Nguyen Thi Huyen in the graduation ceremony in the UK
Hi everyone, I’m Nguyen Thi Huyen, a former student at Middlesex University in London reading Television Journalism and currently working as a journalist and presenter for VTV4, a Vietnamese Television Channel.
It is my great honour to have been invited to write on Ambassador Mark Kent’s blog.
The first day arriving in the UK was very excited impressive as the plane landed at Heathrow airport. I was deep in my sleep, wrapped tightly in a warm blanket when an airline attendant woke me up. I was still half-awake and half-asleep and thinking it was only a dream. It was about 9pm and I couldn’t believe the sun was still shining over the horizon. It was 27th May 2005, the day began interesting and memorable journey of my life in the United Kingdom.
I want to share with you why I chose the UK for my further education.
Firstly, I love the British accent. I used to spend hours listening to Tony Blair’s speeches. He was running for a re-election during that time. I was also interested in listening to the Queen’s address on major public holidays.
Secondly, it takes only three years to complete a Bachelor degree in the UK instead of 4-5 years elsewhere. A Master course lasts for only one year in the UK compared to a minimum of two years in other countries.
Thirdly, what I love about the British further education is the chance for students to get hands-on experience within the first year of studying. This helps me to be more interested in the subjects and be creative in my research and development. For example, when I studied law at the University of Essex in Colchester, I and other students visited courts and watched trials including cases such as Drink Driving and serious civil cases. Experiencing of real life cases led to a better understanding of the administrative and legal systems. When I studied Television Journalism at Middlesex in London, I was taught basic knowledge of news media, lighting and sound effects in making films, content management and studios works.
Being crowned as Miss Vietnam 2004 was beyond my expectation. So I decided to postpone my planned UK trip and consequently missed the courses at Middlesex because of I wanted to give something back (to the society) and be involved in voluntary and charitable works in Vietnam. While waiting to join the next course at Middlesex, I applied to study Politics and Sociology at the University of Essex in Middlesex. This university is so beautiful and has good facilities. The teachers were wholehearted and approachable. I can’t forget the time when I was ill and unable to attend the lecture. Miss Sandra Cardew who taught Methodological Research came to my room in the campus and took me to a chemist for buying some medicines. Such care and concern had helped to feel less homesick as a foreign student living away from home. Even now, when I think about that moment I’m still moved. When I was at Middlesex reading Television Journalism, I found similar experiences. Tutors’ caring and professional approach had made me feel very close to the UK which I can’t imagine.
I studied TV Journalism in Middlesex so my top priority is VTV as it has the depth and width of experience second to none within the organisation. I applied and be chosen to work in VTV4. My education in the UK has helped me tremendously with my current work at VTV4. I’m confident in my specialist area of Television Journalism. Nevertheless I have lots to learn. United Kingdom and Vietnam has different culture values, history, politics and this reflects the different ways of the media operates. What I have learnt at university in the UK need to be translated and suitable for the Vietnamese audiences. Vietnam is a country of continuous change and development, the media plays an important role. I think this area has many great opportunities for students to learn and contribute to the development of the country and I’m fortunate to be one of those.
For me, it is a good fortune and happiness if one can pursue his/her dream and work for one’s interest. My chosen path is not like walking down the ‘red-carpet’ and there are lots of challenges ahead but I find happiness doing the work I love especially that work contributes to a better development of my country.
I wish you good fortune and happiness.
Once again, I would like to thank the British Ambassador to Vietnam, Mr Mark Kent who gave me the opportunity to share with you my affection of the British education system and gratitude to the people of the United Kingdom where has brought happiness and helped me to become what I am today.
Nguyen Thi Huyen
Miss Vietnam 2004, reporter of Vietnam Television
Source: http://blogs.fco.gov.uk
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