Tell us a little bit about yourself and your achievements to date

My name is Persie Duong and I’m from Vietnam. I have been in Melbourne for three years and I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science Advanced – Global Challenges at Monash University.

What are your goals for the future?

My goal for the future is to become a science communicator. Whether it is a daily conversation or a professional conference, I want to make science exciting and accessible to everyone. For 2020, I want to learn to surf and attempt Korean and Chinese cooking.

Why are you excited about being a Study Melbourne Student Ambassador?

I am excited to meet people from different cultures and learn new things from them. I want to share my experience in Melbourne to help international students adapt to the new environment. I also want to tell my story to inspire aspirational individuals to chase their dreams and be a better person for the world.

What is the most useful advice you ever received when you faced a challenging time as an international student?

Always remind yourself who you are and why you are.

What is your favourite place to hang out with friends in Melbourne?

Fitzroy and Brunswick are my top two favourites because without a doubt, the food scene is absolutely amazing. On top of that, the sense of community there is very strong, very unique and you will feel more like a ‘Melbournian’ than ever.