Hi! My name is Lauren Harker and I am currently a freshman in the College of Business Administration at the University of Pittsburgh. I am majoring in Accounting and minoring in Economics while also pursuing certificates in Business Analytics and International Business. I am from Huntington, New York, which is on Long Island. Growing up, I lived in New York, California, Singapore, and London. Due to this, I got bit by the travel bug pretty early and ever since have wanted to explore different countries every chance I get. My international experience is also what drove me to pursue the certificate in International Business, as I find it mesmerizing how connected the world is through business.

I am excited to be given the opportunity to be part of the Plus3 Vietnam program! This program fascinated me when applying because I think it will be very interesting to learn about how the businesses in Vietnam affect the development of the country but also how the development affects the business world. Through this trip, I hope to expand my knowledge and views on international business and the Vietnamese development. I also am excited to learn a lot more about the Vietnamese culture and to fully experience it.

I can’t wait to create so many amazing memories and friendships in Vietnam! May 5th can’t come soon enough!