Not just studying abroad, but living it

New country, new life, new experiences, like dreams were the plan. But for Naw Gloria Htoo, studying abroad at RMIT Vietnam began with something else entirely: an unexpected wave of homesickness. This journey reflects not only the challenges of studying abroad but also the personal growth and transformation that shaped their experience into something meaningful.

I’m Naw Gloria Htoo, a second-year Bachelor of Applied Science (Aviation) student from Myanmar. After finishing high school, my parents suggested I study abroad, and since it was my first time living away from family, they thought it would be best to stay somewhere close to home while still accessing an Australian-standard education. That’s how I ended up at RMIT Vietnam. What started as their decision gradually became my own, I chose to stay and fully embrace this experience, learning to navigate a new country, new life, and all the challenges that came with it.

Studying abroad between expectation & reality

Studying abroad had always sounded exciting, a new country, a new life, new experiences. But when I arrived, the reality felt different. The excitement gave way to an unexpected emptiness, a quiet, persistent homesickness that lingered in moments I hadn’t prepared for.

More than just missing home, it was the unfamiliarity of everything around me, a feeling of being slightly out of place, still learning how to find my footing in a world that had yet to feel like my own.

During my very first year, almost every day brought new experiences that were both exciting and overwhelming. Simple tasks like grocery shopping, commuting, or booking grab bikes felt like small victories. I vividly remember my first week, when I got lost trying to find my classroom. The initial excitement of a new environment quickly gave way to nervousness, uncertainty, and a feeling of being alone. Even everyday things, like setting up a bank account or learning to cook meals I enjoyed, became lessons in self-sufficiency. Vietnam, with all its energy and life, didn’t feel like my home; it felt like a beautiful, foreign stage where I was merely playing a role, waiting for the real world I knew, the world with my family and familiar comforts, to return

At the same time, although I was trying to adapt to this new world, I kept booking flights home every semester break. I missed my family too much, and the thought of returning to the comfort and familiarity of home was always stronger than the pull to stay.

Building belonging on my own

It was during a quiet moment, while talking to a friend at a café by the lake, that it suddenly hit me, I had the privilege of studying abroad at this age with my parents’ support, yet I was letting the experience slip by constantly retreating home. In that instant, I realised I didn’t want to remain a foreigner or treat Vietnam as just a place I was studying, but as somewhere I could truly live, engage, and belong. That realisation pushed me to change. I decided to explore what this place had to offer, to embrace the experiences I had been avoiding, and to see the value of staying. Gradually, I began to open myself up to the city, its culture, and the people around me, discovering that the life I wanted could also be built here.

Gradually, instead of going home from class right away, I started staying a little longer in the city. I would visit nearby cafés, drive around with friends, or try local foods. On weekends, I spent time with my Vietnamese friends, joining them in their routines and immersing myself in the culture. Honestly, I went to a different café nearly every day, practicing my Vietnamese when I ordered, sometimes with guidance from my friends. These small steps helped me feel more connected to my surroundings, gradually turning the city from a foreign place into a space where I could belong. Feeling that my time in Hanoi was no longer enough, I decided to move to Saigon to continue my studies. It turned out to be a very smart decision, as it gave me more opportunities to learn, explore, and fully immerse myself in a new environment.

Buddy Team and International Students on Sports Day 2025

Arriving in Saigon, I carried a different mindset with me. I started to engage more, say yes to new opportunities, and allow myself to grow through them. One of the most meaningful parts of this journey was joining the Buddy Team at RMIT Vietnam. At first, I simply wanted to get involved, but it quickly became something much bigger. Supporting international students and helping organise cultural activities allowed me to connect with people who were going through similar experiences. At the same time, I found myself learning more about Vietnamese culture in a deeper and more personal way. It was rewarding to be part of something that helped others feel welcomed, especially when I knew how difficult those first steps could be. Over time, I became more confident in myself and in my decisions. Moving from being just a member of the Buddy Team to taking on the role of an event lead felt like a huge step forward. Becoming a bridge for Myanmar students and helping organise cultural events for them was one of the proudest moments of my journey. Truly, it made me realise how far I had come, from feeling lost and uncertain to being someone who could support and guide others.

Myanmar Students at RMIT

Home away from home

As time went on, Vietnam started to feel different. I began to enjoy the small things — walking through busy streets, finding cute cafés, figuring out life on my own. These moments might seem simple, but for me, they meant a lot. I was becoming more independent and more open to new experiences. I wasn’t just studying anymore — I was actually living. Then, I set a goal for myself: to travel to at least one new place every semester. I did it, and I plan to continue doing so, using each trip as a chance to explore, learn, and create lasting memories.

During semester breaks, I even planned a full schedule of activities. I would wake up and head to a restaurant for breakfast, then spend time at a café relaxing with friends. Of course, we often discussed what new places or foods to try next as “Người Nước Ngoài” exploring the city. A typical day for me would start with a plate of bánh mì chảo and a refreshing sugarcane drink. In the afternoon, I would find comfort in a vintage cafe, where a matcha latte was always a must. Evenings were just as enjoyable, with dinners ranging from hủ tiếu to bún chả or nem nướng, each meal adding to my growing connection with the local culture. After dinner, we would ride around the city on bikes or end the day playing billiards, simply enjoying the moment. Sometimes, I would play volleyball with friends, practice new Vietnamese words and slang, and immerse myself in the local lifestyle. Experiencing everyday life like this, even in small ways, turned out to be surprisingly fun and rewarding.

Me at the Volleyball Internal Tournament

When I finally started to feel truly at home in Vietnam, I planned the entire trip for my family, making sure they could experience the life I had built here. Seeing the pride in their eyes was unforgettable. They could see how much I had grown in this place, a “home away from home,” and it made me feel proud of how far I had come in learning to adapt, explore, and thrive in a completely new environment.

Looking back, my journey of studying abroad has been much more than earning a degree. It has been a journey of self-discovery, independence, and learning to embrace a new culture as my own. From the early days of homesickness and uncertainty to gradually exploring the city, connecting with friends, and creating a life in Vietnam, I have learned to adapt, grow, and find joy in everyday experiences. Inviting my family to see the life I built here made me realise that home is not just a place. It is where you feel connected, confident, and fulfilled. Today, Vietnam is no longer just a country where I study. It has become a place I can truly call home. I did not just study abroad. I lived it, and it has shaped me in ways I will carry with me forever.

Story: Story: Naw Gloria Htoo, an Applied Science (Aviation) student. This article does not reflect the views of RMIT Vietnam as an institution.

15 April 2026