Tran Ngoc

Tran Ngoc Linh's success at Monash College means she is getting closer every day to excelling in her two great passions: Big business and the family business.

Tran's parents operate a tyre business in her hometown of Tranh Hoa in mid-Vietnam and are passionate supporters of Tran's dream to study at Monash University's prestigious Faculty of Business and Economics.

Since her earliest days at Bim Sow High School, Tran had wanted to study overseas and secure a world-class education.

After she graduated with distinction and completed an English-language course in Hanoi she was presented with a world of choice.

"I always wanted to study overseas, and was thinking about Australia, the UK or the US," Tran said.

"I chose Australia because friends I had met while studying in Hanoi had moved on to study there, and I knew Australian qualifications were recognised around the world. Also the society is very open and multicultural."

After careful research Tran decided on Monash University, Australia's largest and most international university, and a member of the prestigious Group of Eight.

Before starting at Monash University, Tran enrolled in the Business stream of Monash College, a popular pathway program that helps students make a smooth transition into the University.

Tran said her time at Monash College had helped her settle in to Australian life.

"Monash College is great preparation for Monash University," she said.

"The class sizes are small so everybody gets a high level of the teacher's attention. It is a step between high school and university, and it gives you time to adjust to your new environment."

Like many Vietnamese students, Tran stayed with an Australian host family when she first arrived.

"My host family were very nice to me. My host mother would take me shopping and take me to family parties. It helped me with my English and also helped me feel comfortable," Tran said.

"When I first left for Australia my mother was very worried that I would not succeed. But since I got my first results and she has seen how well I am doing, she has been very happy."

Now 19, Tran will soon graduate from Monash College, and move directly into the second year of a banking and finance degree at Monash University.

After completing her degree Tran plans to gain work experience with an Australian business and then return to Monash University to undertake postgraduate study.

"And then I will be able to work in international business and be able help my mum with her business," she said.