When I joined the Associazione degli Studenti Vietnamiti in Italia, I wasn’t just looking for an extracurricular activity. I was looking for a way to stay connected to my culture while living abroad. I ended up finding much more than that.

Supporting a Community Through Content

As part of the media team, I worked on Facebook content focused on studying abroad in Italy. What started as simple posts quickly became something more meaningful.

• Every piece of content had a purpose:

• Helping new students understand life in Italy

• Sharing practical tips about studying, housing, and daily challenges

• Making information more accessible for those who were just starting their journey

I also supported the promotion of non-profit events organized by the association, from cultural activities to community gatherings. These events were not just about bringing people together, but about keeping Vietnamese culture alive in a foreign country.

Through this, I realized that content is not just about engagement. It’s about creating a sense of belonging.

Managing Large Communities, One Conversation at a Time

Beyond content, a big part of my role was community management. I helped manage a Facebook group of over 16,000 members, where students across Italy shared information, asked questions, and supported each other. At the same time, I was directly responsible for a smaller but more active community: the Vietnamese student group in Messina with nearly 500 members.

My role there was simple in theory, but complex in practice:

• Making sure discussions stayed respectful and aligned with community values

• Monitoring and preventing sensitive or political conflicts

• Answering questions and supporting members in real time

• Helping new students settle in and feel supported

It wasn’t just moderation. It was about maintaining trust in the community.

Growing More Than Just Numbers

While the groups continued to grow, what mattered more was the quality of interaction. I saw how a simple answer to a question could help someone find housing. How a shared experience could make someone feel less alone. How a well-managed space could turn strangers into a community. This experience taught me that community building is not about controlling conversations.

It’s about guiding them in the right direction.

What I Took Away

Being a Social Media Coordinator in this context showed me that digital platforms are more than just channels.

They are spaces where:

• Culture is preserved

• People find support

• Communities grow organically

And managing those spaces requires not just communication skills, but empathy, responsibility, and awareness. Because when you manage a community, you’re not just handling content. You’re shaping how people connect with each other.