Hieu Hoang is an undergraduate student from Hanoi, Vietnam, studying supply chain management and information systems at the Robert H. Smith School of Business. Drawn to UMD for its strong academics and proximity to Washington, D.C., he values the opportunity to learn in a dynamic and globally connected environment.

At Maryland, Hieu is involved in the Smith Business Leadership Fellows program, where he explores complex global challenges and develops the skills to lead meaningful change. He is also a member of the International Student Council (ISC), contributing to a broader effort to connect international students and elevating their voices on campus.

Being an international student has shaped how he approaches everyday life. “Being an international student really allows me to discover something new every day, whether that'll be making friends, enjoying walks in D.C., or just observing the environment around me. There is never a dull moment when you're always out of your comfort zone.” His experience reflects both the excitement and the growth that come with navigating a new environment.

Hieu also emphasizes the importance of perseverance. “It's a lot of pressure being an international student; there are a lot of expectations. The important thing is to ‘keep going.’”