vietabroader study abroad conference...

VIETABROADER

2014 Ho Chi Minh City Report

STUDY ABROAD CONFERENCE

Conference Day, July 19, 2014

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ABOUT VietAbroader is a student-run, non-profit organization that empowers Vietnamese youth co contribute to the sustainable development of Vietnam. VietAbroader was founded in 2004 and current VietAbroader professional programs to equip Vietnamese youth with knowledge and a support network for their academic as well as professional developments. Among various projects, VietAbroader Study Abroad Conference is the flagship program of VietAbroader. VietAbroader Study Abroad Conference was initiated in 2005 to provide Vietnamese students with training and guidance to encourage them to study abroad, primarily in the United States. The event includes a seminar in the morning, which provides attendees with general information on US education, and a school fair in the afternoon, where students can ascertain school facts and scholarship programs through representatives of more than 80 top US schools. This year, the conference was held on July 19th, 2014 in Ho Chi Minh City and July 20 in Hanoi.

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FOREWORD First of all, we are pleased to announce the publication of this report on VietAbroader Study Abroad Conference 2014 in Ho Chi Minh City. The conference has come a long way since its first inception in 2005, adding on new features every year. This year, realizing that the students need more than just experience sharing on school selection and the application process, we have designed this session to be more interactive and hands-on, so the participants can experience these processes and pose any question they may have to our Discussion Leaders right at the Conference. Furthermore, in addition to the discussion of the ups and downs of studying abroad, participants will also have a chance to listen to our Guest Speakers who have already graduated from colleges to share about their diverse and unpredictable paths after graduation in the talk show “VA Confessions”. By providing a holistic and realistic picture of studying abroad and life after graduation, we hope the participants can figure out which path they wish to embark on and feel prepared to pursue what they have chosen. We would like to take this opportunity to appreciate firstly to all of our participants, for you are the single most important reason why we are here today. We would also like to dedicate a special appreciation to our sponsors, our partners and our friends, for your tremendous support have made this event possible. We believe that you will find this report informative and enjoyable. Once again, thank you very much for your interest in VietAbroader Study Abroad Conference.

Nguyen Xuan Quynh

On behalf on VietAbroader Conference HCMC 2014 Staff

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TABLE OF CONTENT

Acknowledgement __________________________________________ 5 Agenda __________________________________________________ 6 Highlights _________________________________________________ 8 Executive Summary

Study Abroad? ____________________________________ 13

Essay Analysis ____________________________________ 15

Application Process & School Selection ________________ 17

Talkshow – VA Confession __________________________ 20

Parents' Corner ___________________________________ 21

High School ______________________________________ 22

Gap Year ________________________________________ 23

Community College & Transfer ______________________ 24 Demographic of Delegates __________________________________ 25 Performance Evaluation

Info Sessions _____________________________________ 28

Ice Breaking Day __________________________________ 29

Pre-Conference Day Meeting _______________________ 29

C-Day

- Topics ____________________________________ 30

- Presentations of Guest Speakers _______________ 32

- Room Rotation Model _______________________ 33

- Supporting Materials ________________________ 34

Communication and Staff __________________________ 35

Facebook Event Page ______________________________ 36

Venue __________________________________________ 37

General Evaluation ________________________________ 38 Our people ______________________________________________ 39 Appendix ________________________________________________ 41

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the support of:

INSTITUTIONAL SPONSORS

Diamond Sponsors Bellevue College Drexel University

Edmonds Community College

Platinum Sponsors American Honors

Shoreline Community College Southern Illinois University

University of Mississippi

Gold Sponsors Carroll University

Indiana University - Purdue University Lane Community College

Loyola Marymount University University of Central Florida

University of Cincinnati

Silver Sponsors Kansas State University

Lawrence University Lycoming College Miami University Navitas Vietnam

North Central College Suny Plattsburgh

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

CORPORATE SPONSORS

Platinum sponsors I-ivy

Ivycation

Gold sponsor Yola Institute

Silver sponsor

IIG Vietnam Golden Path Academics Vietnam

Reliable English School (RES) Navitas Vietnam

Summit Education Services

PARTNERS

Vietabroader Partners VASAC 2014’s Partners

Education USA IDG Ventures Vietnam

Capstone Vietnam Center for Economic Studies and

Applications of University of Economy HCMC

MEDIA SPONSORS

Vietnamese Teen Magazine (VTM) Doanh Nhan Sai Gon Cuoi Tuan

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AGENDA

Conference Day – July 19, 2014

FOR PARTICIPANTS OF CONFERENCE DAY

07.30 – 13.00 Morning Session 07.30 – 08.00: Check in

08.00 – 08.15: Welcoming words by the Executive Board Representatives

and the Conference Chair

08.15 – 08.30: US Consul General’s Speech

08:30 – 08:45: Education USA’s Speech: “Why US?”

08:45 – 08:50: Presentation of VAPedia and Q&A

08.50 – 09.00: Break

09.00 – 11.50: Information Sessions

Group 1 Group 2 Group 3

09.00 – 09.50 Study Abroad? Essay Analysis Application

School Selection

10.00 – 10.50 Essay Analysis Application

School Selection Study Abroad?

11.00 – 11.50 Application

School Selection Study Abroad? Essay Analysis

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11.50 – 12.00: Break 12.00 – 12.40: VA Confessions - Talkshow 12.40 – 12.55: Sponsor Schools’ Quizzes 12:55 – 13.00: Closing Ceremony 13.00 – 14.30: Lunch Break 14.30 – 17.30: Afternoon Session Main Hall 14.30- 17.30: School Fair Small Room 1 14.30- 15.30: Parents Corner + Q&A 15.45- 16.45: High School Talk +Q&A Small Room 2 14.30 – 15.30: Community College + Transfer + Q&A 15.45 – 15.45: Gap Year Talk + Q&A

OPEN TO PUBLIC: 08.30 – 09.00: Check in 09.00 – 09.50: Drexel University Information Session 10.00 – 10.50: Edmonds Community College Information Session 11.00 – 11.50: Bellevue College Information Session

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HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of VietAbroader Study Abroad Conference 2014 in Ho Chi Minh City

1. Study Abroad? Session (Panel Discussion).

2. School Selection Session (Group Discussion).

3. Talkshow (Panel Discussion).

4. Parents’ Corner Workshop (Panel Discussion).

5. Ice Breaking Day.

6. Pre-conference Day meetings with Guest Speaker.

7. Group Division.

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ICE BREAKING DAY

Ice Breaking Day was an event aimed to facilitate interaction, build and strengthen the

bond between participants, especially those who were in the same group so that they

could feel more comfortable coming to Main Conference Day and have more connections

after the Conference. Furthermore, the last part of these days, which also the most

favorite part, is a sharing-tip talk on SAT and TOEFL with guest speakers.

“IDAY helped me know a big picture of CDAY, solved all my

matters in reading VAPedia that I could make well in

preparation for CDAY.”

“I had new friends, new tips and knowledge in applying to the

US after Icebreaking Day. Thank you !”

“I could have personal talk with guest speakers as well as

organizing team that made me feel less nervous and more

comfortable in Conference Day.”

“If I could attend Icebreaking Day again, I would have prepare

everything better to talk to others and guest speakers. By the

way, I made a habit to talk to new friends in Ice breaking Day. It

was so great !”

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PRE-CONFERENCE DAY MEETINGS WITH GUEST SPEAKER

Guest speakers: Ngo Nhat Tai – Le Hoang Thien Trang.

Pham Dinh Hai Long – Tran Cao Minh Uyen.

Huynh Thao Mai – Duong Quang Ngoc.

Le Hanh Nguyen – Le Nguyen Trong Dat.

Le Thien Minh Quan – Pho Quynh An

Format: Group discussion Content: School matching game. The purpose of this game is to help participants practice their school selecting skill. Given 2 sample profiles (with statistics and selection criterias) and a list of 30 schools, students need to research and narrow down into a 15-school list for each profile and matching these schools into three groups: reach, match, allowed safety schools, under leader’s instructions. Participants then had chances to ask for more tips and personal experiences from Guest Speakers.

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The warm meetings lasted 2-3 hours at Cashflow café.

Participants really love this meetings because they could

be closer with guest speakers and ask more about

difficulties and tips.

“Uyen Clark and Long Williams helped us a lots. They

shared all their experience to study abroad. Thanks

for them again.”

“So great, I really like the guest speaker because

they were very professional and nice. My guest speakers were very meticulous in giving their opinion to my school list, which make me really

appreciated!”

“The information is very helpful for me. I have had

more experience about study in USA (American, study atmosphere,...) and many advice from Guest

Speakers.”

“We had a great time with two guest speakers, Tai

and Quan. They were really fun, friendly, helpful and above all, really informative. They told us every detail how to have the best result of the application

process and answered all the questions.”

“I think this is one of my favorite. As we have a

chance to talk directly to our guest speakers, we can ask them a lot of questions as well as listen to others' opinions. I think the information is useful and I can

apply some tips in order to make my school list.”

90% PARTICIPANTS

ATTENDED

MEETINGS

is average grade of

the group discussion's

atmosphere

Is average grade of

the helpfulness of

information.

said that they were

so excited and really

looking forward to

the conference day.

4.1/5

4.5/5

88% Over

4.5/5 Is average grade of

the presentation of

Guest Speakers.

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GROUP DIVISION

In order to facilitate stronger bond between participants and smooth out the room rotation process, we split 225 participants into 15 groups, guided by a leader, who was not interested in studying abroad (in the US) or got accepted into colleges.

According to evaluation form,

90% said that group division

helped them make connections and better prepare for the Conference Day.

“I really admire my group leader. She is very friendly, funny, helpful and nice

too. She always smiled at us. Also, she has the wonderful studying record that

makes me feel wow when I know about it. My group leader always reminded

us to do the work. Also she would be there to answer all of our questions. My

group is nice too and we are like a little family with each other. We laughed a

lot though we just barely knew each other. I had a great time with my group

and group leader. Thank you!”

“We had a great time before and during the Conference. I also had new friends

“We had a great time

before and during the Conference. I also had new

friends after the C-Day.”

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY STUDY ABROAD

Guest speakers:

Nguyen Le Phuong Khanh, Royal Holloway '15 (Moderator)

Nguyen Son Tung, Richmond '16 (Panelist)

Pham Thien Phu, RMIT ’15 (Panelist)

Luong Doan Thu Trang, University of South Florida ’15 (Panelist)

Vo Ngoc Quynh Anh, Ohio Wesleyan University ’16 (Panelist)

Dang Huynh Mai Anh, Foreign Trade University '14 (Panelist)

“Study Abroad section inspires me the most actually. Friendliness and encouragement

and sharing are all I feel from S.A. Guest speakers are but story tellers. They strengthen

the belief in myself, nurture big dreams that I thought to have been abandoned for so

long. Thank you for being that wonderful to me.”

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This session discusses two sides of studying abroad. Many Vietnamese students see college life abroad through rose-coloured glasses and underestimate the hardship that they might anticipate during college life abroad. This session aims to provide our participants with information and resources about studying abroad, and helping them figure out whether studying abroad is the right decision for them, through the stories of our Guest Speakers.

Format: Panel discussion Content: Studying abroad is accessible to anyone who is patient enough and does take it seriously. You need to know the purpose of your trip, in order to figure out who you are as well as what and where fits you the best. Besides, everyone who intends to study abroad should equip themselves with necessary skills and enough motivation to keep them going in any circumstances.

“Heart to heart confessions.”. “It gave me more ambition to realize my dreams.”

“It's the most inspirational panel of the entire day. After attending the panel, the drive

for studying abroad in me was much stronger. Also, my goals were clearer, too.”

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ESSAY ANALYSIS

Guest speakers:

Tran Minh Dieu Lam, Franklin & Marshall College ‘17

Doan Le Quynh Tran, Franklin & Marshall College ‘18

Nguyen Anh Huy, Franklin & Marshall College ‘16

Nguyen Bui Thanh Huyen, Worcester Polytechnic Institute ‘18

Vu Dinh Gia Minh, George Washington University '18

Le Phuong Linh, College of Wooster ‘18

Thieu Mai Uyen, Amherst College ‘18

Nguyen Le Huong Quynh, Smith College'14

Bui Gia Khuyen, Tufts University ‘17

Hoang Thien An, Grinnell College '18

This session focuses on addressing common mistakes and revealing some tips on how to write good and outstanding essays, covering many topics such as ideas elaboration, grammar correction, and ways to impress admission officers.

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INDIVIDUAL APPLICATION ASSISTANCE (IAA) PROGRAM

Guest speakers:

Phan Quoc Bao, Reed College ‘15

Tran Ba Khoi Nguyen, Duke University ‘16

Nguyen Viet Hong Duyen, Dartmouth College ‘18

Cao Tung Cam Tu, Dickinson ‘16

Vuong Ho Quan, New York University Abu Dhabi'15

The IAA program offers a number of chosen students to have their essays reviewed by our essay experts. “I love the example essay which is divided into three levels: bad, medium, good. It

makes me easy to realize which structures and words I should use in my essay.”

“The topics are very familiar and popular so that I will have some little preparation for

my essay choice. The story are quite interesting too.”

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APPLICATION PROCESS & SCHOOL SELECTION

This workshop introduces the undergraduate application process, and suggests some strategies to research on schools’ features and how to make a suitable school list. Participants will have a chance to practice school selecting skills through group activities and discussions. These activities aim to address the challenges participants might have when coming up with a list of criteria of their preferences, then selecting schools according to those criteria. Format: This session was divided into two parts as a first-25-minute “Application Process” panel and a 25-minute “School Selection” group discussion.

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“Application Process” panel:

Guest speakers:

Ngo Nhat Tai, Texas Christian University '18 (Moderator)

Le Hanh Nguyen, Texas Christian University '18 (Panelist)

Pham Dinh Hai Long, Williams College'18 (Panelist)

Huynh Thao Mai, Mount Holyoke College '17 (Panelist)

Le Thien Minh Quan, Wabash College'18 (Panelist) Content: Application process is a hard time of self-reflection with lots of pressure and difficulty. Therefore, this panel is about to share experience and tips on how to “self-perfect” the application as well as to balance school-studying and US-applying.

“I want to hear moreeeeeeee.”

“This part should be lengthened application

process & school selection is probably the most

practical part to some of the participants.”

“I greatly appreciate Guest speakers' speeches

in this session. They were very sincere and

honest.”

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“School Selection” group discussions.

Guest speakers:

Ngo Nhat Tai, Texas Christian University '18 Le Hoang Thien Trang, University Of Wisconsin, Madison '17

Le Hanh Nguyen, Texas Christian University '18 Le Nguyen Trong Dat, St.Olaf College ‘18

Pham Dinh Hai Long, Williams College '18 Tran Cao Minh Uyen, Clark University '18

Huynh Thao Mai, Mount Holyoke College '17 Duong Quang Ngoc, Vassar College '18

Le Thien Minh Quan, Wabash College '18 Pho Quynh An, Soka University of America ‘16

Content: This session was designed for participants to reflect on their own criteria in their school selection process before they move on to produce their school list. After reflecting on their selection criteria, participants had chance to ask for feedback from their discussion leader if participants had their school list with them.

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TALKSHOW – VA CONFESSION

Guest speakers:

Nguyen Le Phuong Khanh, Royal Holloway ‘15 (Moderator).

Edward Thai, Harvard University ’07, Yale University ‘12 (Panelist).

Vu Khanh Phuong, Mount Holyoke College ‘14 (Panelist).

Nguyen Quang Huy, Nanyang Technological University ‘07 (Panelist).

Tran Vu Toan, Wesleyan ‘09 (Panelist).

Format: Talkshow Content: Talk Show: VA Confession was the last highlight in the morning of the conference day, with the help of experienced guest speakers from different backgrounds. In this session, guest speakers shared their stories to convey two important messages. First, college students should try as many things as possible, and second, the career path after graduation is abundant and unpredictable. In order to effectively deliver these messages to the audience, the session made use of the panel discussion format. With the guest speakers seating five in a semi-circle shape and facing the audience, this format created an intimate atmosphere where participants could see the guest speakers clearly and closely.

“Love how they made us laugh and useful info.”

“My thoughts goes to Mr.Toan, for I was partly inspired by him, may his soul rest

in peace.”

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PARENTS’ CORNER

Guest speakers:

Tran Bao Tran, Dickinson College 18 (MC)

Luong Doan Thu Trang, University of South Florida ’15 (Panelist)

Nguyen Phan Dai Trang, Wellesley College ’16 (Panelist)

Ly Thi Tuyet Sang (Panelist) This year, there were changes in the intended audiences, and thus in theme and purpose of the Conference. Among those who participated in this year’s conference, there were some students who were not sure about their future path and needed support from their parents in order to make decision. Also, we believe that parents do care about where their children are in their preparation for college, and play an important role on their children’s application process. Therefore, we offered parents a workshop for parents. Format: Panel Discussion Content:

Basic information on US Education system (high schools and colleges).

Why and when study abroad (pros and cons).

How to support their children in their application process and their life abroad (stress management, financial issues, etc).

Visa Application (Edu USA’ Speech) + Q&A.

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HIGH SCHOOL TALK

Guest speakers:

Vu Kim Khanh, Choate Rosemary Hall ’16 (Moderator)

Nguyen Viet Hong Duyen, Dartmouth College ’18 (Panelist)

Do Sy Hieu, Westminster School'15 (Panelist)

Doan Thanh Toan, Mahindra United World College of India ’15 (Panelist)

Bui Thu Thao, Tran Dai Nghia High School For The Gifted '15 (Panelist)

Format: Panel Discussion Content: The basics of the application process for these different programs and scholarships. Attended by a mixture of students and parents, with our 4 Guest Speakers from different high-school-leveled programs (ASSIST, UWC and the boarding school system), our High School Panel started off with an introduction of all of these programs and scholarships.

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GAP YEAR TALK

Guest speakers:

Ngo Nhat Tai, Texas Christian University ’18 (Moderator)

Nguyen Gia Ngoc, Foreign Trade University ’18 (Panelist)

Nguyen Thi Mai Thy, Minerva School ’18 (Panelist) Format: Panel discussion Content: Gap Year Talk was a successful panel in the afternoon sessions of VietAbroader Study Conference 2014. During the conference, three guest speakers shared their experiences on their gap years. Mountain-climbing, volunteering and contributing to VietAbroader were some meaningful activities that the speakers recommended. All guest speakers agreed that gap year is a great opportunity for students to step out of their comfort zone and learn lessons that they could never learn in school.

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COMMUNITY COLLEGE & TRANSFER TALK

Guest speakers:

Phung Nguyen Khanh, Mt. San Antonio College

Do Bao Sang, Orange Coast College

Nguyen Thi Hong Nhung, University of Illinois Springfield

Vo Tuong Vy, Baruch College

Format: Panel discussion Content: Aiming to inform Vietnamese students that community college is a promising path to go if they want to study abroad in the US, two male guest speakers passionately talked about the advantages of community college education, as well as their experiences and opportunities in two community colleges in California. Their message was that although community college was not fairly considered by Vietnamese students, it could be the path to transfer to top universities. In the next part, two female guest speakers shared their unique experiences of transferring. One guest speaker talked about her transferring from a US institution to another, stressing that if the students feels uncomfortable studying in their schools, they should transfer as soon as possible. The other one informed the students of the opportunity of transferring to US universities through Vietnamese universities’ special transfer programs, believing that such programs are promising choices for Vietnamese students who could not study abroad right after high school.

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DEMOGRAPHICS OF DELEGATES

ATTENDEES

TOTAL ADMITTED ATTENDED

ADMISSION RATE (%)

YIELD RATE (%)

APPLICANTS 252 195 180 77.4 92.3

IAA APPLICANTS 20 20 100

FINISHED APPLICATIONS

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATIONS (%)

HIGH SCHOOLS (%) AGE (%)

Ho Chi Minh 88.1 Pho Thong Nang Khieu 19.8 15 or younger 2.8

Binh Duong 2.0 Le Hong Phong 15 16 22.2

Vung Tau 2.8 Tran Dai Nghia 5.6 17 38.5

Others 7.2

High School of University of Pedagogy

3.6 18 or older 28.6

Other high schools 56 Not mentioned 7.9

Total 100 Total 100 Total 100

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ACCEPTED APPLICATIONS

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATIONS (%)

HIGH SCHOOLS (%) AGE (%)

Ho Chi Minh Pho Thong Nang Khieu 23.0 15 or younger 2.1

Binh Duong Le Hong Phong 17.4 16 23.6

Vung Tau Tran Dai Nghia 7.2 17 45.6

Others

High School of University of Pedagogy

3.6 18 or older 20.0

Other high schools 48.8 Not mentioned 8.7

Total 100 Total 100 Total 100

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GUEST SPEAKERS

Number of guest speakers: 47

Institutions represented by guest speakers:

University of Richmond, RMIT, University of South Florida, Royal Holloway, Ohio

Wesleyan University, Foreign Trade University, Reed College, Duke University, Dartmouth

College, Dickinson University, New York University Abu Dhabi, Franklin and Marshall

College, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, George Washington University, College of

Wooster, Smith College, Grinnell College, Mount Holyoke, Texas Christian University,

Vassar College, Wabash College, Clark University, St. Olaf College, University of Wisconsin

– Madison, Williams College, Soka University of America, Harvard University, Westminster

School, Mahindra United World College of India, University of Illinois Springfield, Orange

Coast College, SUNY IT – Baruch College, Mt. San Antonio College, Minerva School, Tufts

University, Amherst College, Choate Rosemary Hall, Nanyang Technological University,

Wesleyan University, Wellesley College.

SCHOOL FAIR

Number of Institutions represented: 110 colleges and universities, 4 high schools

Number of school representatives: 166

Please refer to this link for the complete list of schools:

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PERFORMANCE EVALUATION 93 out of 180 Main Conference Day attendees responded to our online survey form for the Conference Day.

The grading system includes: 1 (very bad), 2 (bad), 3 (okay), 4 (good), 5 (very good).

We were very grateful that the participants took effort to fill in our post-conference survey, as well as gave us detailed written comments and feedbacks. Thanks to them, we could evaluate our performance this year, as well as keep perfecting our future conferences. We were glad to see the selfless effort of the participants, who are under no obligation to help VietAbroader, by sharing their opinions through the online survey.

INFO SESSIONS

Nearly 45% of the Conference Day’s participants attended one of the Info Sessions.

Nearly 75% gave either 4 or 5 for the helpfulness of the US study abroad

contents and materials as well as information about Main Conference Day

presented in the info-session.

Over 90% graded 4 or 5 when asked to comment on the Guest Speakers'

enthusiasm.

Over 92% praised the efficiency in organization, management, and Organizing

Team’s enthusiasm.

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ICE BREAKING DAY

Nearly 60% of the Conference Day’s participants attended one of the Ice Breaking Days,

and there are 42 out of 114 Ice Breaking Days attendees responded to our survey. Among

them:

Nearly 70% gave positive evaluation on correspondence between Organizing

Team and participants.

Over 90% gave either 4 or 5 when asked to comment on the helpfulness of

information about studying abroad and the friendliness of guest speakers, and

45% of them gave the highest score of 5.

Nearly 74% gave the grade of 4 or 5 when asked to give evaluation on the

efficiency of group activities on Ice Breaking Days.

Over 71% praised the efficiency in organization and management, and 88%

evaluated positively on Organizing Team’s enthusiasm.

About 60% gave positive comment on the locations.

PRE-CONFERENCE DAY MEETINGS

Nearly 90% of the Conference Day’s participants attended one of the pre-conference

day meetings, and there are 86 out of 93 meeting-attendees responded to our

survey. Among them:

Over 98% graded positive when asked to comment on the helpfulness of

information about school selection, application process and the friendliness of

guest speakers. 60% of them gave the highest score of 5.

Nearly 70% gave the grade of 4 or 5 when asked to give evaluation on the

efficiency of group activities on meetings.

Over 80% praised the efficiency in the materials for the meetings.

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CONFERENCE DAY TOPICS

STUDY ABROAD? (Panel)

This was one of the most favorite parts of the Conference, with over 94% found

the content very helpful.

98% expressed their satisfaction for guest speakers’ inspiration, 60% gave the

highest grade of 5. GENERAL ESSAY ANALYSIS (Small group discussion)

98% graded positive for the helpful information as well as the presentation of

guest speakers. 90% graded helpfulness of essays and 89% of guideline and

tips.

99% thought comfortable when they interacted with guest speakers and 90%

with the others. INDIVIDUAL APPLICATION ASSISTANCE (Mentor – Mentee)

95% highly graded for original, novel, updated, and interesting content.

96% felt good with understandable and persuasive presentation skills of guest

speakers as well as flexibility, fostering collaboration, eagerness to encourage discussion and arguments.

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APPLICATION PROCESS (Panel) & SCHOOL SELECTION (Small group discussion)

Overall, 95% of all participants praised the content and materials.

Nearly 98% felt inspired by guest speakers’ humorous and friendly sharing.

About 96% felt very good with the interaction between participants and guest

speakers and 90 % among participants.

60% graded positive about time discussion.

TALKSHOW – VA CONFESSION (Panel)

76% of the participants gave positive responses regarding the content of the

panel and 82% gave positive responses for guest speakers’ presentation skills.

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PRESENTATIONS OF GUEST SPEAKERS

“Mai Anh was the most fascinating guest speaker. Her story has motivated me,

making my life more worth-living.”

“Thanks Miss Quynh Anh for such inspirational talk and interesting

experiences!!”

“Miss Tran Minh Dieu Lam Lam was absolutely enthusiastic, friendly and helpful.

Love her <3.”

“For me, Guest Speakers is the most amazing part of this year Conference.

They're cooler than I think.”

“The number one highlight of this year's conference is definitely Guest Speaker.

They are so so thoughtful and friendly. They are willing to help us.”

Dang Huynh Mai Anh, Nguyen Son Tung and Ngo Nhat Tai received the highest consideration by 75%, 61% and 56% of participants, respectively.

. Dang Huynh Mai Anh, Nguyen Son Tung and Ngo Nhat Tai received the highest consideration

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ROOM ROTATION MODEL

84% gave the score of 4 or 5 for the promoting interaction between participants

and guest speakers, 67% among participants.

83% graded good or very good for the helpfulness of concentrate on the

contents.

88% rated the overall success of the Room Rotation model.

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SUPPORTING MATERIALS

91% said that booklet

provided them the big picture

of the Conference Day.

95% rated positive on guest

speakers' biographies.

94% loved design and

outline of the booklet.

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COMMUNICATION AND STAFF

86% students expressed their satisfaction as they communicated with the

organizing team, especially through email [email protected],

through Facebook (74% gave the score of either 4 or 5) and 82% via group leaders.

89% of those who have contacted the organizing team praised its responsiveness,

and 92% said that the answers were very helpful.

An astounding number of participants (83%) praised the professionalism and the

attentiveness of the Organizing Team.

Also, 90% said that they enjoyed the staffs and the volunteers’ friendly assistance

during the Conference.

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FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

Interaction with organizing team: 90% gave positive responses.

Interaction among participants: 85% graded score from 3 to 5.

Reliability and comprehensiveness of information about US Education: 48%

graded the highest score of 5, 38% graded 4.

Inspiration of guest speakers' biographies sharing: 95% felt good.

“I really love your Facebook fan page. I can get access to new information and

useful stuffs there.”

“It always keep me up-to-date with the Organizing Team's schedule and plans.

It did work effectively.”

“I like the way you updated the newest information immediately and the way

you kept reminding us about the application.”

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VENUE

97% of participants expressed

their preference for Equatorial

Hotel as the venue of this year’s

Conference.

“I love it. A magnificent hotel! Also, the

quietness and the peacefulness in this hotel.”

“As a matter of fact, I was awed that there

were so many restaurants and 'ăn chơi' places

near the Equatorial Hotel :D.”

“I highly appreciate the first-class facilities and

professional environment Equatorial Hotel

could provide. Accordingly, I believe that

Equatorial would be the wisest decision for next

year conference :)”

“It makes me feel like I'm a

superstar :-).”

“Equatorial Hotel is a luxurious

and elegant place, which is

suitable for holding formal

events, such as the "conference

day". Spacious rooms and ideal

location are some of the salient

advantage the hotel has.”

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GENERAL EVALUATION

91% praised the smoothness and punctuality of

program.

92% acclaimed the usefulness of information

provided on the conference day.

86% felt good with the originality and novelty of

the content.

83% loved the interaction between participants

and Guest Speakers, and 65% among participants.

90% gave 4 or 5 for working attitude of Organizing

Team and 94% for the professionalism of the

whole Conference.

Overall, 87% said that conference's content and

format met their expectation.

“All of the things that guest

speakers in talk show, the study

abroad part and the gap year talk

had a profound impact on me. To

some extent, it changed the way I

think about study abroad and

how to express myself. Thanks to

VASAC'14 I know many things

such as the importance of trying

as much as you can, learning how

to experience and tolerate, etc.

Finally, I found out that

Vietabroader was a helpful

organization and I really want to

be a member of this giant group.”

Page | 39

OUR PEOPLE CONFERENCE CHAIR Nguyen Xuan Quynh Nanyang Technological University ‘18 PROGRAM TEAM Ly Bao Van Iowa State University ‘17 Tran Ngoc Anh Thu Mount Holyoke College ‘17 Tran Thi Minh Thu Maastricht University ‘17 Dinh Le Bao Ngoc Smith College ‘17 Le Gia Khoa University of Minnesota ‘18 Le Ngoc Minh Thu High School For The Gifted ‘15 Vu Kim Khanh Choate Rosemary Hall ‘16 LOGISTICS TEAM Dang Phan Bich Xuan Pacific University of Oregon ‘17 Luong Ngoc Thao University of Mississippi ‘18 Vo Tuong Vy Baruch College ‘18 Nguyen Huu Hoang Messiah College ‘18 PUBLIC RELATIONS TEAM Tran The Dan Tam Mount Holyoke College ‘17 Do Thanh Lam Foreign Trade University HCMC ‘16 Hoang Thien An Grinnell College ‘18 Tran Tam Nhi Washington and Lee University ‘18 Tran Bao Tran Dickinson College ‘18 Thai Khanh Linh Lawrence S.Ting School ‘16 FUNDRAISING TEAM Vu Xuan Thang Bates College ‘17 Nguyen Hai Mi ACG Senior College ‘13 DESIGN & IT TEAM Nguyen Phan Huy Nanyang Technological University ‘17 Phan Thi Minh Tam Le Hong Phong High School For The Gifted ‘15 Nguyen Vu Minh Nghi Rossall School IB ‘14 Nguyen Thanh Nam UNIS Hanoi ‘15

Page | 40

CO-PRESIDENT

Pham Anh Thu Mount Holyoke College '15

Nghiem Hoang Linh University of Miami '15

COMMUNICATIONS TEAM

Tran Viet Hung Denison '15

Bui Thu Thao Baldwin School '15

Bui Xuan Nam Quan International University '16

Nguyen Vu Phuc Thu Duke University '16

PARTNERS AND SPONSORS TEAM

Diem Anh Thu Franklin & Marshall College '16

Nguyen Thi Mai Thy Minerva Schools at KGI ‘18

Vu Xuan Thang Bates College '17

STUDY-ABROAD RESOURCES TEAM

Nguyen Cat Quynh Anh Princeton University '17

Ton Nu Thuy Anh Bard College '16

Huynh Vu Thao Vy High School for the Gifted '14

Do Thu Van University of Social Sciences and Humanities '17

HUMAN RESOURCES TEAM

Nguyen Thi Ky Binh Hamilton College '16

Tran Thach Thao Clark University '17

Ngo Nhat Tai Texas Christian University ‘18

TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT TEAM

Tran Le Bao Anh University of Cincinnati '15

Nguyen Duc Hoang Long Worcester Polytechnic Institute ‘16

Tran Trong Thao University of Texas Arlington '16

We would like to dedicated special

appreciation to the following

members of the VIETABROADER

EXECUTIVE TEAM for their

tremendous support in the

organizing process of the

Conference

Page | 41

APPENDIX INFO SESSION

THE HELPFULNESS OF THE INFO SESSIONS

SCORE 1 2 3 4 5 RESPONSE

COUNT

Guest Speakers' enthusiasm 1 0 3 15 24 43

Information about study abroad in the US

1 0 7 16 16 40

Information about the Main Conference Day

1 2 6 23 10 42

Organizing Team's enthusiasm 1 1 2 22 18 44

1 1 1 10 0 2 137

6

2

15

16

23

22

24 16

1018

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

Guest Speakers'enthusiasm

Information about studyabroad in the US

Information about theMain Conference Day

Organizing Team'senthusiasm

Res

po

nse

Co

un

t

Info Sessions

Score 1 Score 2 Score 3 Score 4 Score 5

Page | 42

MEANS OF COMMUNICATION

LEVEL OF SATISFACTION WITH EVERY SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNEL


COUNT

Facebook Fanpage 4 4 14 40 31 93

Email 2 1 8 33 49 93

Hotline 6 8 33 31 15 93

Group Leaders 1 2 12 28 50 93

4 2 61

41

8

2

14

8

33

12

40

33

31

28

31

49

15

50

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Facebook fanpage Email Hotline Group Leaders

Res

po

nse

Co

un

t

MEANS OF COMMUNICATION

score 1 Score 2 Score 3 Score 4 Score 5

Page | 43

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE


COUNT

Interaction between you and Organizing Team

4 5 23 41 20 93

Interaction between you and other participants

6 8 23 35 21 93

The reliability and comprehensiveness of information about US Education

3 0 10 35 45 93

The inspiration of guest speakers' biographies sharing

3 2 14 32 42 93

4 6 3 35

8

0 2

2323

1014

41 35

3532

20 21

45 42

Interaction between youand Organizing Team

Interaction between youand other participants

The reliability andcomprehensiveness ofinformation about US

Education

The inspiration of guestspeakers' biographies

sharing

FACEBOOK FANPAGE


Page | 44

VENUE


COUNT

Equatorial Hotel 2 0 9 29 53 93

VENUE

1 2 3 4 5

2%

10%

31% 57%

Page | 45

PRE-CONFERENCE DAY MEETINGS


COUNT

The helpfulness of information about School selection & Application process

0 1 6 28 51 86

The presentation of Guest Speakers 1 1 6 27 51 86

The materials for the meeting 0 1 17 39 29 86

The group discussion's atmosphere 2 2 23 26 33 86

0 1 0 21 1 126 6

17

23

28 27

3926

51 51

2933

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

The helpfulness ofinformation about

School selection andApplication process

The presentation of GuestSpeakers

The materials for themeeting

The group discussion'satmosphere

PRE-CONFERENCE DAY MEETING

Score1 Score 2 Score 3 Score 4 Score 5

Page | 46

PRE- CONFERENCE DAY MEETING EFFECT

RESPONSE MIGHT BE

NOT PROBABLY

YES YES, I WAS SO EXCITED

RESPONSE COUNT

Did you look forward to attending our Main Conference Day after you had joined your meeting?

1 24 61 86

MEETING EFFECT

Might be not Probably yes Yes, I was so excited

29%

70%

1%

Page | 47

CONFERENCE DAY ORIENTATION MATERIALS


COUNT

Why US 2 1 6 43 41 93

School Selection 0 4 11 38 40 93

Application Process 0 2 9 37 43 93

Financial Aid Policies and Forms 2 5 6 42 38 93

Timeline and Application Deadlines 2 5 6 38 42 93

2 0 0 2 21 4 25 56

119

6 6

4338

37

4238

41 4043

3842

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Why US School Selection Application Process Financial Aid Policiesand Forms

Timeline andApplication Deadlines

ORIENTATION MATERIALS


Page | 48

CONFERENCE CONTENT


COUNT

Study Abroad 2 4 12 34 41 93

Essay Analysis 1 2 13 38 39 93

Application Process & School Selection 1 4 18 35 35 93

Talkshow 6 14 23 29 21 93

2 1 164

2 4

141213

18

2334 38

35

29

41 3935

21

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Study Abroad Essay Analysis Application Process andSchool Selection

Talkshow

CONFERENCE CONTENT


Page | 49

PRESENTATION OF GUEST SPEAKERS


COUNT

Study Abroad 2 0 9 27 55 93

Essay Analysis 1 1 9 40 42 93

Application Process & School Selection 0 2 7 44 40 93

Talkshow 5 13 16 32 27 93

2 1 050 1 2

13

9 9 7

1627

40 44

32

55

42 40

27

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Study Abroad Essay Analysis Application Process andSchool Selection

Talkshow

PRESENTATION OF GUEST SPEAKERS


Page | 50

GROUP DIVISION


COUNT

Reminding participants of to do list before C-Day

2 1 4 30 56 93

In-group bonding 1 3 18 37 34 93

Willing to help 1 4 14 28 46 93

Help make connections and better prepare for the Conference Day

3 2 17 37 34 93

2 1 1 31 3 4 24

18 14 17

30

37

28

37

56

3446

34

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Reminding participants ofto do list before C-Day

In-group bonding Willing to help Help make connectionsand better prepare for

the Conference Day

GROUP DIVISION


Page | 51

GROUP CONNECTION AFTER CONFERENCE DAY

RESPONSE NO SEVERAL

OF THEM

HALF OF THEM

ALL OF THEM

RESPONSE COUNT

Keep in touch with your group after the Conference

9 49 19 16 93

GROUP CONNECTION AFTER CDAY

No Several of them Half of them All of them

10%

53%

20%

17%

Page | 52

FORMAT OF SCHOOL SELECTION AND APPLICATION PROCESS SESSION


COUNT

Interaction between participants and guest speakers

0 4 13 45 31 93

Interaction among participants 4 6 30 38 15 93

Environment for information distribution and concentration of small groups of 6-7 people

2 3 17 40 31 93

04 24

63

13

30

17

45

38

40

31

15

31

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Interaction between participants andguest speakers

Interaction among participants Environment for informationdistribution and

concentration of small groups of 6-7people

FORMAT OF SCHOOL SELECTION & APPLICATION PROCESS


Page | 53

FORMAT OF ESSAY ANALYSIS SESSION


COUNT

Interaction between participants and guest speakers

1 0 4 33 55 93

Interaction among participants 1 6 21 36 29 93

Environment for information distribution and concentration of small groups of 6-7 people

2 2 12 40 37 93

1 1 206 24

21

12

33

36

40

55

2937

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Interaction between participants andguest speakers

Interaction among participants Environment for informationdistribution and

concentration of small groups of 6-7people

FORMAT OF ESSAY ANALYSIS SESSION


Page | 54

STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS


COUNT

Responsiveness 2 1 4 32 54 93

Helpfulness 2 0 6 35 51 93

Friendliness 1 0 5 28 59 93

Professionalism 2 2 7 38 44 93

2 2 1 21 0 0

24 6

5

7

3235

28

38

5451

59

44

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Responsiveness Helpfulness Friendliness Professionalism

STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS


Page | 55

GENERAL EVALUATION


COUNT

The smoothness and punctuality 0 0 8 56 29 93

The helpfulness of information 1 0 6 41 45 93

The originality and novelty of the content

0 0 13 45 35 93

The interaction between participants and Guest Speakers

0 3 13 40 37 93

The interaction among participants 3 5 25 39 21 93

Working attitude of Organizing Team 0 0 7 43 43 93

Professionalism of the whole Conference

0 0 6 39 48 93

Overall evaluation 1 1 7 44 40 93

0 1 0 0 3 0 0 10 0 0 35

0 0 18 6 13 13

25

7 6 7

56

41

45 40

39

43 3944

29

4535 37

21

43 4840

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

GENERAL EVALUATION


Page | 56

VietAbroader Study Abroad Conference 2014 Ho Chi Minh City, July 19, 2014

THANK YOU!

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