Dr. Phuong Nguyen at the signing ceremony for her name inscribed in the Golden Book of Outstanding Graduates of Siegen University (Germany) in May 2012, when she was 29 years old - Photo: Provided by the interviewee.
The answer doesn't come from luck or a privileged starting point, but from five essential tools that any young person can equip themselves with.
It's not a "hot" field, scholarships aren't readily available, and there's no established international network, but the story of one of the former valedictorians of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) shows that the path to self-funded overseas study remains wide open for those who prepare properly.
That journey begins with what lies within each person: from willpower, from small actions accumulated daily, from long-term strategies to the resilience to overcome failure.
The first steps
The first—and often most overlooked—preparation is a strong commitment to studying abroad. This isn't just a fleeting whim, but a simmering desire that remains undiminished by external influences: an attractive job opportunity back home, family circumstances, or even a budding romance. When that desire is strong enough, other options naturally become less important.
Alongside willpower, the second essential asset is the accumulation of small, consistent actions. From high school to university, leadership activities, scientific research, and community engagement are where organizational skills, proactive thinking, and adaptability are honed—factors that determine one's ability to thrive in an international environment later on.
I myself served as class president that year, leading nearly 100 classmates, running the science research club, and also proposing and operating the English club for the department – in the early 2000s, when the concepts of networking or student projects were still very new.
Furthermore, I participated in almost every scientific research competition at the university and ministerial levels throughout my four years of university. This wasn't just to enhance my resume, but because the process itself built a foundation of genuine competence.
Dr. Phuong Nguyen alongside professors at Siegen University and Helmut-Schmidt University Hamburg - Photo: Provided by the interviewee.
Resilience to overcome failure
Once your willpower and abilities are strong enough, the third step is a study abroad strategy linked to a long-term career path. Many young people think the biggest obstacle is finances, but in reality, the more difficult part is determining the right professional direction and career position you want to pursue in the next 10 years: who you want to become, what field you want to work in, what core competencies you need, and what environment is most suitable. From there, you can choose the appropriate study program, country, and funding source.
Today, with many professions rapidly being replaced by artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies, defining long-term goals before applying for scholarships is more important than ever.
Even with a strategy in place, entering the international environment requires a fourth essential element: the ability to showcase one's potential.
My doctoral supervisor once shared that what impressed him most about me wasn't my grades or past achievements, but rather my "very strong fire of ambition" demonstrated through my incredibly rapid adaptation – just one week to get into the new environment and perfect my professional work style.
Each country has different evaluation criteria, but the common thread is that independent thinking, the ability to collaborate, and a professional image always make a difference.
The final—and perhaps most crucial—tool was perseverance and inner strength. There were periods when I sent out 2-3 applications a day to different schools, professors, and scholarship programs. Most of the responses were rejection emails or silence.
Inner strength here isn't about trying to appear strong, but about learning to accept failure as a natural part of the journey, remaining calm enough to analyze the causes and continue to adjust. Sometimes, just one companion with the right perspective can help a young person keep going instead of giving up too soon.
Dr. Phuong Nguyen is an expert in human resource management, organizational psychology, and leadership development in an international context. She graduated top of her class from Hanoi National University in 2006 with a major in archiving and public administration, received a commendation from the Hanoi People's Committee, and was recruited into the Hanoi Department of Planning and Investment under a talent attraction policy.
She then received a scholarship from Hanoi City, successfully completed her MBA program at La Trobe University (Australia, 2006-2008), and subsequently defended her doctoral dissertation in a dual specialization of human resource management and organizational psychology in Germany (2008-2012) with a DAAD scholarship.
With over 20 years of experience, she has researched, taught, and collaborated with numerous international universities such as Goethe University Frankfurt, Helmut Schmidt University, Siegen University (Germany), La Trobe University (Australia), Galway University (Ireland), and Vietnam National University.
She is currently academically active in Germany and is also the founder of Hanna Advance Education Solution Institute (HAES) since 2024 – an organization specializing in leadership development consulting and international integration support.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/5-hanh-trang-mo-canh-cua-du-hoc-tu-than-2026051806015799.htm
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