Studying in the US: how scholarships helped me achieve my dream

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.

My province, scarred by the fiercest battles of the Vietnam War, was still underdeveloped and poverty-stricken. During a record typhoon in my middle school years, I first encountered Unicef’s initiative to supply “wash and dignity kits” to my home town, which provided emergency access to hygiene and sanitised water. This experience opened my eyes to the world of international development and planted the seed for my future aspirations.

After class, I found myself sneaking into my school’s computer room with its dial-up modem – internet access was still a luxury in our province back then – to research global news. When I passed the entrance exam to my province’s only state grammar school, I knew it was just the beginning of my journey.

Yearning for a global education, I applied for scholarships abroad, despite knowing it was a long shot. For many of my province’s young people, moving to study in the big city, let alone abroad, was a distant dream. But a fully funded scholarship from Cambridge Education Group brought me to a boarding school in Boston, Massachusetts.

Suddenly, I was studying in America, speaking English 24/7 and adapting to a cold climate so different from my tropical home town. It was a challenge, but one that transformed me in the best possible way. I learned to navigate life independently, embrace diverse perspectives and form friendships with classmates from all corners of the globe.

During this time, I co-founded the Global Association of Economics Education, a non-profit aimed at making economic literacy accessible to students in underserved communities such as mine. Collaborating with the UN, AIESEC and other global partners, I witnessed first-hand the power of international collaboration in driving positive change.

My involvement with Model United Nations in high school further solidified my resolve to study international relations. When I was accepted to the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, it was a dream come true. Thanks to generous institutional grants and a foundational scholarship, I could complete both a BS in international economics and an MSFS in global business and finance from this prestigious university without financial worries.

At Georgetown, I had the privilege of learning from leading scholars and practitioners in economics, politics and business – from multilateral chief economists and Cabinet secretaries to big tech executives. It was surreal, going from reading their translated works back in Vietnam to being their student and publishing my own research. Their guidance, both academic and professional, has been invaluable.

Determined to gain practical experience, I sought out internships at research institutes and international organisations in Washington DC and beyond. A particularly impactful opportunity was my sustainability internship at the World Bank headquarters. This experience solidified my commitment to tackling climate change and promoting economic development in communities such as Vietnam.

A humbling and full-circle moment came when I was accepted to a graduate fellowship with the United Nations Association. Engaging in year-long training and workshops with UN leaders and civil society representatives, I felt my academic interest in international relations and personal passion for driving impact converge.

I still remember the feeling of awe and gratitude when I stepped into the UN General Assembly Hall for the first time. As I took a seat where world leaders and diplomats have sat before, I reflected on the incredible journey that had brought me there. I also felt the responsibility of my privilege, to represent the voices of young people back home and of the Global South in such an important forum.

As I finish my graduate studies at Georgetown and begin my career in international development, I carry with me a deep appreciation for the opportunities, friendships and mentorship that have shaped my path. “Never forget your roots,” my late grandpa once said; I’m determined to use my education to make a difference for my communities in Vietnam and beyond.