Oluwafemi David Olabrigbe - a Nigerian student of International Business program - had only 200.000 VND left in his wallet to buy food for a whole week. His rent was also due the following week. In Nigeria, cases of Covid-19 surged rapidly during the past weeks. The government issued a blockade so his family could not transfer the living expenses to him. As of now, he still has to study online at home with his phone because he does not own a laptop.

Tracy Acom Nanyonjo - a Ugandan student of Management program - also got into the same situation as Oluwafemi David Olabrigbe. Tracy Acom's visa had expired and she needed to re-immigrate into Vietnam for renewal, but was unable to do so due to the border closure policy from other countries. In the end, she had no choice but to extend her visa with an extravagant price through an agent. And there are many other international students facing similar difficulties due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

With the hope to reduce the burden of international students during this turbulent time, VNU-IS has called for the donation and support from its lecturers, staff and students. On April 29, 2020, Vice Dean Nguyen Quang Thuan visited and presented gifts to international students. The gifts, including basic necessities and financial aid, were given to them by the lecturers. “We hope that with the support and companionship of VNU-IS, the students may gradually overcome this difficult period, rest assured to continue their study and get ready to come back to school,” said Dr. Nguyen Quang Thuan.

In this difficult time, a bit of help and thoughtfulness can be a great encouragement to the international students, especially when they are living apart from their family and having no one to care for them. The benevolent hearts of VNU-IS lecturers, staff and students have blended together to spread a heart-warming message: No one left behind!

Lee San was so touched when he was visited by the lecturers.

The international students were very touched when they received the gifts from the lecturers. Satyam Mishra - an Indian student of Informatics and Computer Engineering program - shared her thoughts: “Thank you so much for visiting us. Your gift means a lot to me. I really appreciate it!”. “The gifts have motivated us a lot. I will try my best to study hard to deserve the dedication of VNU-IS lecturers and staff”, said Lee San - a Korean student of International Business program.

Satyam Kusum Mishra, an Indian student, expressed her appreciation to the lecturers on her Facebook page.

Leaving friends and families behind to come to a distant country for studying is a brave decision in and of itself. As such, even the impacts of Covid-19 are not enough to discourage the international students. Every day, they still take online classes on Microsoft Office 365 platform. Many of them not only study well, but also actively participate in the activities of the school. We do hope that you will preserve the determination to overcome all hardships and achieve further successes in the years to come.