Igniting the dream of studying abroad.

(Baonghean) - Studying abroad is no longer an unfamiliar concept to Vietnamese parents and students in general, and those in Nghe An in particular. Countries renowned for their high level of development and world-leading education systems, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Singapore, and Japan, are the destinations of many generations of students who aspire to reach distant horizons and access new civilizations. For the study abroad journey, preparation and a good start are the most important steps to ensure a long-term success.

Previously, parents and students primarily accessed information about studying abroad through support and counseling centers. However, recently, information channels run by current and former international students have gained significant attention and trust. These student associations often originate from communities formed overseas, bringing together Vietnamese students based on their geographical regions where they live, study, and work. Building upon this foundation of organized groups with active participation and a strong sense of community, these associations expand their activities beyond Vietnam, fostering connections between countries and organizing practical initiatives within Vietnam.

Scenes from the 7th "Ignite the Flame" Study Abroad Workshop.

The Nghe Tinh Overseas Student Association is one of the Vietnamese Overseas Student Associations worldwide, bringing together young people from Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces who have studied and worked in countries around the world such as the UK, France, the USA, Russia, Australia, Singapore, Japan, New Zealand, China, etc. Established in 2008, the Nghe Tinh Overseas Student Association has continuously grown in both its network of overseas students and its influence, spreading inspiration to the youth of the province. With their own real-life experiences of studying abroad, they believe that for students who dream of studying overseas, the first and most important step towards a successful study abroad journey is information. Students not only need information to smoothly complete the procedures and paperwork for admission and immigration, but also need to understand the characteristics of education and life abroad. This will allow them to compare these aspects with their own circumstances, needs, and aspirations, and make the most informed choices for their families.

With that principle and purpose in mind, the Nghe Tinh Overseas Student Association, in coordination with local authorities, schools, and domestic and international non-governmental organizations, has organized the "Igniting the Flame" Study Abroad Seminar – an annual event first held in 2009. On average, this event attracts hundreds of parents and students each year and has grown in reach thanks to the honest sharing, enthusiastic advice, and guidance from young people who have studied or are currently studying abroad. The 7th "Igniting the Flame" Study Abroad Seminar in 2015, held on August 2nd (in Ha Tinh), once again rekindled the flame of thirst for knowledge and adventure in the hearts of the young generation of Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces, encouraging them to be more independent and proactive in their journey of self-discovery and integration into a world that is opening up and becoming more globalized.

At the "Passing on the Torch VII" event, two concepts were emphasized by the young "speakers": "orientation" and "experience." Tuan Dung (Vinh City, Nghe An province), a former student in the US, shared his study abroad journey, which began with a full ASEAN scholarship for high school students in Singapore, followed by a full scholarship at Yale University (USA), majoring in Computer Science. After graduating, Tuan Dung worked in Singapore, the US, and China, and has now returned to Vietnam to work in software development for a US-based technology startup. According to Tuan Dung, before actually starting the study abroad journey, it is necessary to clearly define what one wants, what one needs, and to what extent one can meet those requirements in a foreign educational environment. These are questions that any young person aspiring to study abroad must answer for themselves, thereby making specific and correct choices about their major, scholarship applications, practical applications in Vietnam, etc. Once they have chosen their path, they need to set specific and high goals, create opportunities to work with talented people, and so on, reaching ever higher levels.

Meanwhile, Truong Duc (from Nghi Loc, Nghe An), currently studying for a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance at Cass Business School – one of the world's leading business schools in London (UK) – shared his experiences in realizing his dream of studying abroad. From the initial steps of effectively managing his studies while simultaneously preparing for the ACT and IELTS exams, to participating in student activities such as talent search competitions, he opened doors of opportunity for young people aspiring to study overseas. Truong Duc participated in the national round of the annual ENACTUS competition (an international non-profit organization bringing together students and business leaders) and achieved Top 4 in the UK social enterprise category of the McKinsey Venture Competition.

In particular, the "Passing the Torch VII" seminar featured a presentation by a representative from the US Embassy on scholarship programs in the United States, including the Fulbright Scholarship Fund – one of the most prestigious scholarship programs, a goal many young people aspire to achieve while studying abroad. Mr. Nguyen Huu Phuoc Nguyen – the founder of the "Passing the Torch" study abroad seminar – affirmed: “To build a ship, don’t start with pieces of wood, but with a passion for exploring the ocean. You should keep the flame of passion burning throughout the scholarship application process. Opportunities are always equally distributed to everyone; thorough preparation is what determines whether you seize the opportunity when it arises.” Passion, enthusiasm, confidence, and dynamism of youth are the most important tools for young people to keep and pass on their dreams of studying abroad.

Dinh Nguyen