem My is a good Vietnamese girl who is enthusiastic in students’ movements and social voluntary activities.

Born in the southern Province of Kien Giang, My was an excellent student and an active participant in students’ and Youth Union’s activities when she was at Can Tho University, Vietnam.

With her high school grades, she was sent to the US to study restaurant and hotel management at St. Louis Community College, Missouri State. She was first in her graduation class and received 2 awards: Potential Leader and Excellent Contribution, recognising her contributions as Vice-President of International Students Club at the college.

In the beginning of 2010, she received scholarships from the AusAid Programme and has started her masters degree in English teaching at Melbourne Uni.

“In July 2011, I will finish my course and return to my home country. I wish I would have more time and opportunities to teach English free to poor children and keep participating in social activities in my homeland,” the girl said.

Source: TT