Male student wins US Presidential scholarship to study at university in Vietnam

(Baonghean.vn) - Nguyen Luu Canh Hao, a student admired by many for winning a scholarship from the US President, recently made a surprising revelation in a conversation with a reporter from Nghe An Newspaper.

Hi Canh Hao, it seems "difficult" to contact you these days, it seems you are not active on Facebook anymore?

Well, I want to focus on studying for my university entrance exams so I won’t be using Facebook for now. But I don’t want to close my account either so I asked a friend to “hold it for me”.

With 4 American University scholarships, especially the US Presidential Scholarship for international students that covers almost all of your study abroad expenses, perhaps the upcoming university entrance exam won't put too much pressure on you?

Actually, I plan to study in the country so I still have to study hard for the university entrance exam. I aim to get into two schools: Foreign Trade University and National Economics University.

So you are refusing the “gift” of the US President? Why put so much effort into applying for a scholarship when you already have your own plans?

Because I wanted to challenge myself. After my trip to the US to participate in the ASEAN Youth Leadership Program 2015, I started to think seriously about my future.

Since I was young, I have been exposed to American culture and learned a lot about the American educational environment. But this recent trip was the first time I really experienced life there, met Vietnamese students and listened to them share about studying in the US.

I decided to study at a local university because I thought it was more suitable for me. So I applied for scholarships a bit more hastily than other students because I didn’t care too much about the results. I just wanted to try something I had never done before. I found it a bit miraculous to be awarded scholarships by four universities (laughs).

Canh Hao (far left) at the 2015 ASEAN Youth Leaders program in the US. Photo provided by the character.

What did your parents say about your decision to study at a domestic university?

My parents still encourage me to study abroad to broaden my horizons. However, I told them: I will go to America, but not now. Not for 4 years either.

Maybe after I finish university and get a scholarship to study further. Or maybe I can work in foreign companies or go on short-term training. I think about these possibilities more.

For me, the decision to study abroad or in the country is not only based on whether I like it or not, but also on my financial ability. I think it would be a pity to study abroad but spend too much time working part-time, under great financial pressure.

When my parents saw how “determined” I was, they didn’t say anything but just supported me. Luckily, my parents cared a lot about me, but also guided me to make my own decisions and respected those decisions.

The last question is about scholarships. Can you share your secret to hunting for scholarships for those who want to study abroad?

My secret is very simple, that is to be confident, meet many people and let them help you. Many people are often “afraid” of applying for scholarships because they think it is too difficult. But in fact, there are many types of scholarships with different levels of coverage. Depending on your ability and financial capacity, you can choose the scholarships that are right for you to increase your chances of success.

The second important factor when applying for a scholarship is to make the most of the help from others. After returning from the trip to the US, I still keep in touch with many of my seniors there and they guided me and shared a lot of useful information. I am also a collaborator of the US Embassy in Vietnam, and am regularly informed about activities related to US-Vietnam cooperation, etc.

In general, don't try to do everything by yourself because the scholarship application process is very long and arduous.

And now for the final question to wrap up our conversation today, do you have a favorite person, someone who inspires you greatly?

Many people ask me this question and to be honest, I don’t idolize anyone (laughs). Instead, I create for myself an image that combines what I consider ideal. A Canh Hao that I want to become in the future, so to speak.

I think everyone can do this instead of idolizing someone else and wanting to become like them. Because we are all different and that difference can make miracles happen.

Thanks Canh Hao for this very interesting conversation!

PV performed