How did you hear about Utrecht School of the Arts?
Before I came to HKU, I studied Telecommunication and Computer Sciences at the University in Vietnam. After that I've studied at the Jazz and Pop department at the Vietnam Academy of Music.

In my third year, they were building a new studio and I could start as an assistant. During my work in the studio I realized that I wanted to combine computer technology with music. One day my supervisor told me, that there was a training course in Ho Chi-Minh City about Music and Technology by teachers and alumni of Utrecht School of the Arts.

During this course, I asked Rens Machielse (Course leader, Music Technology) about the study programme at Utrecht School of the Arts, and whether it suited what I was looking for. I really found it a very interesting environment and school, it had everything I wanted.

Can you tell about your study and why you have chosen to study here?
I'm following Audio Design; it's about sound engineering and recording music. When I was following the course in Vietnam, it was a big change for me. The people from Utrecht School of the Arts could work very independently and have very good skills and connections in the recording industry. The teachers give you a clear image what you could become after graduation.

Before I decided to come to HKU, I also looked for courses at music schools in the UK and the US. Utrecht School of the Arts offered great support for me as a foreign student, so that's another reason that I decided to come here. My knowledge about The Netherlands was that they have football, beer and live below sea level. All this I found interesting and I decided to try to study here.

How did you arrange your stay, was it difficult?
In the beginning it was very difficult. It is a very big move from Vietnam, about 10.000 miles and everything is different: lifestyle, weather and food. The new environment made me feel just a bit worried, but also very excited. The Student Service Centre at HKU, my teachers and new friends were a big help. After a few months I got used to living here.

What can you say about the Dutch people?
The Dutch are very honest and the always go straight to the problem. If they say yes, it is yes, if they say no, it is no. This is a way of working that I really like.

How do you like living in Utrecht
I really like Utrecht; it was the first place I went to, after Schiphol Airport. It is a city of art; I fell in love with it on first sight.

What are your plans and educational goals?
I want to complete my Masters, become a sound engineer and start my own business in Vietnam. The music industry in The Netherlands is completely different compared to Vietnam. The Vietnamese music industry is growing and still needs to learn so much, compared to a developed music industry like in The Netherlands. Vietnamese music has something intimate and traditional and has to be discovered.

The reasons I came to study here are the approach, the modern technology, learning from professionals and big companies, studios and my goal to make a complete music production.
I'm trying to get as much as possible out of my education. My favourite subject is ST: Studio Technique. I took every possible class.

Do you have any advice for prospective students?
If you want to study abroad and be open to the world, learning proper English is the most important thing for international students. Language is the bridge to achieve your goals. Although Audio Design is in the Dutch language, teachers and students are very willing to switch to English if necessary. And one more thing, if you don’t know anything here, you can always ask and get the answer and maximum support from the Dutch!