"Hunting" for scholarships to study abroad

Nguyen Hai Dang, a student of class 12A13, Vinh Phuc High School for the Gifted, shares his experience of "hunting" for scholarships with his friends. Photo: Tra Huong

Studying abroad in developed countries is an opportunity for young people to access, learn and research advanced and moderneducational programs, thereby improving their knowledge and developing many skills to work in a multinational environment.

After completing their studies, many have returned to contribute to their homeland or work in countries around the world, international organizations, becoming a bridge of knowledge between Vietnam and the world . They bring with them modern thinking, professional style and desire for change - practical values for the sustainable development of the country in the digital age.

However, the biggest barrier is still the cost of studying and living abroad, which is very high compared to the income of Vietnamese people in general and Vinh Phuc in particular, so finding scholarship programs to study abroad is a strategic and practical direction.

In Vinh Phuc, many high schools have proactively promoted career guidance, study abroad consulting, and invited experts to share their experiences in "hunting" for scholarships for students.

Taking the lead in study abroad consulting activities, Vinh Phuc High School for the Gifted has established a Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Team with the task of communicating, consulting on study abroad, connecting international cooperation programs on education and connecting many foreign organizations to implement career guidance programs and study abroad consulting for students. The school also supports students in establishing and maintaining the Study Abroad Club and has connected many scholarship programs. Currently, there are dozens of students of Vinh Phuc High School for the Gifted studying abroad in many developed countries around the world.

Lien Son High School (Lap Thach) also focuses on developing soft skills, English and creating a positive learning environment for students; at the same time, creating conditions for a number of educational organizations to come and advise on studying abroad and connect many study abroad scholarship programs for students.

Vinh Yen High School has coordinated with a number of units to organize the workshop program "The best workshop for hunting scholarships" to advise students on studying abroad...

With the support and companionship of schools, Vinh Phuc students have strived to promote their capacity, courage and determination to seek scholarships to study abroad.

To “hunt” for scholarships to study abroad, students must have a strategy early on, planning from the first years of high school, even from middle school. They focus on studying well in cultural subjects and foreign languages, while practicing soft skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, and actively participating in clubs and volunteer activities to “enrich” their application. Some students even found social projects, build non-profit organizations or create impressive scientific and artistic products to score points with the study abroad admissions board.

Nguyen Hai Dang, class 12A13, Vinh Phuc High School for the Gifted, is called “The God of Scholarship Hunting” by his teachers and friends because he has successfully won a total of 40 billion VND in scholarships from more than 20 universities on 4 continents. These include prestigious scholarships such as a scholarship to study abroad at Centre College worth 5.7 billion VND; a scholarship to study abroad at Depauw University worth 5.2 billion VND; a scholarship to study abroad at Schulich School of Business, York University, the top 1 Business Administration program in Canada (this scholarship has an acceptance rate of only 6-7%); an ESSEC Business School scholarship, the top 1 Business Administration program in France (an acceptance rate of 6.3%); a scholarship to study abroad at The College of Wooster worth 5 billion VND, etc.

Sharing his experience in hunting for scholarships, Hai Dang said: “After choosing the major and the university I planned to study abroad, I started looking for suitable scholarship programs. To meet the requirements of the scholarship programs, I worked hard to study subjects, prepare for SAT, IELTS and other international certificates; at the same time, I made my mark in extracurricular activities and community projects. I achieved a cumulative score (GPA) of 9.4, SAT 1,490, IELTS 7.0; played a good role as President of the school's Study Abroad Club as well as the founder of the non-profit business organization Vang Trang Yeu Thuong... Thanks to my efforts and perseverance, I was successful in my scholarship hunting journey.”

As the first student from Vinh Phuc to receive a 100% scholarship for the study abroad program in Digital Business and Innovation at Tokyo International University (one of the top universities in Japan), Hoang Khai Minh shared: “To “hunt” for a 100% scholarship for the study abroad program at Tokyo International University, I focused on studying to improve my cultural subjects, constantly improving my English to reach IELTS 8.0. I actively participated in many extracurricular programs, practiced life skills, and strived to achieve 9.8 cumulative points (GPA)... Choosing a school and a country to study abroad is also very important. I chose Japan because this is a highly developed country, with an advanced learning environment and high discipline that will help me mature faster.

Tokyo International University has many advantages such as training in the major I love; many scholarships; international students are supported with food, accommodation, part-time jobs, learning English, Japanese and jobs after graduation... I plan to return after finishing my studies to contribute to the digital transformation of my homeland."

“Hunting” for scholarships to study abroad is a journey for those who dream, plan and persevere in action. With their own efforts and the support of teachers, family and community, many young people have achieved their dream of reaching the world. That is also the most positive message to young people: “No matter where you come from, you can still go far, if you are determined enough.”

Minh Huong

Source: http://baovinhphuc.com.vn/Multimedia/Images/Id/128143/“San”-hoc-bong-du-hoc