Student Spotlight: Nguyen Toan, Vietnam

Please introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Nguyen Toan, a 23-year-old Vietnamese in my final year of studying robotics and artificial intelligence. I have a deep passion for physics and I love spending time with robots and exploring AI technologies. This passion led me to participate in and ultimately win a robotics competition organized by Yandex.

We will come back to the robotics contest later – but first, let’s talk about your hometown.

I come from a small province in central Vietnam called Quảng Ngãi. I spent over 18 years there before moving elsewhere for my studies and work. My childhood was deeply connected to this peaceful countryside – I would spend my afternoons herding cattle in the fields. Life wasn’t easy, though, as the region frequently faced the impacts of storms and floods throughout the year.

What is your favorite Vietnamese comfort food?

My favorite Vietnamese comfort food has to be pho. I love the rich, aromatic broth and the combination of fresh herbs, tender beef or chicken, and chewy noodles. While bun is also delicious with its diverse flavors and textures, pho holds a special place for me because it’s such a classic and comforting dish, perfect for any time of day.

That’s mouthwatering! Let’s talk more about your childhood. Where did you study before joining ITMO?

Before joining ITMO, I studied at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology in Vietnam, which is one of the leading technology universities in the country. I spent a year studying mechatronics there before receiving a scholarship to continue my studies in Russia.

And why did you decide to study in Russia?

I wanted to study in Russia to pursue my passion for robotics while gaining financial independence and reducing my reliance on my family. 

How did you discover ITMO?

I consulted with a few professors who had also studied in Russia and everyone recommended ITMO to me. I also reviewed several websites and they convinced me that ITMO is one of the best universities in Russia that offer programs in robotics and mechatronics.

What is your major?

My major is quite broad. In the first year, I was introduced to various industry practices, where I learned skills related to software technology. Starting from the second year, I delved into areas like AI, security, and image processing. In the third year, I was particularly impressed by the automatic control theory course taught by professor Alexey Peregudin.

That’s awesome! How would you describe your life in Russia?

Living in Russia has been a unique and enriching experience. Adjusting to the new culture, new language, and strange climate took some time, but I've grown to appreciate the diverse environment and the opportunities it offers. Studying at ITMO has been challenging yet rewarding, and I've met many incredible people along the way. The winters can be harsh, but they also add to the charm of living here. Overall, my time in Russia has broadened my perspective and helped me grow both personally and professionally.

What is your favorite place to hang out in St. Petersburg?

One of my favorite places to hang out in St. Petersburg is along the Neva River. The riverbanks offer stunning views of the city's iconic architecture, especially during the famous white nights when the sun barely sets. I love taking walks along the embankments, where you can feel the history and beauty of the city come alive. Whether it's watching the drawbridges open at night or simply enjoying the peaceful flow of the water, the Neva River is a place where I can relax and take in the essence of St. Petersburg.

Do you have a favorite local dish?

I’ve grown to enjoy the food here and one of my favorite dishes is shawarma. It’s a popular street food choice in St. Petersburg, made with juicy meat, fresh vegetables, and a tasty sauce all wrapped in flatbread. It’s a perfect meal on the go, and I love grabbing one when I’m out exploring the city.

Are you living in a dormitory or renting an apartment?

I live in a dormitory on Lensoveta Street. The dormitory has been recently renovated, and it's quite spacious. It’s equipped with modern appliances like an oven, microwave, and electric stove.

Have you faced any challenges since you came here?

I think the initial challenge was the language barrier, followed by the extremely harsh winter weather. I haven't gone a single year without catching a cold!

Have you been to other Russian cities?

I had the opportunity to visit Moscow to attend the gold medal ceremony for the I Am a Professional contest. The city's grandeur and rich history left a lasting impression on me.

Wonderful! So, coming back to this topic again, what was your experience of participating in it?

I’m thrilled to share that I won the gold medal in the national contest I Am a Professional, which is open to students from various fields including engineering, humanities, natural sciences, pedagogy, agriculture, and healthcare. This competition is held across Russia and started with preliminary rounds in November 2023, culminating in the finals in April 2024. It attracted a remarkable number of participants, with nearly 849,000 students from universities throughout Russia registering for the competition.

I learned about this contest through information shared in departmental groups and from friends. The competition comprised three stages. In the first stage, we tackled theoretical problems in physics, mechanics, image processing, and robotics engineering. The second stage (the semifinals) involved working with a simulation template for a vehicle on ROS (robot operating system) where we had to complete specific tasks and submit our results for ranking. In the final stage, we worked with real vehicles, handling tasks that involved color recognition and dealing with real-world noise, which tested our practical skills and problem-solving abilities.

Participating in this contest was an exhilarating experience, challenging my skills and knowledge while offering a valuable opportunity to apply what I’ve learned in a competitive and practical setting.

The event is held in Russian – as an international student, did you find it more difficult to compete?

I didn’t find the language to be a major obstacle. I was able to understand the materials or translate them into English when needed. Additionally, the judges were accommodating and allowed me to use English during my project defense, which helped ease the process.

That’s commendable. Congratulations! What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to return to Vietnam and start my career there. I’m excited to bring back the knowledge and experience I’ve gained in Russia and contribute to the development of robotics and AI in my home country. My goal is to work on innovative projects that can make a meaningful impact in Vietnam.

Do you have any advice for future students at ITMO?

For future students at ITMO, my advice is to fully embrace the academic challenges and opportunities that come your way. The university's rigorous environment will push you, but staying curious and proactive will help you make the most of it. Engage in extracurricular activities and build connections with peers and professors, as these experiences can significantly enrich your time at ITMO. Balancing your coursework with social activities will be key, so developing good time management skills will serve you well.

For Vietnamese students, adapting to a new country can be challenging. It’s important to understand and respect local customs, while also learning some Russian to help you integrate better into daily life and academic settings. Staying connected with your family and friends back home will provide a valuable support system as you navigate your studies and life abroad.