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Last spring, we shared Quynh’s story. After finishing her U.S. Dual Diploma, she was accepted and decided to study at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). A year later, she’s finished her freshman year at UIC and shared the experience with Hudson Account Manager Linh Nguyen and VP of Marketing Christine Fleming McIsaac, who visited her on campus.

May 21, 2025 | Article

Academic Excellence and Growth

Quynh flourished during her first year at UIC, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA while pursuing her pre-medical studies. “I’m proud of myself and that I’m pursuing my dream of becoming a doctor,” Quynh shared with a confident smile.

Her passion for academics shines through in her perfect grades, with mathematics standing out as her favorite subject. The former U.S. Dual Diploma student has embraced the American educational approach, particularly appreciating the discussion-based learning environment.

“I love how classes include discussion, which lets us get a better understanding of the material we’re studying. In discussions, we also work as a group, which I like,” she explained. While initially surprised by the large class sizes and modern facilities at UIC, Quynh quickly adapted to the university environment.

Building Community Through Activities

Outside the classroom, Quynh has created a vibrant social life through sports and music. “Playing sports is such a great way to make friends,” she said. When her studies allowed, she enjoyed tennis, badminton, and swimming. Her love for singing also found expression through informal musical gatherings with friends who play piano and guitar.

UIC’s multicultural campus has provided Quynh with both American cultural experiences and connections to her Vietnamese heritage. She attends university basketball and

volleyball games while maintaining close friendships with other international students, including fellow Vietnamese.

“UIC has made me feel at home,” Quynh reflects. “The International Office and Student Center provide great support.”

Creating a Home Away from Home

Quynh shares a campus apartment with three other young women—two from Vietnam and one from Taiwan—creating a supportive living environment. Chicago’s diverse food scene has been particularly welcoming. Quynh can find “a taste of home right here” among the city’s many Asian restaurants.

The city is also very convenient. Quynh uses public transportation to get to classes and to fun places in Chicago like Grant Park where she hung out with friends during the school year. This summer, she hopes to attend a baseball game.

Despite the challenging Chicago winter, with temperatures sometimes plunging to -20°F, Quynh embraces all four seasons. “I love the weather in Chicago,” she said.

During breaks, Quynh has already explored Washington D.C. and California with friends. She hopes to visit Seattle soon. She also returned to Vietnam during winter break and plans another family visit in August after completing a summer economics course.

Overcoming Challenges with Independence

The transition to university life hasn’t been without challenges. “I have to do everything by myself,” Quynh acknowledged about her biggest adjustment. “But I’ve gotten used to it. It has been good for me to adapt and grow.”

Her circle of friends, formed during orientation and through classes, has become crucial to her success. “One of the best supports I have at UIC is the friends I’ve made,” she said, valuing their study groups and shared experiences.

The Foundation of Her Success

Quynh credits her Hudson Global Scholars U.S. Dual Diploma program for preparing her for this journey. “The U.S. Dual Diploma helped me access a pathway to universities in the U.S., supported me with advising, and prepared me for the U.S. curriculum,” she explained.

Reflecting on her Dual Diploma experience, Quynh recalls, “At first it was hard, but I proved to myself that I could overcome a challenge. The first classes were the hardest, but I got used to the American style of teaching and became better at English.” She particularly enjoyed her Communications course, which strengthened skills she now uses daily.

Looking Forward

Quynh remains committed to her medical career aspirations. After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to study for the MCAT and attend medical school in the United States, with the ultimate goal of becoming a surgeon.

For other international students considering a similar path, Quynh offered encouraging advice: “Believe in yourself. You can do whatever you want and achieve your dreams with hard work.”

As she summarizes her experience, Quynh’s face lights up: “My dream has come true. Studying in the U.S. was such a great opportunity for me to study my major better, and I can practice my English skills with my friends and professors, and also, it is a great way to explore new cultures.”

Looking back on her decision to attend UIC, Quynh has no doubts. “UIC was the perfect choice for me,” she said confidently. The university has provided everything she needed to thrive academically and personally, validating the careful university selection process she underwent with her Hudson Global Scholars advisors.

With her first successful year at UIC complete, Quynh looks forward to her upcoming medical classes, continuing to build on the strong foundation she established through her U.S. Dual Diploma program and her remarkable first year of university life.