Subject: Academic writing - Foundation Studies Department, Hanoi University of Foreign Studies (now Hanoi University)

1. Hanoi University of Foreign Studies
Foundation Studies Department
Teacher: Mr. Trinh Hai An
Subject: Academic Writing
Student: Mai Duc Ha – Class: BEL 9
◊◊◊
Comparison and Contrast Essay
Topic: La Trobe University in Australia & Hanoi University of Foreign
Studies.
Abstract
This essay provides students with useful information about La Trobe
University in Australia and Hanoi University of Foreign Studies in Vietnam.
There are some similarities and differences between the two universities. The
first major similarity is learning environment. Student support service is
another one. Despite these similarities, there are several obvious differences in
expenditure on learning and living. These are only two typical universities of
each country. Actually, students have a large number of universities to choose
from, so they find it difficult to make the final decision.

2. La Trobe University
and
Hanoi University of Foreign Studies
To Vietnamese students, there are so many significant factors to
consider when choosing a university such as learning environment, student
support service, and expenditure of learning and living. They have a lot of
choices. Many of them choose overseas universities; meanwhile, others decide
to study at domestic ones. After narrowing the choices down to two
universities, a student can make a comparison and contrast analysis by noticing
the similarities first and then the differences between, for instance, La Trobe
University in Australia and Hanoi University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) in
Vietnam.
The first major similarity between La Trobe University and HUFS is
creating a friendly and intellectually stimulating learning environment. La
Trobe University is committed to providing students with the very best in
learner-focused teaching which means that classes are small and highly
personalized providing students with a ready access to academic staff. Lectures
are highly skilled and sensitive to the needs of students. Here educators aim to
deliver courses that inspire, excite and challenge learners, as well as preparing
them for a successful career. The courses are designed to equip them with
qualifications and skills that will be relevant to the demanding requirements of
further education studies. Consequently, students will find a caring and
supportive community with staff dedicated to making their time at this place
rewarding and enjoyable. Like La Trobe, HUFS creates a student-centered
learning environment where students are the focus, and boundaries between
learners and teachers are broken down. Students feel respected and connected

3. with their staff and are engaged in learning. Instruction is personalized and
small learning environments increase student contact with teachers. Moreover,
most university faculty staff have overseas qualifications. They always make
every effort to encourage students think creatively and independently, read
widely, participate in debate and function in team. As a matter of fact, learning
takes place anywhere, at any time, in many forms and by diverse means. In
general, students take an active role in the learning process and are the center of
attention.
Student support service is another similarity between the two
universities. Success in studies can depend upon adjustment to study at La
Trobe University and living in Melbourne, Australia. The Welcome Festival is
designed to assist new students in their first days and weeks in the university
community. They are provided a range of useful information as well as
opportunities to meet other students and make friends. There are also fun
activities introducing freshmen to the local area. In addition, La Trobe offers its
students a not-for-profit counseling service which is a program of talking and
listening. Counselors are available, by appointment, to help students creatively
solve problems and overcome difficulties they face, whether large or small.
Apart from that, many clubs and societies operate for the benefit of all students,
with organizational support and funding provided by the Students’
Representative Council. Also, HUFS organizes annual orientation programs at
the start of academic year to familiarize new students with campuses and
facilities. During orientation, its students have a chance to get acquainted with
each other and adjust to new surroundings. These programs designed are aimed
at making the new comers feel right at home. Moreover, the university has a
very active Students’ Union with dedicated staff. Some of them work as Career
Advisers who can assist students to explore possible further studies and provide

4. free programs to help develop good employment seeking skills. And what is
more, students can take advantage of practical seminars, including the history
of school, advice on how to register with the local authorities and police,
information about library facilities and even sign up for various activities and
events around the year.
Despite the above similarities, La Trobe University and HUFS have
some differences in expenditure of learning and living. In fact, learning and
living in Australia is much more expensive than in Vietnam. It is generally
advised to study at La Trobe for one year, students should budget in the region
of 15,000 USD. Students pay annual tuition fee which vary from 7,500 USD to
10,000 USD. In addition to tuition fee, there will also be the costs of
accommodation, food, medical insurance, transportation and so on. They spend
a large amount of money on food and clothing because of their high prices. A
few students get a grant or a scholarship, but most have to apply for financial
aid from the bank, which can take much time to pay off. That is why many of
them have to do a part-time job. However, employment is not easily obtainable.
Therefore, prior leaving for La Trobe, students must ensure that they have
sufficient funds to meet all of their expenditure for the entire duration of their
study. Meanwhile, HUFS students only have to pay nearly 113 USD per year
for tuition fee. Furthermore, Vietnam is a very affordable country.
Consequently, the students often spend approximately 1000 VND per year for
living expenses. Food and clothing are the most reasonable. A tasty local meal
can be bought from as low as 1USD and international cuisine can range from 4
USD upwards. Clothing costs inexpensively at many shops and markets around
the cities. Therefore, most students are not often worried about money
problems. They get support from their family and are still financially dependent
on their parents.

5. To summarize, although there are some similarities in the learning
environments and student support services, there are several obvious
differences in expenditure on learning and living between La Trobe University
and HUFS. These are only two typical universities of each country. Actually,
students have a large number of universities to choose from, so they find it
difficult to make the final decision. Perhaps the expenditure on learning and
living is the most important factor to Vietnamese students when decide where
to study because financial problems are maybe the major obstacles to most of
them.
(985 words)

6. To summarize, although there are some similarities in the learning
environments and student support services, there are several obvious
differences in expenditure on learning and living between La Trobe University
and HUFS. These are only two typical universities of each country. Actually,
students have a large number of universities to choose from, so they find it
difficult to make the final decision. Perhaps the expenditure on learning and
living is the most important factor to Vietnamese students when decide where
to study because financial problems are maybe the major obstacles to most of
them.
(985 words)