How Viengsavanh Xaychaleune, a Laotian Scholar, Secured a Fully Funded MBA at Southern New Hampshire University Through the Fulbright Scholarship

My name is Viengsavanh Xaychaleune (Vern) from Lao PDR. I currently serve as the Cluster Marketing and Communications Manager for Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn & Suites Vientiane. I earned my Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Southern New Hampshire University in the United States. I chose to pursue an advanced degree in business to develop in-depth expertise in strategic management and to gain a comprehensive understanding of corporate operations.

Fulbright Scholarship Details

I was awarded the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship in 2019 to pursue my MBA. The scholarship provided full funding, covering tuition fees, living allowances, health insurance, and academic support throughout my degree.

Other Offered Scholarships

Prior to my graduate studies, I received an Erasmus Mundus scholarship for an academic exchange program at the Universitat Politècnica de València (Spain) from 2013 to 2014.

Educational Background

Before applying for the Fulbright Scholarship, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Business Management in Lao PDR, graduating with a GPA above 3.7. My undergraduate studies provided a strong analytical foundation and solidified my interest in organizational leadership, preparing me to take on an intensive graduate business curriculum. Building on that foundation, I went on to graduate with a 4.0 GPA in my MBA program in the United States.

Preparing to Apply to Southern New Hampshire University

How Did You Find Information About the Fulbright Scholarship?

I discovered the Fulbright Scholarship through the official website of the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests?

To meet the admission and eligibility requirements, I prepared for both the TOEFL and GMAT exams.

Balancing exam preparation while working full-time and completing my Bachelor’s degree demanded rigorous time management and consistency. The key to my preparation was curating the right study materials. Preparation resources vary widely in structure and teaching methods; it is crucial to choose resources that align with your learning style rather than getting overwhelmed by overly complex material. Focusing on clear, structured resources that I could absorb quickly was essential to making steady progress under a tight schedule.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Fulbright Scholarship?

I dedicated the initial stage of my preparation to researching and gathering study materials from the library. I took time to thoroughly understand the structure, scoring criteria, and expectations of each exam before building a targeted study routine. Once I identified the prep materials that best suited my learning pace, I focused entirely on deliberate, repetitive practice and mock tests.

How Is Your Experience at Southern New Hampshire University?

Being a Fulbright Scholar was a truly transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experience. It expanded my perspective and connected me with an inspiring, global network of driven individuals. Stepping into a broader international academic environment reinforced the importance of continuous learning and professional development. Ultimately, the journey fostered both a broader vision for what is possible and a deeper personal humility—life lessons that extend far beyond the classroom.

How Do You Rate Southern New Hampshire University Academically?

Southern New Hampshire University provided an exceptional academic experience, particularly through its well-established online and digital learning infrastructure. When the global pandemic disrupted education systems worldwide, SNHU transitioned seamlessly without compromising instructional quality or student engagement. Their faculty and administrative teams delivered comprehensive academic resources and guidance, ensuring our curriculum progressed without interruption.

How Does Southern New Hampshire University Support International Students?

SNHU provides dedicated support networks tailored to international students. From pre-arrival guidance and housing assistance to everyday campus integration, there is an active, accessible team dedicated to ensuring students feel welcome from day one. In addition, student communities offer safe, peer-driven spaces to voice concerns, share experiences, and build lasting friendships.

What Did You Pursue After the Fulbright Scholarship?

Following my graduation, I joined Samsung Electronics Laos within the Mobile Experience department as a Channel Assistant Officer from 2021 to 2023. In this role, I oversaw mobile and smart device distribution across the southern region of Laos. It was an invaluable experience that allowed me to apply my graduate business training directly to high-impact corporate operations and commercial strategy.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

A compelling application begins with clarity of purpose. You must articulate a clear vision of what you want to accomplish and demonstrate specifically how the scholarship will bridge the gap to that goal. Equally important is grounding your ambition in community impact: evaluators look for candidates whose personal growth will translate into tangible, positive contributions to their home country.

What Would You Have Done Differently If You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were to go through the process again, I would begin standardized test preparation (for the TOEFL and GMAT) even earlier to give myself a wider runway to optimize my scores.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Start with a clear understanding of your core values and career aspirations. From there, be specific about how the scholarship aligns with those goals and how the opportunity will empower you to give back to your community. When your personal goals align with a meaningful broader mission, your story naturally resonates.