Chi Phuong Dang
Vietnam
"I studied for my BSc in International Economics at the Foreign Trade University (FTU) in Hanoi, Vietnam and I graduated in 2005 with a Distinction. I started working as a Programme Assistant for the Fulbright Program within the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam and coordinated the student exchanges. The purpose of this academic exchange programme was to promote mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and the people of Vietnam. This was also an excellent networking experience for me and I really enjoyed it. Following this experience, I decided to work more in an academic field and I had heard about the Business Economics and Finance course at London Met. I researched and learned that London Met has an outstanding quality of higher education in Economics and Finance, so I applied to study here and was fortunate to be awarded a London Met/International Students House scholarship and started my course in February 2007. I became influenced to study abroad after working with many Vietnamese American students coming to Vietnam to do research with a desire to help Vietnam to move forward in its international integration. As the youth of the country we shared the same desire. I decided to pursue my advanced degree (Masters) in London, to try my best to make a contribution to the development of the Vietnamese Small and Medium Enterprises community — an important motivation for economic development of Vietnam.
For three years (and I will continue when I return home) I’ve done volunteer work for a charity organisation, Operation Smile — a United Nations Affiliated Organisation. I was involved in medical missions to go to rural areas in Vietnam and the neighbouring country of Laos, assisting the mission to provide free reconstructive facial surgeries to needy children suffering from cleft lips. It was very satisfying to see the children and their parents smiling after they had their smiles restored, following their operations.
When I finish this course, I would like to work for Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE), coordinating projects aimed at promoting competitive capacity of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam and providing critical consultancy for the SMEs and I hope to be able to assist them to deal with the competitive challenges as a consequence of Vietnam’s increasing international economic integration.
As the Vietnamese economy improves, it will be more possible for more and more students to come to London to study, as this is a great opportunity for everyone. I would like to inspire anyone wanting to study in London to come to London Met where they can experience the ideal study environment with dedicated advisors, and above all, its close relations with business and industry.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to London Metropolitan University for awarding me the scholarship opportunity to pursue a postgraduate degree. Not only does this open my mind but also enriches my profession. I am very proud of studying in London — the home of one of the biggest financial centres in the world and City campus is located in the heart of London and it is always exciting!"
