Driven by perseverance and a deep-rooted belief in sustainable values, Le Thanh Nam (12A6) and Do Hai Yen (12A3) have successfully secured full-tuition scholarships to Jingdezhen Ceramic University in China.

Young hands preserving an ancient legacy

Born into families with a long lineage of potters in the historic Bat Trang village (Hanoi), Thanh Nam and Hai Yen grew up amidst the scent of damp earth, the rhythmic hum of the potter’s wheel, and the glow of burning kilns. From a young age, both were immersed in the craft, observing the meticulous techniques of master artisans. For them, a love for ceramics came as naturally as breathing.

By middle school, Nam had already set his sights on continuing the family tradition, though his specific academic path remained unclear. Meanwhile, Yen found herself torn between her heritage and a passion for graphic design. A turning point arrived in 10th Grade when both students attended a career orientation fair organized by Greenfield School.

It was here that they connected with the China Campus Network (CCN), a prestigious consortium of 37 leading Chinese universities. Under the guidance of their teachers, the duo explored various academic disciplines and later participated in a CCN-organized summer camp in China.

After witnessing the majesty of Jingdezhen - the world’s "Ceramic Capital" - and touring its world-class academic facilities, Nam and Yen found their calling. Both decided to apply for the Ceramic Art Design program at Jingdezhen Ceramic University.

As the only university in China offering Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in ceramics, Jingdezhen Ceramic University stands as a global powerhouse for ceramic innovation, talent cultivation, and cultural exchange.

In an era where traditional craft villages face market pressures and shifting consumer tastes, the commitment shown by young people like Nam and Yen is rare. For them, pottery is not just a family obligation; it is a way to define themselves.

"Traditional patterns and familiar shapes are being preserved by our generation. But I don't want to stop there," Nam shared. "I want to study abroad to gain a formal, systematic education. My goal is to innovate - to ensure that at Bat Trang, tradition and modernity coexist in every grain of clay and every layer of glaze."

The Scholarship strategy

The road to success began at "ground zero" with the Chinese language. Nam and Yen embarked on a rigorous learning journey, initially struggling to recognize characters without phonetic pinyin.

Their breakthrough came from a simple philosophy: never fear making mistakes. They utilized apps like HelloChinese and Xiaohongshu to engage with native speakers and sharpen their listening and speaking skills. After three years of relentless effort, both achieved the HSK4 certification.

Beyond language proficiency, they maintained a GPA above 8.0 and built impressive portfolios through extracurricular activities. Unlike Western applications that focus on Personal Statements, Chinese universities require a Study Plan (学习计划). Nam and Yen meticulously detailed their academic goals and future visions, ensuring every grammatical detail was flawless to impress the Admissions Board.

Their hard work paid off. With HSK4 certificates, high GPAs, and compelling essays, they were awarded 100% scholarships, covering both tuition and dormitory fees for four years at the century-old institution.

Currently, both are enrolled in the International Foundation Programme (IFP), a rigorous preparatory track audited by the CCN Academic Committee to ensure international students are fully equipped for the Chinese academic environment.

Congratulations to Thanh Nam and Hai Yen on your brilliant scholarship achievement! While the road ahead is long, Greenfield School truly believes that with your passion and determination, you will turn your dreams into reality. You are ensuring that the flame of our traditional craft continues to burn bright, so that Bat Trang ceramics remains not just a memory, but a vibrant part of both the present and the future.