Vietnamese highschooler participate in City University of Seattle’s summer camp for university student
Nguyen Cong Truc, 17 years old, is the youngest student in the Vietnamese delegation to participate in Summer Camp in Seattle 2023, organized by City University of Seattle (CityU).
Latest
 |
| Nguyen Cong Truc (orange tshirt) is the youngest student in the Vietnamese delegation to participate in the summer camp organized by CityU. (Photo: FUNiX) |
A 11th-grade student at the High School for the Gifted, Hanoi National University of Education, Nguyen Cong Truc is the representative of FUNiX to participate in Summer Camp in Seattle 2023. Taking place from July 12th to August 5th, 2023 at CityU, the camp welcomes 120 students from CityU's partner institutions in Vietnam, Mexico and Europe.
According to CityU’s representative Tran Xuan Dieu, the program is a chance for young people to learn about life in Seattle, acquire new knowledge, improve English level and learn to be independent. Studying at FUNiX is a unique opportunity for high school students to start college early and attend this summer camp as prospective CityU students.
“This year, the program welcomes five campers from Vietnam. Truc is the only high school student and also the youngest member of the group," added Ms. Dieu.
Currently enrolled in the Software Engineering program at FUNiX, Nguyen Cong Truc hopes the summer camp will help him understand more about CityU and American life and culture as well as improve his English.
“I am considering studying IT in the US, so this trip will help me learn more about my chosen school and major.” - Truc said.
Truc started at FUNiX in 8th grade as per the advice of his mother but had to take a break to prioritize school. But a more flexible schedule in high school allowed him to return to FUNiX.
 |
| Truc is currently in the second semester of the Software Engineering Program at FUNiX. (Photo: FUNiX) |
Having completed the first semester at FUNiX, Truc has gained basic knowledge of several programming languages such as HTML, C, Java. He finds coding fascinating because “compared to repetitive tasks, coding requires more logical thinking”. Sometimes, such as when doing assignments, it’s like playing a game, with the player having to find ways to solve problems and overcome challenges.
"If I'm stuck somewhere, I would go back to review the theory, search online or ask a mentor", Truc shared.
A difficult problem while studying Web Programming left a lasting impression on the 17-year-old. With the support of a mentor at FUNiX, he had to try many different ways to find a solution. “It was hard but exciting at the same time”, he said.
According to Cong Truc, as learning at FUNiX is 100% online, learners have the absolute freedom when it comes to their schedule. He studies a little in the evenings on weekdays and more on the weekends, roughly 40 minutes a day on average. He doesn’t find the program too difficult but admits to maintaining motivation can be a challenge. When learning about Java Programming, with too many new concepts, he felt discouraged and dropped out of the course.
"Thanks to the encouragement from my mom and hannah (learning support officer) at FUNiX, I came back and surprisingly did not find it as difficult as before," Truc confided.
FUNiX has also provided the high-schooler with unique experiences, such as being a tutor to an older student. In addition to earning some pocket money, Truc is also happy to help his fellow students and gain more confidence in talking and sharing with others.
 |
| Nguyen Cong Truc’s parents expressed their hope that the summer camp will provide their son with more information in order to choose a suitable college and major. (Photo: FUNiX) |
At the age of 17, Nguyen Cong Truc admits he does not yet have a clear picture of the future, but hopes to find a good job which still allows some time for hobbies like reading. IT could be the right choice, but he wants more time to consider before making a decision to commit. The summer camp at CityU is also a great opportunity for him to do that.
Nguyen Cong Truc’s mother, Le Minh Duc, supports her son’s decision to join the summer camp and hopes that three weeks of living and studying at CityU campus will be an enriching experience. Despite encouraging her son to learn IT, she still respects his choice.
“Truc is independent and always willing to learn, so I think he will adapt well to camp life at CityU. Hopefully after the trip, he’ll be able to make an informed decision about where and what to study in college, and not just blindly follow the guidance of his family and teachers”, she added.
| In August 2021, FUNiX Online Education signed a partnership agreement with City University of Seattle (CityU) to launch a Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science transfer program. Specifically, CityU accepts FUNiX credits equivalent to approximately the first two years of the bachelor program. Students then are able to transfer to CityU for the remaining two years to earn their undergraduate degree. CityU degrees are nationally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Schools. It is on the list of American universities recognized by Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training. |
