Humans of Maynooth – Interview Series with International Student at Maynooth University

Episode 1: Designing Dream with Minh Quang Tran from Vietnam

Welcome to Humans of Maynooth. This is an interview series from which we have a chance to hear different voices and experiences of international students at Maynooth University. Each story offers a unique perspective on life, learning, and personal growth in one of the most welcoming university towns in Ireland – Maynooth University (MU).

In the first episode, I sat down with Minh Quang Tran, a postgraduate student from Vietnam, who’s been studying Design Innovation at MU. With warmth and insight, Bruno shares how a one-year program turned into a life-changing experience. So, let’s tune in!

—

Eunice: Hi, thank you so much for joining me today. Could you please share a little bit about yourself?

Minh: Hi, everyone. My name is Minh, but you can call me Bruno. I’m from Vietnam and the same age as you. I’m currently a postgrad student of Design Innovation at MU.

Eunice: Thank you, Minh! I heard that before moving to Ireland, you also had offers ond considered moving to Australia. So, I’m really curious what made you change your mind? 

Minh: Well, I started to study at Maynooth University last September. The reason why I choose Ireland is very simple – I only need to study for one year. Not just at MU, but all universities here in Ireland offer one-year postgraduate degrees. While in Australia, you have to learn within two year. To me, it’s the cost of opportunities!

Besides that, Maynooth is a real chill town. It’s vibrant, enjoyable, and more affordable than Dublin. The people and the town itself are just brilliant and kind. And the education quality at MU? Top notch to me!

Eunice: Wow! Sounds interesting to hear that! So, how do you feel about your journey at MU so far?

Minh: I’d say it’s been so far, so great. At first, I felt homesick, but everything along the way has been welcoming.

I just wish it wouldn’t end, since we’re approaching the end of the postgrad year. I’d love to stay longer. I’ve got lots of hopes and dreams, and MU has not only helped me work toward them but also helped me discover who I am and what I’m good at in the Design Innovation field. 

Eunice: Well, as you mentioned about your field in Design Innovation, can I ask you about your impression of your major at MU? For example, faculty, modules, teaching methods, and so on. 

Minh: Absolutely! The MSc in Design Innovation here is the first course in Ireland I’ve seen that’s fully dedicated to design thinking. That’s incredibly valuable for my future career. From the start, I knew this was the right choice. It covers all the skills I was missing, and even introduced me to things I’d never heard of, like Design Ethnography.

I really enjoyed the interactive classes and hands-on activities. You actually get to facilitate design and ideation workshops by the end of the course. There aren’t many written assignments; instead, we focus on design innovation projects. That suits me perfectly! I’m not a strong writer, but I love expressing ideas visually and creatively.

Eunice: Very impressive, Minh! I can feel your enthusiasm through the ways and the words you shared with me today. I think I’m hugely inspired by you now! So, before we finish our talk today, Anything else you’d like to share about international students’ life at MU? 

Minh: Apart from schoolwork, I just love how kind and polite the Irish people are. I really do. Meet them at the bar, and you’ll have a good craic!

And, if I had one piece of advice, it would be: just enjoy it. Enjoy the calmness of the town, the university itself. Once you’ve experienced it, you won’t want to go back to a busy city.

Eunice: Thanks a million, Minh. To me, our story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, one year is all it takes to change your life massively. From overcoming homesickness to discovering your creative strengths in this digital world, I believe that your journey at Maynooth University is filled with growth, gratitude, and inspiration now! 

Minh: Thank you, Eunice! And thank you as well for the invitation. I’ll definitely stay tuned for more stories in the Humans of Maynooth series. 

I think what you are doing is a fantastic initiative. It helps us to explore the diverse voices that make Maynooth a truly global campus. I also believe it will be a valuable resource for prospective students who want to get a real sense of life in Maynooth as well.

—

If you would like to know more about the Maynooth University MSc Design Innovation programme, please check out this link. 

Or you can connect with our Student Ambassadors via MU Ask a Student.