Blogs

Born and raised in Quang Ngai, a small coastal town in central Vietnam, I never imagined my journey would take me to the halls of the United Nations.

From a young age, I felt a strong desire to give back to my community, however small my contribution might be. Whether it was volunteering to teach at an orphanage or helping to clean up after flooding, I wanted to make a difference.

I started looking at universities in Year 12 and I was so excited; both my parents went so I knew what to expect and I also wanted to branch out and leave my hometown. I worked hard and overachieved at GCSE level and put myself through the entry process for dentistry including aptitude tests and interviews. 

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The process of applying to universities can be daunting. At 17 years old you are still a child in many ways, but suddenly you’re expected to make decisions that feel as if they determine your entire future.   

If you’re anything like I was, you might be feeling overwhelmed by the weight of this responsibility. With the world at your feet, how do you choose the path that is best suited for you?  

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Returning to full-time student life was the last thing on my mind two years ago. I was in my mid-thirties, I had completed my terminal degree in 2016, and I was (and still am) enjoying my research career as a biologist.

I was a new homeowner and I had just gotten engaged to my partner of 12 years. The last time I had been to Europe was in 2009. I did not look or feel like a good candidate for an international academic adventure.

Last April marked the official end of my master’s studies at the University of Bonn in Germany, after struggling for five years to earn my degree. That’s right, five years!  

I began my programme in the summer term of 2019 and finished once I handed in my thesis at the end of the winter term of 2023-24.  

From a young age, I had been driven by a desire to effect meaningful change within marginalised communities, so I moved to Australia to pursue a BA in psychology initially, and then chose to stay for my master’s degree in social work.

The University of Queensland stood out to me for its prestigious academic environment. The hands-on approach to learning within the course, coupled with the opportunity to engage directly with diverse communities, was the highlight of my degrees.

Why did I choose to study abroad? 

I chose to study in Australia because it was relatively close to my home in Singapore, which meant I was able to embrace a new culture while still feeling connected to my hometown. I was drawn to Australia’s dedication to sustainability and combating climate change, as well as its emphasis on work-life balance.