Leaving India to study in Vietnam at the age of 19, Comaan De, a student of Management Information System at the International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, is gradually asserting himself through academics, scientific research, and innovation activities. Comaan’s story demonstrates that the international academic environment at VNU-IS not only facilitates student integration but also encourages learners to proactively develop research capabilities and applied thinking.
Comaan De, a student of Management Information System at VNU-IS
VNU-IS’s International Environment Opens Up Many Opportunities for Students to Actively Integrate and Develop
For Comaan De, choosing Vietnam as a study abroad destination stemmed from his desire to find an international educational environment that balances academics and practical application. According to the Indian student, VNU-IS made an impression with its diverse learning community, open learning atmosphere, and the ability to connect knowledge with applied experiences. During his studies, a milestone that made Comaan more confident in his decision was participating in group assignments and projects with students from various backgrounds. Through these classroom interactions, he not only gained specialized knowledge but also honed his listening skills, collaboration, exchanging viewpoints, and approaching problems from multiple perspectives.
The international environment at VNU-IS offers many experiences for the Indian student (far left)
As an international student, Comaan also faced certain differences in language, culture, and learning methods. However, instead of maintaining distance, he chose to adapt proactively. Actively communicating with friends, participating in class discussions, getting acquainted with basic Vietnamese, and attending school activities helped the student gradually integrate into the new environment.
Research Mindset Formed from In-depth Learning Experiences
According to Comaan De, a memorable turning point during his studies at VNU-IS came when he began engaging with more clearly research-oriented assignments and projects. From focusing on completing course requirements, he gradually shifted to a learning approach that demanded more in terms of asking questions, analyzing data, delving deeper into problems, and seeking valuable discoveries.
This very process changed Comaan’s perspective on learning. Instead of merely grasping knowledge, he began to pay more attention to the nature of problems and the practical value of what he was pursuing. His interest in research, consequently, became more clearly defined.
One of Comaan’s current prominent experiences is participating in student research on flood forecasting systems. Although still in its early stages, this topic has provided him with the opportunity to connect data, technology, and real-life issues. For Comaan, scientific research is not just about finding solutions, but also a way to approach and contribute to solving specific problems.
The synergy between learning, research, and innovation has created a multi-faceted university experience for Comaan De (far left)
In addition to research activities, the Indian student also participates in innovation activities and startup-related competitions. According to him, these two experiences naturally complement each other. If research helps to form analytical thinking and systematic problem-solving abilities, then the innovation environment trains the ability to realize ideas, collaborate in teams, and adapt to practical requirements.
The synergy between learning, research, and innovation has created a multi-faceted university experience for Comaan De. Looking back, what he is most proud of is not a single achievement, but his own growth after studying and adapting in a completely new environment.
From Comaan’s story, a clearer picture emerges of international students at VNU-IS: proactive, dynamic, capable of integration, and ready to participate in in-depth academic activities. In the context of higher education increasingly emphasizing internationalization and global adaptability, this is also one of the values that VNU-IS is consistently building for its diverse community of learners.
Author: Hoang Anh
