Verse caught up with Victoria Huynh, the president of the ISBS Vietnam Chapter to discuss staying safe and connected during self-isolation and where to turn if you need support during these strange and difficult times.
Who are the International Students Business Society Vietnam Chapter and what do they do?
ISBS Vietnam Chapter stands for International Students Business Society, and is funded and supported by the Business School of UniSA. Our club is a collective of Vietnamese International Students who excel in multiple industrial business studies. We aim to empower our people to learn and improve, and to be the ambassador of international students to industries & business professionals.
Our mission is to provide opportunities for students to engage with the community, participating in industrial events, gain knowledge and skills through professional and business-like activities like skills-development workshops, business career talks, socializing and networking events. Other times, we come together for casual activities like after exam drinks, welcome BBQ lunches, Sport days, Exam giveaways and Movie nights.
We thrive on students carrying these essential and valuable experiences along on their career pathways.
How is COV-19 affecting international students?
COV-19 is definitely affecting all of us and the international student community isn’t being spared. Many students have suffered loss of jobs, hardship of overcoming new changes in studies where physical classes have to been mandatorily moved online, the burden of homesickness where we are worried for the safety of our families and friends back home, as well as our own here in Australia. The most crucial and sad thing to happen during the COV-19 global pandemic crisis is the racism against Asian people and our cultures for this unfortunate event.
We have insecurities about just getting out of our houses, not knowing if we will be targeted in violent and racist acts.
We just hope that all students can stay safe,
healthy – physically and emotionally as we are all going through this together,
and we are always here for you when you need help.
What steps is the ISBS taking to support international students?
ISBS has been extremely worried for the physical and mental health of our friends and fellow students. We believe that responsibly practising social distancing at home is the most effective way for all of us to prevent this virus together. During this time, you can check out ISBS Vietnam chapter’s social media where we have put into place little games and daily reminders to feed our souls some comfort and reassurance.
Our 14-day ‘Stay At Home’ challenge is commencing on the 1st of April, and many more mini games/ destressing activities to be introduced the following days, to boost your productivity, to make you feel safe and to remind you that we are all in this together and we are stronger together.
Beside these activities, we always welcome you to reach out to us, you can talk about anything, we are excellent listeners, and do our best to give out the best possible advice.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and we are always here for you.
How can international students seek support if they need it?
There are multiple ways to get help with your studies & career services during this pandemic period:
UniSA’s counselling is still remaining open to help students to get through this hard period, including: Personal counselling, international students support, accommodation & career advice.
Contact: 8302 7860 or email careers@unisa.edu.au 11am – 3pm weekdays
- The Business Hub of UNISA is here to help you through your studies during this critical transition
- USASA is remaining open to support students with general enquiries and financial advice
- PASS Sessions are modified to be run online to continue to help students with their courses & studies. Their Interactive timetable is now live online.
To have a community of your own culture to interact with during this confusing period of time: We are always here to help!
ISBS Vietnam Chapter: https://www.facebook.com/vietnamchapter/
ISBS Malaysia Chapter: https://www.facebook.com/UnisaISBSMalaysiaChapter/
PPIA – Indonesian Student Association of UNISA: https://www.facebook.com/PPIAofUniSA/
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