Inspiration from family

Born and raised in a family that always puts education first, with his paternal grandfather and parents all former overseas students who received valuable scholarships, Lam Tung inherited the family's tradition of studiousness. That inspiration was incorporated by Lam Tung into his essay and contributed to helping him win a full scholarship from Taiwan's Ministry of Education.

In his essay, Lam Tung wrote: "My grandfather once won a doctoral scholarship and studied at a famous university in Saint Petersburg (Russia). My parents also studied abroad in Finland and the US to get a master's degree. The stories they told about the winter in faraway lands, the people they met, the extraordinary events they experienced while studying abroad were my favorite things when I was a child. And since then, those stories have become an inspiration to encourage me to follow in the footsteps of my predecessors."

Throughout the journey of studying, completing the application, and conquering the scholarship, the family has always accompanied Lam Tung to realize his dream. "My parents invested in my English learning quite early because they knew that English would help me a lot later. And more importantly, my parents allowed me to choose according to my preferences, respected my decisions and always encouraged me if I had the opportunity to experience new things."

Previously, Lam Tung had heard a lot about Taiwan from his mother, so since he had the intention to study abroad, he thought of Taiwan first. Besides that, the development of economy, technology, infrastructure; excellent education; cultural similarities; costs and learning and employment opportunities are the reasons why Lam Tung chose Taiwan as a stopover for the next 4 years of study.

Secrets to conquering a full scholarship

Lam Tung has a good foundation in English, so he considers this an advantage. He spends time studying, participating in many English competitions and once won the First Prize in the Speak Out English Debate Competition for 3 years in 2020, 2021 and 2022. In addition, Lam Tung also obtained an IELTS 8.0 certificate.

For Lam Tung, the factors that convinced the Taiwan Ministry of Education to give him the opportunity to receive a scholarship were a unique essay, a very careful and scientific study plan, and a good performance in the interview.

With two different essays, Lam Tung has his own way of expressing himself, with his personal style. A unique essay does not have to be full of grandiose academic vocabulary, nor does it necessarily have to be a list of massive achievements with great milestones in a life of ten or twenty years. Just look at yourself as you are; see what you see in your past, present and future.

In both essays, Lam Tung believes that what he has achieved today is not his own achievement alone, but thanks to the guidance and support of teachers and parents. He especially expresses his gratitude to Mr. Andrew Jackson (English Teacher) and Ms. Thanh Van (Math Teacher, Homeroom Teacher of Class 12A1) for always accompanying and helping him improve his English skills and love Math more. "I believe that the greatest gift that education brings to me is to help me change my attitude" - Lam Tung wrote.

When you have prepared a good essay, a very careful and scientific study plan is essential. The study plan is the tool for the Admissions Committee to determine if you really understand the major you choose, your future job. At the same time, a specific plan also helps the Admissions Committee assess whether you meet the criteria of the program.

The interview round was the round that impressed Lam Tung the most because this was the first time he answered in front of many professors. To succeed in the selection, Lam Tung offers a small piece of advice when interviewing, which is to be consistent in his personal story. Because during the interview, the Board of Examiners will ask questions around the essay that the candidate has submitted. Clearly expressing the meaning and always maintaining confidence is the secret that helped Lam Tung convince the Board of Examiners.

With the desire to work in the field of finance and business, Lam Tung decided to pursue a major in International Business and Trade at Ming Chuan University. Lam Tung hopes that 4 years of study here will give him many new experiences, help him find the field he wants to stick with for a long time, and strive to improve himself, then return to work in Vietnam.

Congratulations to Lam Tung and hope that with his bravery and persistent, inquisitive spirit, he will have a new journey full of thú vị in Taiwan!