Do Thi Phoung Uyen

Monash University student Do Thi Phoung Uyen is turning her natural curiosity about the human mind into a world-class qualification.

Uyen, 26, has travelled from her hometown of Dong Nai in southern Vietnam to Melbourne, Australia to complete a degree in behavioural studies at one of the top 50 universities in the world.

She had previously completed a hospitality degree with Van Lang University Ho Chi Minh City, but wanted to expand her career options by taking on a prestigious Monash degree.

"I had heard the education in Australia was very good and I wanted to get a better job," Uyen said.

"Monash has a very good reputation and I know that employers respect graduates with a Monash degree."

Uyen has enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts, one of the University's most popular and flexible degrees.

The degree allows students to select from more than 50 areas of study so they can match their academic interests with their career goals to create the ideal course. It can be either broad-based or specialised depending on a student's desired career outcome.

The Bachelor of Arts can also be paired with courses from every other Monash faculty to create a double degree program that allows students to complete two qualifications at once, for example Arts and Law, Arts and Science or Arts and Business.

Uyen's older sister completed a double degree in information technology and accounting and now works in Melbourne.

She said her sister's positive experience of Monash had been influential in her own decision to attend Monash, which is Australia's largest university and a member of the prestigious Group of Eight.

"My sister was very happy with Monash and she was able to get a good job after graduating," Uyen said.

And I have found the standard of education is very high.

"The lecturers are very friendly and with some hard work I have been able to do well in the course."

Uyen is doing well away from the classroom as well. She is an active member of Melbourne's Vietnamese community and helps organize social and charity events.

Her experience of travelling from overseas to study at Monash is not unique.

Monash University's 56,000 students come from more than 100 countries and include more than 17,000 international students.

Uyen calls home regularly to keep in touch with her parents who own a small business back in Dong Nai. And she is confident they are proud of what she has achieved so far.

"Whenever my mother talks to the neighbours she always tells them that her daughter is at Monash University," Uyen said.

"I have found that even young people treat you differently when they find out you are going to Monash University."

Uyen hopes to work as a councilor in the healthcare system, but for now is relishing the chance to study the human mind at one of the world's best universities.

"The lecturers are always discussing what motivates people, why they do the things they do," she said.

"Even big events like terrorist acts can be traced back to the way people think and their behaviour.

"Its fascinating."