Driven by relentless effort and a genuine love for the culture, Tu Uyen recently achieved an impressive sweep, receiving acceptance letters from South China University of Technology, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, and Zhejiang International Studies University.

A deep-rooted love for Chinese

For Tu Uyen, her affinity for Chinese didn’t begin with textbooks or formal lessons. Instead, it blossomed from "youth" dramas like A Love So Beautiful, featuring students in iconic blue-and-white uniforms cycling under lush canopies while striving for the high-stakes Gaokao (National College Entrance Examination).

Her parents initially encouraged her to study Chinese in middle school, envisioning an education abroad after graduation. However, the transition from screen to study was far from seamless. Tu Uyen initially struggled with Chinese characters, as the logographic system differs entirely from the Latin-based Vietnamese alphabet.

By 10th grade, recognizing Chinese as a global language with vast professional potential, she committed to a serious study regimen. Tu Uyen found that the linguistic similarities between Chinese and Vietnamese helped, but writing remained her greatest hurdle. To master the strokes and structures, she practiced writing every new word for three to five lines per session.

"To maintain long-term momentum, perseverance must be rooted in genuine interest," Tu Uyen emphasizes. "If you only study for grades, it’s easy to get discouraged. I once neglected my studies, but once I rediscovered my passion, I could study for three hours a day, all week long, without feeling tired."

This dedication paid off. Starting from HSK 1, she built a solid foundation within a year to reach HSK 4 and is currently preparing for HSK 5. She believes that while certificates prove knowledge, daily immersion is the only way to achieve true fluency.

Pursuing Business Chinese

While her love for the language was the catalyst, her decision to spend four years in China was shaped by personal experience. A summer camp in Nanning after 11th grade completely transformed her perception of the country.

"Contrary to online stereotypes, I found the people to be incredibly welcoming and enthusiastic," Tu Uyen recalls. "China is the world’s second-largest economy, offering high-quality education and reasonable living costs. Plus, being closer to Vietnam allows my family to visit more often than if I were in Europe or America."

To turn her dream into reality, Tu Uyen meticulously prepared her portfolio, which included her HSK certificates, GPA, extracurricular records, and a personal essay. Her essay painted a portrait of an independent student, detailing how the Chinese language reshaped her life and outlining her specific academic goals for the next four years.

Ultimately, she chose to enroll at South China University of Technology—a prestigious "Double First-Class" institution and a member of the elite "Project 211" and "Project 985" groups.

She has chosen to major in Business Chinese to bridge the gap between language and international trade. "Growing up in Ninh Hiep, a commercial hub with deep ties to Chinese businesses, I see the vital importance of professional language skills. I hope to eventually support my family business or launch my own enterprise," she shares.

Reflecting on her three years at Greenfield School, Tu Uyen credits the school’s clubs, career seminars, and supportive environment for helping her find her voice. "The open conversations with teachers and peers expanded my horizons and gave me the confidence to step out into the world."

Currently, Tu Uyen is focusing on her national high school graduation exams while preparing for her upcoming journey to China. She looks forward to immersing herself in a new culture and embracing the vibrant campus life at South China University of Technology.