"I hope to empower younger generations in Vietnam to become more confident, globally connected individuals."
Hang Dinh Thi Phuong (23) was a scholarship student with Kulturstudier in Hoi An in 2025. Read about her background and academic interests here!
– I first learned about Kulturstudier through my school, VNUK Institute for Research and Executive Education. I have been aware of the programme and its scholarship opportunities since 2021, my freshman year.
Over the years, I also heard many positive experiences shared by VNUK students who had participated in the programme! However, it was not until 2025 that I finally had the opportunity to apply.
Scholarship students can come from many different backgrounds academically and profesionally, and we value different views and experiences as part of our programme.
– I had just completed my bachelor’s degree before joining the Kulturstudier programme. My major was in International Tourism and Hospitality Management, which I believe aligns well with the interdisciplinary nature of the Development Studies programme.
I am particularly interested in the intersection of culture, economics, and sustainability. Since I joined the Development Studies programme right after completing my bachelor’s degree, I already had some foundational knowledge in these areas.
However, Kulturstudier has provided me with valuable opportunities to deepen my understanding, further develop theoretical perspectives, and apply them in practical projects, which I find meaningful.
Joining the Development studies programme in Hoi An provides students with an opportunity to get to know international students, build skills in intercultural communication and develop as an academic and professional.
Many of our scholarship students are passionate about using their academic skills for positive change:
– My current passion lies in education, particularly in teaching English to young learners.
Having developed a high level of English proficiency myself, I have experienced firsthand how the language can open doors, not only academically and professionally, but also in terms of accessing global knowledge and understanding different cultures.
It has given me the confidence and freedom to explore the world beyond my immediate environment.
– In Vietnam, there have been ongoing efforts to promote English as a widely used second language. However, despite these efforts, many students still face challenges in learning and using the language effectively, often due to limited exposure or traditional learning methods.
As such, it has motivated me to become part of the solution by contributing to a more engaging and accessible approach to English education.
– In the long term, I hope to create a learning environment where students feel confident using English as a tool for communication rather than just an academic subject.
I am especially interested in integrating cultural awareness and real-world context into language teaching, so that students can not only learn the language but also understand how to use it meaningfully.
My immediate goal is to pursue a Master’s degree in English Language Teaching, which will equip me with the pedagogical knowledge and practical skills needed to achieve these ambitions.
Through this path, I hope to empower younger generations in Vietnam to become more confident, globally connected individuals.
Are you interested in joining Kulturstudier programmes as a scholarship student? See all opportunities below and check if you fit the requirements!
