This investigation is about recognizing the effects of comprehension language barriers and adaptability cultural barriers on selected first-generation Vietnamese undergraduate students in the Puget Sound region of Washington State. Most Vietnamese students know little or no English before immigrating to the United States; as such, language and cultural barriers significantly impact first-generation Vietnamese students' lives and their learning process. Understanding lecture materials can be challenging, and students are often confused by different communication and learning styles. Seven selected first-generation Vietnamese undergraduate students living in the Puget Sound area were interviewed in a phenomenological qualitative study. This study not only investigated language and cultural barriers but also suggests the types of effective training programs to help non-native college students succeed in trans-cultural settings. Seven appendices are included: (1) The Census 2000 Demographic Profile; (2) The Percentage of Foreign-Born Students; (3) The Interview Questions; (4) The Interview Protocol; (5) Consent Form (in English and Vietnamese); (6) Audio Tape Permission; and (7) Advertisement for Study. (Contains 5 tables.)