QUICK Q&A WITH A STUDENT WHO RECEIVED HER U.S. VISA DURING THE INTERVIEW FREEZE WORLDWIDE
Friday - 05/12/2025
With the dedicated support of Duc Anh EduConnect, Phan Nguyen Thao Nhien, a 12th-grade student at Le Quy Don High School for the Gifted in Vung Tau, successfully passed her U.S. visa interview and earned her study visa to pursue Pharmacy at the University at Buffalo – one of the most respected public universities in the United States.
Thao Nhien’s achievement is particularly remarkable because she obtained her interview slot just before the U.S. visa appointment system froze globally. Her family, like many others, was anxious and unsure of what would come next – would the visa be delayed, postponed, or even canceled?
Fortunately, Duc Anh EduConnect has weathered many waves of visa challenges across various countries. From the very beginning, the team set a clear message: visa interviews are serious, and the U.S. welcomes serious international students. As long as you are prepared and sincere, you have nothing to fear.
With that mindset, and armed with a carefully prepared application package, Nhien stepped into the interview room – alone but confident – and won against her fears, receiving her visa approval on the spot.
Below is a short Q&A capturing her thoughts, challenges, and the support that helped her succeed.
1. How did you feel when you received your U.S. visa during such a difficult global period?
“The day before my interview, I heard the news that the U.S. had temporarily frozen new visa appointments, and I was extremely worried. Standing in front of the consular officer, I was still scared – but when I learned I had been granted the visa, I felt relieved, grateful, and truly overwhelmed. I’m so thankful for my parents and Duc Anh EduConnect for supporting me throughout this entire journey.”
2. How did you prepare yourself for the successful visa outcome?
“I think the most important thing is to prepare early and prepare seriously. Research your major and university carefully, get your documents ready, practice your interview thoroughly, and make sure you go in with a clear and steady mindset. Above all, stay focused on your goals and your passion – it will guide you through the tough moments.”
3. What was the hardest part of the preparation process?
“For me, the biggest challenge was preparing mentally for the interview. I had heard so many stories of difficult questions and visa rejections, which made me nervous and self-conscious. Thanks to the careful training from Duc Anh EduConnect – especially practicing situational questions and learning to answer concisely and confidently – I became much calmer. My counselor even helped me adjust my tone of voice, making it more expressive and natural, and guided me on how to present myself as confident and genuine.”
4. How did Duc Anh EduConnect support you throughout your journey?
“Duc Anh EduConnect supported me in every step – from choosing the right university and major, to preparing my application, to intensive visa interview training. At every stage, there was always someone guiding me, answering my questions, and helping me stay confident.
My interview trainer encouraged me to adjust my speaking style, to make my answers flow naturally, and even suggested treating the interview like a friendly conversation rather than a high-pressure interrogation. That advice helped me tremendously. I could focus on expressing my plans and passion clearly and sincerely.
I want to send my deepest gratitude to Ms. Kim and everyone on the Duc Anh EduConnect team. Thanks to their guidance, I was able to achieve my dream of studying in the U.S. I hope the company continues to grow and helps many more students like me pursue their dreams.”
Beyond her visa success, Thao Nhien also shared why she chose the University at Buffalo – a dream that began back when she was a young biochemistry enthusiast at Le Quy Don High School for the Gifted.
“The university offers excellent training, especially in pharmacy. The tuition is reasonable, the environment is safe and diverse, and I was really impressed by the dynamic international student community.”
Indeed, Xuan Nhien’s choice is a strong one, as the University at Buffalo is known for:
- #1 public university in New York for research activity;
- #1 in the U.S. for health and well-being (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings);
- #2 in the U.S. for climate action efforts;
- #2 among New York’s oldest universities for economic diversity;
Find out more about the university here: www.buffalo.edu
Xuan Nhien’s story is a testament to resilience, preparation, and the power of trusted guidance. Even in the most uncertain times, the right support can open doors – and turn daunting dreams into reality.
For detailed advice on study applications, scholarship applications, student visas and related matters, please contact:
Duc Anh EduConnect
Hotline: 09887 09698, 09630 49860
Email: duhoc@ducanh.edu.vn
Website: ducanhduhoc.vn/
Related article
Malaysia’s Education System
Malaysia’s education system has a long history, beginning with early Malay and Islamic schools. During and after the British colonial period, English-medium schools were introduced, reshaping the system through rapid…
High Schools in Malaysia
Malaysian Secondary Schools: Overview of Primary and Secondary Education in Malaysia Many parents and students today are interested in Malaysia’s education system as a high-quality and diverse international study option….
Colleges in Malaysia
Malaysia’s vocational and technical colleges offer training across a wide range of professional fields, providing students with practical skills and industry-ready qualifications. These institutions typically offer programs at the following…
About Malaysia
Malaysia[d] is a country in Southeast Asia. A federal constitutional monarchy, it consists of 13 states and three federal territories, separated by the South China Sea into two regions: Peninsular Malaysia on the Indochinese Peninsula and East Malaysia on the island of Borneo. Peninsular…
STUDY HEALTH AT DEAKIN: FAST-TRACK YOUR CAREER & MIGRATION OPPORTUNITIES AS A GEN Z
Health-related fields are on the rise, as the demand for doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, laboratory technicians, and other specialists continues to grow rapidly. Salaries in the health sector have…
APPLYING FOR STUDENT VISA IN NEW ZEALAND
Depending on your level of study, the school you apply to, and the overall strength of your application, your visa processing time may vary. A New Zealand student visa may…
