My journey at UB has been a memorable and inspiring experience.
When I first chose University of Bridgeport, I was motivated by its strong support for international students and the vibrant, diverse community on campus. Looking back, my journey here has been nothing short of amazing.
During my very first semester, I joined a volunteer program to help fellow students file their taxes. That experience not only improved my communication skills but also helped me connect with other students and give back to the community. Later, I had the chance to participate in UB RISE, one of the university’s biggest academic events, where students present their research and projects. It was inspiring to see so much innovation and talent in one place.
One of the highlights of my time here was performing at International Fest 2025. I sang a Vietnamese song on stage, and the warm, enthusiastic support from the audience made me feel proud of my culture and deeply connected to the UB community.
I also feel extremely fortunate to work at the International Office, where I help support other international students with visa-related questions and OPT/CPT processes. This role has helped me grow professionally and given me a deeper understanding of how important community support is.
To be honest, my English was not strong when I first arrived, but I never let that stop me. I’ve pushed myself every day to improve, and thanks to the kindness and patience of the faculty, staff, and students at UB, I’ve felt encouraged and supported throughout. Everyone here is open-minded and willing to help — you just need to take the first step to speak up and ask.
My advice to future UB students, especially those who are nervous about their language skills, is this: don’t be afraid. Use the English you know, keep learning, and don’t hesitate to talk to people. At UB, you’ll always find someone ready to support you.
Minh Quoc Tran, an MS in Analytics and Systems student at University of Bridgeport, is originally from Vietnam. Alongside his passion for data analytics, he enjoys supporting fellow international students and sharing his heritage through music on campus. He expects to complete his degree in 2027.