Dung Kim Chu

Studying for: MA TEFL Scholarship student from Vietnam,
September 2004 PG scholar
Born: November 30, 1976 Country: Hanoi, Vietnam

Potted academic history: When I was in primary and secondary school, I was always a top student in Maths. This made me think I wanted to become a Math's teacher. However, due to Vietnam's political, economic and social changes and the increasing tendency of learning English, I began to concentrate on English studies. With my parents' strong support and encouragement, I passed the English exams to attend an English-gifted class in Hanoi Amsterdam School - one of the most prestigious high schools in Vietnam.
I feel that English has brought me great opportunities for my personal and career development.
After graduating from the high school, I got a scholarship to study at St. Andrew's Priory School, Hawaii. My time there enabled me not only to improve my English but also to open my eyes to the world. I then returned to Vietnam and attended the Institute for International Relations. I graduated in 1999 with a BA in International Relations.After successfully passing the recruitment exams, I became a teacher of English at the Institute. I worked there until I was awarded my scholarship to study an MA in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) at London Metropolitan University in September 2004.
Hopes and aspirations: Upon the completion of my studies in London, I would love to continue English language teaching at my Institute in Vietnam as I enjoy the interaction with the students and to watch their progress. The Institute is very supportive and due to its strong rapport with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this provides further opportunities for its students and staff. In the future, I could get a mission to work abroad in a foreign country and this would appeal as well.

Interests: I really like travelling and meeting new people. I also enjoy cooking. Apart from Vietnamese food, I am taking the opportunity to learn how to cook some Western dishes whilst I am studying in London. Recently I have taught myself to swim which I enjoy very much. I also enjoy listening to traditional Vietnamese folk music.I wish I could play an instrument or sing but it was a shame that I did not have an opportunity to do so when I was younger. I learnt how to do some traditional Hawaiian dancing with a mumu and a grass skirt during my days in Hawaii.

Goals and achievements to date: In the summer of 2002, I was granted a scholarship by Ford Foundation to attend a course in Teaching English to Other Speakers of English (TESOL) at the School for International Training in Vermont, USA. I enjoyed the course as I had a chance to study and share my experience with some native North-Americans.

Reason why she feels she got scholarship?
In my personal statement I explained the reasons why I am so concerned with teaching English as a foreign language as this is highly desired in Vietnam. The TEFL course provides me with the systematic knowledge I require to become a better teacher. I believe the knowledge and skills I have gained during this course will enable me to share my knowledge with my colleagues and students when I return to Vietnam.

What has your scholarship experience allowed you to do to date?
My knowledge has improved as I've learned many new things. Linguistics and psychology are particularly important and interesting as I had never studied these with regard to languages before.Studying English in the UK is the icing on the cake as everyone desires this great experience.
I have met people from all over the world and learned about their cultures and languages. The inter-cultural values from my fellow students provide me with a much wider spectrum of knowledge.I am confident that my English has improved far beyond my expectations as I've been able to learn the language in the real environment, not just from textbooks.

Advice for other applicants: Begin preparing your application as soon as possible. Put the effort in to doing a strong application form with good reference letters, too - and never give up!