3 Follow our social media accounts to stayCuHpAPdTaERte00d1 IALSwithVISA’snewsandeventsupdates! DIRECTIONS
Follow our social media accounts to stay updated with VISA’s news and events updates! THIS GUIDE BELONGS TO:........................................................................... INSTAGRAM ......................................................................@visa.usf TIKTOK YOUTUBE ......................................................................@visa.usf EMAIL FACEBOOK ..................................................................VISA at USF [email protected] ......VISA - Vietnamese International Student Association at USF
LIGULA MANGA No. 001 LETTER2 FROM EDITOR -IN-CHIEF Dear readers, As someone who has been in your shoes, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to adjust to life as an international student in the U.S. When I first arrived, I felt overwhelmed by the newness of everything: the language, the culture, the people. I missed my loved ones back home and struggled with homesickness. But I also knew that I had a unique opportunity to grow and learn in ways that I couldn’t have imagined. That’s why I’m thrilled to introduce you to Visa-ble Directions, a guide created by the Vietnamese International Student Association at USF to help you navigate your new life in the U.S. Our goal is to provide you with the information and resources you need to suc- ceed and thrive during your time here.
3 CHAPTER 001 In this issue, you’ll find articles that cover a range of topics, from dealing with homesickness and academic stress to navigating school resources and finding a community that fits you. We also have personal stories from fellow international students who have faced similar challenges and overcome them. I hope that Visa-ble Directions will be a valuable resource for you, and that it will help you find your way and make the most of your experience as an international student in the U.S. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. VISA - Vietnamese International Student Association at USF is here to support you, and we’re ex- cited to be part of your journey. Sincerely, Linh Nguyen Editor-in-Chief, Visa-ble Directions
LIGULA MANGA No. 001 LETTER4 FROM VISA’s PRESIDENT Dear New International Students, As the President of the Vietnamese International Student Association (VISA) at the University of South Florida (USF), I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of our new international students. We understand that coming to a new country can be daunting, but rest assured that the VISA community is here to help you navigate your new surroundings. We are a group of students dedicated to fos- tering a welcoming environment for Vietnamese students and pro the larger USF community. At VISA, we offer a range of programs and events throughout the year that are designed to help you connect with other Vietnamese students and the broader USF community. From cultural celebrations to com- munity service projects, we aim to create opportunities for you to en- gage with other students and to learn more about American culture.
5 CHAPTER 001 We also understand that adjusting to a new academic environment can be challenging. As such, we offer academic support programs, in- cluding mentorship and tutoring, to help you succeed in your studies. At USF, we pride ourselves on our diverse and inclusive community, and we are excited to welcome you to our campus. We believe that your experiences at USF will be transformative, and we are commit- ted to supporting you every step of the way. Again, welcome to USF, and we look forward to seeing you at our up- coming VISA events. Sincerely, Devlyn Pham President, Vietnamese International Student Association at the University of South Florida.
LIGULA MANGA No. 001 TABLE OF 6 VISA 10 12 Who is VISA? VISA’s features STARTERS 24 26 Orientation leaders USF ID perks 30 10 things I hate about 36 being an international students Cơm nhà
7 CHAPTER 001CONTENTS FUTURE 42Peer advisors 44Dating with Majors 48 Which USF building are you? 54 USF hidden study spots 58Home
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11 CHAPTER 001 The purpose of VISA is to connect USF Vietnamese international stu- dents with USF students by engag- ing in social activities, programs, and involvement. We also create a welcoming atmosphere for new USF students, including Vietnamese in- ternational students by introducing new cultures; networking; academ- ic success; and social life support. As a member, you will benefit from networking with new friends and in- ternational alums at USF by engaging in social events and workshop activ- ities. Additionally, we offer plenty of support on social life, accommodation, major/academic advice, cover letter/ resume tips, and internship opportu- nity for international students. VISA will be a great companion for you to get fast updates about student life and enable growth in the network of Viet- namese international students at USF. 11
LIGULA MANGA No. 001 12 TET: FAR FROM HOME Tet is a time for family mem- Tết là dịp để tất cả thành viên bers to come together and trong gia đình được đoàn tụ reconnect after a busy year. sau một năm làm việc vất vả. Từ hàng thập kỷ trước, Over the years, the Vietnam- người Việt đã cùng nhau ese have developed power- xây dựng những phong tục ful traditions such as lucky truyền thống như lì xì, xông đất, hay những món ăn đặc money, landslides, and special biệt như bánh chưng, bánh foods like banh chung and tét. Vì thế, sự kiện Tết Xa Nhà banh tet. In order to help được tổ chức thường niên với sứ mệnh giúp những du học Vietnamese international stu- sinh Việt Nam, những người dents who are unable to cele- con không thể đón Tết tại quê brate Tet in their hometowns hương, được hòa mình vào experience the sense of family không khí đoàn viên và cảm reunion and the most import- nhận được tinh hoa của ngày Tết trong đất nước ta. ant occasion in our country, the Tet: Far From Home event is organized. 12
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17 CHAPTER 001 C-VISA CVISA is an exciting academic and pro- fessional event that brings together some of the most accomplished individuals in the industry to share their stories and advice with undergraduate students. The goal of CVISA is to provide students with a unique opportunity to learn from the firsthand experiences of professionals who have succeeded in their fields. VISA brings you more than just an event, this is an opportunity to network and connect with alumnis. You will have the chance to interact with the speakers, ask questions and receive guidance on how to best po- sition yourself for success. 17
LIGULA MANGA No. 001 18 TTOIEUNRLNEANM We are thrilled to intro- duce our most favorite game night and Tiet Len tournament with you, where we had a fantastic turnout of board game en- thusiasts. 18
19 CHAPTER 001 MENT 19 The night is always filled with excitement and fun as attendees had access to a range of games, including classics like Monopoly, UNO, Parcheesi, and Exploding Kittens. We organized the Tien Len tournament into rounds, with prizes worth up to $100, and we were thrilled to see such enthusiastic participation. The atmosphere is electric, with cheers and laughter filling the room as the games progressed. We loved seeing participants interact, social- ize, and have a great time playing their favorite board games. It is an amazing op- portunity for participants to test their skills against other players and make new friends.
LIGULA MANGA No. 001 FIRS20T SEMESTER RECAP
Followers21 CHAPTER 001 on 600+ Instagram Accounts 5371K00v+iewsAreached 5.1K Tiktok reactions DEBUT EVENT500 Bullsconnect members witPhAAN3CR0TITPS0I
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LOERIAEDNTEARTIONLIGULAMANGANo.001 24 a program by Project Development Department of VISA The Orientation Leader Pro- social activities, cultural norms, gram is a program designed to and more. We are also a point help incoming students tran- of contact for new internation- sition smoothly into their new al students, offering assistance academic and cultural envi- and answering questions as ronment. The program typi- needed. Through this program, cally involves VISA’s e-board new students can gain valuable (known as orientation lead- insights and practical tips to ers) who provide guidance and help them adjust to their new support to new Vietnamese surroundings and make the students throughout their first most of their college experi- few weeks on campus. We are ence. This program can help al- trained to provide information leviate some of the anxiety and on a range of topics such as ac- stress that may come with mov- ademic requirements, campus ing to a new country and start- resources, ing a new academic program. 24
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27 CHAPTER 001 The Tampa Bay area offers FITNESS everything you could want in a college town: sunshine, Campus Recreation Center: two culture, sports, entertain- gymnasiums, an indoor, suspend- ment, city vibes, beach life, ed track, five four-walled racquet- and endless outdoor fun. ball/handball courts, one squash What you might not expect court, an indoor heated pool, is that you can enjoy most group fitness classes, equipment of it for a reduced price just check out, and expansive cardio for being in USF – discount and fitness floors. heaven for Bulls on a bud- get. Get ready to discover Well Fitness Center (Satellite Fa- what your USF IDs can offer! cility): fitness equipment, group fitness classes and full-service TRANSPORTATION locker rooms with showers, treadmills, stationary bikes, stair Bull Runner: With a valid USF steppers, strength equipment in- ID, students, faculty and staff cluding power racks, free weight can have fare free access to dumbbells and utility benches. USF bus system. Tampa’s Public Transporta- “The Fit” Fitness Center (Satellite tion: Students showing a new Facility): indoor rowing machines, valid USF ID can ride HART Lo- stair climbers, treadmills, elliptical cal, Limited Express, MetroRa- cross trainers, upright and recline pid and Flex routes for FREE. exercise bikes, strength machines, and free weights. The wellness SAFE Team Escort: An on-cam- center upstairs includes massage pus golf cart of two USF staff chairs and nap pods. accompanying 1-2 USF Stu- dents from one location to an- Other personal training services other. 27
TELCIGHULNA MOALNOGAGNYo.:001 ENTERTAINMENT: 28 Unlimited Google Drive Stor- Here is a list of thigns you can also age: Log in under your @usf.edu enjoy for a discount or for free: account, student Government Computer Services: located at The Salvador Dalí Museum MSC or Library, standard & 3D John & Mable Ringling Museum Printing: Locatians on USF web- The Holocaust Museum sites, IT helps service, Microsoft Morean Arts Center | Chihuly Col- Office, Creative Cloud are tech- lection nology services available for Museum of Fine Arts free for students. Tampa Bay History Center Tampa Museum of Art HEALTH SERVICES Imagine Museum James Museum of Western Art Feed-A-Bull Food Pantry and Petersburg Museum of History Student Health Services (SHS) St. Pete Campus Kayak: With a Clinic are some well-known valid USF ID, you can rent a canoe benefits of the USF ID. for FREE. SL101: Coupon app for USF Stu- SHS offers psychiatric services dents. as well as ADD & ADHD testing. SHS Counseling Center: (813) 974-2831 Victime Advocacy & Emotional Support: Victim of Crime, Vio- lence or Abuse (813-974-5756); SVC 2057; Office of Student Out- reach & Support. 28
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LIGULA MANGA No. 001 Missing my mom’s home-cooked meals an3d0 wondering why the cafeteria food can’t taste as good as it looks on Instagram. As a Vietnamese international student at the University of South Florida, one of the toughest things to adjust to has been the food situation. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate having a meal plan and not having to worry about cooking or grocery shopping. But when I see pictures of my mom’s home-cooked meals on Facebook, I can’t help but feel a little jealous. And don’t even get me started on the cafeteria food. But hey, it’s all part of the college experience, right? And at least I’ll have some good stories to tell when I’m 1back in Vietnam enjoying a proper bowl of pho. Struggling to understand my professors’ ac- 3 cents and wishing I had English subtitles in real life. One of the most challenging aspects of my college experience has been trying to deci- pher my professors’ accents. Sometimes it feels like I need subtitles just to keep up with the lecture. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grate- ful for the opportunity to learn from them, but there are moments when I just wish I had an interpreter. I guess you could say I’m hon- ing my language skills in more ways than one. 30
31 CHAPTER 001 3 Trying to stretch my budget to cov- 2 er tuition fees, rent, and Ramen noo- dles, and realizing that adulting is hard. Tuition fees, rent, textbooks, and every- day expenses can add up quickly, finan- cial challenges are the real deals for col- lege students, especially for those who are far away from home. And let’s not for- get about the Ramen noodles – a staple in any college student’s diet. I find myself constantly checking my bank account and trying to make my dollars stretch as far as possible. It’s a crash course in adulting, and it’s definitely not easy. But I know that the lessons I’m learning now about budgeting and financial responsibility will serve me well in the future. And hey, if all else fails, at least I know I can whip up a mean bowl of noodles.
LFIGeUeLlAinMAgNGAliNko.e001a criminal mastermind 432 when filling out visa and immigration forms, and wondering if my fingerprints will be used for a new CIA project. Filling out visa and immigration forms as an international student can be a daunting experience. I always feel like I’m walking on eggshells, trying to make sure every de- tail is correct. But amidst the stress, there’s a part of me that feels like a criminal mas- termind - providing the government with all this personal information, all while wondering if my fingerprints will be used for a new CIA project. It’s a weird feel- ing, but one that keeps things interesting. Spending hours on writing papers 5and getting a grade that makes me wonder if the professor actually read my essay or used it as a coaster. Ah, the joys of writing papers as an inter- national student. It’s not enough that we have to struggle through academic English, but then we spend hours crafting the per- fect essay, only to get a grade that makes us wonder if the professor actually read it or used it as a coaster for their morning coffee. Did they even understand the cul- tural references and examples we used? Or did they just skim through it, searching for errors to dock points for? The uncertain- ty can be frustrating, but it also keeps us on our toes, constantly striving to improve our writing skills and make our voices heard in this new academic environment. 32
33 Dealing with culture shock and reCHaAlPiTzEiRn0g01 that “Netflix and chill” doesn’t actually mean watching Netflix and relaxing on the couch. Moving to a new country is exciting, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges, includ- ing culture shock. As an international student, I quickly learned that the cultural norms and lan- guage used in everyday life can be vastly differ- ent from what I was used to in my home country. And while I thought I had a pretty good handle on American slang, I was in for a surprise when I first heard the phrase “Netflix and chill”. In Viet- nam, we might say “watching a movie and hang- ing out” to convey a similar idea, but “Netflix and chill” definitely has a different, more intimate connotation in the US. It’s just one example of 6how language and cultural differences can catch us off guard and leave us feeling a bit disorient- ed. But hey, it’s all part of the experience, right? 33
7LIGULA MANGA No. 001 As an international student without 3a4 car in Florida, I’ve become a pro at us- ing public transport, a connoisseur of sweating through clothes, and a master at begging for rides from my friends. Being a car-less international student in Florida is like being a fish with- out water. I’ve had to learn the ins and outs of public transportation, en- dure the sweltering heat on foot, and beg for rides from my few car-owning friends. But hey, at least I’m saving mon- ey on gas and getting some cardio in. As an international student, there are limitations on the number of hours you Acan work, and finding a job that fits into those hours can be challenging. Being an international student means having limitations on work hours, making it tough to find a job that fits 8the restrictions. It’s like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole, and it can be frustrating. Scouring job boards is time-consuming, but hey, at least it counts as “job search” on your resume! 34
935 Feeling lonely during theCHAPThERo0l0i1- days, a not so uncommon “activity“ As an international student, I sometimes feel like a character in a Hallmark mov- ie: all alone in my dorm room, scroll- ing through Instagram posts of people back home having a blast. I try to con- sole myself with the fact that I’m sav- ing money on expensive airfare, but it’s not easy. At least I get to indulge in my guilty pleasure of eating turkey-shaped chocolates while binge-watching Friends during Thanksgiving break. Struggling with the job hunt hustle because of the immigration status. Finding full-time employment can be incredibly daunting. Even with impressive academic credentials and work experience, I often find myself struggling to secure a job due to limited opportunities and a narrow pool of companies willing to sponsor my OPT/CPT visa. It’s frustrating to know that my immigration status is the reason for my limited job search. But with resilience, determination, and creativi- ty, I am confident that we will overcome this obstacle and achieve our career aspira- 10tions. 35
“Cơm nhà was, and always will be, pre- cious memories of pure happiness.” LIGULA MANGA No. 001 36
‘3b7y Hạnh Quyên stant ramen. The rich aCnHAdPTsEaRl0t0y1 © Thread Magazine 2023 goodness, heaven to a kid whose parents allowed only cơm nhà, I still remember the ambience for health reasons. and flavors, in each and every one of them. “Want a bite?”, tiger grandpa Vivid, as if it all happened just asked. It was not even a min- yesterday. ute when the rabbit stole the chopsticks, stole a bite, stole the 1. creamy shiny egg yolk, and a sip I was seven, just a kid. It was of broth. The rabbit was sent to a summer day. In the kitch- heaven in just a minute, but re- en, grandpa was cooking. Ra- membered to come back a few men noodles it was. The kind more times to steal a few more that was salty, spicy, tangy and bites from tiger grandpa. sweet. All at once. Not good for your health, but cooked in 2. a minute, so good for a hungry I was eleven, still a kid. It was stomach. Grandpa cracked an a fall day. In the kitchen, daddy egg, sprinkled some pieces of was cooking up a meal. It was an tomatoes and of course, spring unfamiliar sight. He was never in onions. And a bowl of delicious, the kitchen that much. A chef he springy egg noodles came to life. was forced to become because He was trying to eat, but could mommy fell ill yesterday, and not ignore me tiptoeing near the my friend came over for study. kitchen. Grandpa, before I grew He heated up mommy’s leftover up and got to truly know him, spare ribs, the kind with sticky, was a scary tiger in my eyes. But peppery and caramel heaven- even a scary tiger could not shy ly sauce, stir fried day-old rice me away from the smell of in- with garlic... COM NHÀ 37
L.I.G.aULnAdMAmNGaAdNeo. a001potato and chick- aunt, niece and nephew. Not jus3t8 en soup. It was quick, everything cơm, but also nhà. was simple, not exactly enough in variety to be considered stan- 4. dard cơm nhà, but close. I was seventeen, almost an adult. It was a nice and warm spring I scooped up some garlic fried day. Brother left home for col- rice and poured the sticky sauce lege, and finally came back after over it. After not one, not two, a while. Mommy was cooking up but three bowls of rice, I drank a feast. She is second to none in up the delicious chicken soup. I terms of cơm nhà. She is a great did not forget to proudly glance cook (and even when she is not, at my friend, who was also hav- how can you not love the taste ing a wonderful meal. My eyes of home food you eat everyday were saying, “Isn’t my dad a for eighteen years), and a speed great cook?” lover. Not the type chasing down the streets with a Volkswagen, 3. but the type chasing with time I was sixteen, still a kid. It was to juggle full-time work and two a chilly winter day. In the kitch- starving kids. Steamed pork, en, grandma was cooking up a fried duck eggs, crispy tofu, storm of food. Crispy-fried fish, fresh cucumbers and a warm garlic fried morning glory, gold- veggie soup. en-looking braised chicken and steamy potato and carrot soup. Mommy, daddy, brother and I, More than enough for cơm nhà. all at the same table after a few “Eat lots, or you won’t have en- longer-than-a-century months. ergy to study well. You’ve been This combination alone makes looking a bit too thin these days. for the best cơm nhà, because Are you eating enough?”. the whole nhà was present. All this wonderful food was 5. sent down the stomach with a I am nineteen, not an adult, but bed of soft, freshly cooked rice. not a kid anymore. It is a nice The meal tasted even better in summer day. I was just in the the cozy kitchen with uncle and kitchen, cooking up some... 38
3c9ơm nhà for myself. It is a make- ica without the familyCHAbPyTERm00y1 shift, broke-college-student side. Sometimes I feel lonely, but kind of meal. Cheap Walmart just closing my eyes for a second rice, fried eggs and a spinach and flashing back the warmth soup, all Vietnamese style. My of cơm nhà, with the love and go-to when I miss home. peace-infused ambience with my loved ones in Vietnam, and The food is cheap, and of course, all my sadness is gone. cannot rival mommy’s, grand- ma’s or daddy’s cooking, but I Cơm nhà was, and always will have learned to embrace this be, precious memories of pure new reality of cơm nhà in Amer- happiness. 39
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43 CHAPTER 001 Our Peer Advisor Program participation in school-related connects VISA members with activities. experienced students who have excelled academically or The Peer Advisor Program is have secured an internship or an excellent opportunity for a full-time job, and are eager students to gain insight into to share their knowledge with the academic and professional their peers. The program runs world, and to receive guidance during an academic semester, from their peers who have ex- in the Fall and Spring. It covers a celled in these areas. Our pro- range of subjects, including but gram is committed to helping not limited to resume critiques, students achieve success in internship and career counsel, their academic and profession- campus resource accessibility, al endeavors, and we invite all assistance with class enroll- students to participate in this ment, and facilitating student invaluable program. a program by Project Development Department of VISA PAEDEVRISORS 43
LIGULA MANGA No. 001 44 What are the pros and cons of dating a...? 44
B45 USINESS CHAPTER 001 (Economics, Business Analytics,...) Bring you to a networking event and ca- reer fair for a date. Skip classes to spend time with you. “Connect me on LinkedIn.” Advise you for internship. Bragging about stocks, bitcoins, and world’s economy on the date. ENGINEER (Computer Science, Civil Engineer,...) Smart with a promising future. 90% pick up lines are dry as desert. And the other sweet 10% is definitely a group’s effort. Find them in the engineer building fixing a robot or coding in spare time. Loyal, galant, and put you first. 45
PRE-MEDLIGULA MANGA No. 001 46 (BioMed, Chemistry, Public Health,...) Bring you to library or community volunteer for a date. They study like it was their last day. Then accidentally forget you, ignore your message…… “Don’t eat that, drink this, it is good for your health.” Suffer the extreme anxiety with them before exams. Don’t know when school is gonna end. ARTS (Studio Arts, Music, Theater,...) Museum, thrift-store date. Write you a poem or a song just to say they love you. Simping over you or dumping you with no mercy. Chilling for the whole semester and dis- appear for a week before exam (hint: find them in the Fine Art department). “Can you be my muse?” 46
P47 RE-LAW CHAPTER 001 (Politial Science, History,...) Top 1 stubborn and extraordinary talk- ative therefore, will analyze current poli- tics problem on the date with you. Tend to have good pick-up lines, and a planned romantic date. Usually find them in the Student Govern- ment office. Five-star Michellin western restaurant with steak and red wine is a typical date with them HUMANITIES (Psychology, Philosophy, English,...) Picnic/ Bookstore date or both Hopelesss romantic, slowburn, and extremly indecisive Does not know what to do when they get out of school, but not feel stressful about it “What do you think we are living for?” Questioning their love for you Never do their homeworks, but read all the time. 47
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