Nghe An students denied visa to go to the US to attend international science and technology competition

Previously, at the 2018 National High School Science and Technology Competition, the project "Saltwater distillation system into fresh water with vacuum technology using hydraulic pumps by ocean wave energy" by Phung Van Long and Mai Nhat Anh (Phan Boi Chau High School for the Gifted) won the First Prize and was selected by the Ministry of Education and Training to compete in the International Science and Technology Competition in the United States.

The joy of students at the award ceremony and closing ceremony of the national science and technology competition. Photo: My Ha

However, on the afternoon of May 2, speaking with Nghe An Newspaper, teacher Mai Van Quyen - the teacher who directly instructed the two students said: Although this is a project selected by the Ministry of Education and Training, after two interviews, only student Phung Van Long and two observers of the Nghe An delegation were granted visas by the US Embassy. The remaining members, including Mai Nhat Anh and the teacher who directly instructed them, were rejected.

According to teacher Mai Van Quyen, with this result, it is difficult for Nghe An students' project to participate in the International Science and Technology Competition. Because, before that, the Ministry of Education and Training had registered this project to be implemented by two students. However, currently, having only one student participating is against the competition's regulations and the possibility of the project being canceled is very high.

After receiving this result, the Nghe An delegation also asked the Ministry of Education and Training to intervene, but up to this point there has been no result. Meanwhile, according to the plan, on May 11, the Vietnamese delegation will fly to the United States and on May 13, the competition will officially open.

A test session at Cua Hoi beach by teachers and students of Phan Boi Chau High School for the Gifted after the project was adjusted. Photo: NVCC

Discussing further on this issue, teacher Ngo Sy Thuy - Principal of Phan Boi Chau High School for the Gifted also said: We do not know why the US Embassy refused to grant visas because our students answered all the questions well, the content was quite simple and each person asked less than 1 minute.

Not being able to participate in the competition will also leave a great regret not only for the students and teachers at Phan Boi Chau High School for the Gifted but also for the education sector of Nghe An. In the past time, to prepare for this competition, the province has also created great conditions for students to improve their English skills, especially professional skills. In addition, students have also tried to complete the project, prepare the conditions and be ready to participate in the International Science and Technology Competition.

Teacher Mai Van Quyen and two students from Phan Boi Chau High School for the Gifted during the days of preparation for the international competition. Photo: My Ha

This “unusual” incident is not the first time it has happened at the International Science and Technology Competition. In 2017, student Pham Huy from Quang Tri Town High School was also denied a visa after being selected for the Vietnamese team.

Then, thanks to the intervention of the authorities, the project "Robotic arm for the disabled" was able to travel to the United States in time to participate and win third prize in the competition.