Work or Study
1. Are you a student or do you work now?
"I’m currently in my final year at Hanoi University, majoring in International Relations. It’s an
incredibly dynamic field that combines political science, economics, and cross-cultural studies. I
chose this path because I’ve always been fascinated by global affairs and diplomatic strategies."
2. What subject are you studying?
"As I mentioned, I’m specializing in International Relations with a minor in Economic
Development. The program covers everything from conflict resolution to trade agreements,
which provides a comprehensive understanding of global interconnectedness. What I find
particularly engaging is how theoretical frameworks apply to real-world geopolitical scenarios."
3. Why did you choose that subject?
"My interest stemmed from participating in Model UN conferences during high school, where I
realized how pivotal international cooperation is in solving global challenges. Additionally,
Vietnam’s growing role in ASEAN makes this field highly relevant. The interdisciplinary nature of
the subject allows me to develop both analytical and communication skills."
4. Is there anything that you don’t like about it?
"While I appreciate the curriculum’s depth, some aspects can be overly theoretical. For instance,
certain modules focus heavily on historical treaties without exploring their modern applications.
I’d prefer more case studies on contemporary issues like digital diplomacy or climate change
negotiations."
5. What would you like to do in the future?
"I aspire to work for an international organization like the UN or ASEAN, focusing on sustainable
development policies. Ideally, I’d like to bridge the gap between policy-making and grassroots
implementation. Another ambition is to contribute to Vietnam’s diplomatic efforts in regional
economic integration."
6. What are the most popular subjects in Vietnam?
"Traditionally, engineering, medicine, and business administration dominate due to their career
prospects. However, there’s been a noticeable shift towards data science and environmental
studies in recent years. Many students now prioritize fields aligned with Industry 4.0 and
sustainable development goals."
7. What are your favourite classes at university?
"I’m particularly drawn to ‘Global Governance’ and ‘Conflict Resolution’. These classes involve
stimulating debates about current events, such as the South China Sea disputes. The interactive
seminars, where we simulate UN negotiations, are both challenging and exhilarating."
8. Do you think it’s important to choose a subject you like?
"Absolutely. Passion is the cornerstone of long-term success and satisfaction. For example, my
enthusiasm for IR motivates me to read beyond the syllabus, attend relevant workshops, and
network with professionals. Without genuine interest, such dedication would be unsustainable."
9. What work do you do? (If working)
"I’m currently interning at the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce, assisting with research on
ASEAN trade agreements. My responsibilities include analyzing tariff policies and compiling
reports for stakeholders. It’s a fantastic opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real
economic issues."
10. Why did you choose to do that type of job?
"This role aligns perfectly with my academic background and career goals. Trade policy is a
tangible manifestation of international relations, and I wanted hands-on experience in shaping
economic cooperation. Plus, working at the intersection of government and business provides
invaluable insights."
11. Do you like your job?
"Overall, yes. The work is intellectually stimulating, and I’ve gained exposure to high-level
discussions. However, bureaucratic processes can slow down project implementation, which
tests my patience at times. Still, the learning curve makes it worthwhile."
12. What do you like best about your job?
"The highlight is witnessing the direct impact of my research. For instance, a policy brief I co-
authored was cited in a recent ASEAN meeting. Knowing my contributions might influence
regional trade decisions is incredibly fulfilling."
13. Do you miss being a student?
"I do miss the structured learning environment and lively campus debates. University offered a
safe space to explore ideas without immediate real-world consequences. That said, the
professional world’s faster pace and tangible outcomes bring their own rewards."
14. Prefer to work in the morning or afternoon?
*"I’m decidedly a morning person. My productivity peaks between 7 AM and noon, so I reserve
that time for intensive tasks like data analysis. Afternoons are better suited for meetings, as the
post-lunch energy dip makes collaborative work less draining."*
15. Have you changed your work before?
"Yes, I initially interned at a corporate law firm but realized I preferred the macro-level
perspective of international trade. The switch to policy research was daunting but ultimately
rewarding. It taught me the importance of aligning one’s career with personal values."
House and apartment
1. What kind of housing do you live in?
"I currently live in a modern two-bedroom apartment in downtown Hanoi. It’s part of a high-rise
building with amenities like a gym and swimming pool, which I really appreciate. The location is
ideal since it’s close to my university and shopping centers."
2. Do you live in a house or a flat?
"I live in a flat on the 15th floor, which offers a stunning city view. Though I sometimes miss the
spaciousness of a house, the convenience of apartment living—like security and maintenance
services—more than makes up for it."
3. Do you live alone or with your family?
"I share the apartment with my older sister, who works nearby. We split chores and expenses,
which makes city life more affordable. Living with family also means I always have someone to
talk to after a long day."
4. Could you please describe the place you live in?
"My apartment has an open-plan living area with floor-to-ceiling windows, flooding the space
with natural light. The minimalist design features neutral tones and smart home devices, like
automated lighting. My favorite spot is the balcony, where I often relax with a book."
5. What did you like most about the house or apartment where you grew up?
"My childhood home was a cozy townhouse with a small garden. I loved the backyard, where
my family grew flowers and vegetables—it felt like a private oasis in the city. The sense of
community in our neighborhood was also something I deeply cherished."
6. Which is your favourite room in your home?
"Definitely the kitchen. It’s where my sister and I experiment with new recipes on weekends. The
sleek design and high-end appliances make cooking a joy, and it’s also where we bond over
meals and conversations."
7. Is there anything which needs to be improved in your apartment?
"The soundproofing could be better; I occasionally hear neighbors’ footsteps or music.
Additionally, the built-in storage is limited, so we’ve had to get creative with space-saving
solutions. Still, these are minor trade-offs for the location."
8. What can you see when you look out the window of your room?
"From my bedroom window, I see a mix of skyscrapers and tree-lined streets—a blend of urban
and green spaces. At night, the city lights create a vibrant panorama, though I sometimes miss
stargazing due to light pollution."
Hometown Questions
1. Where do you come from?
"I hail from Hue, the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam, located along the Perfume River. This
UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its citadel, royal tombs, and distinctive cuisine. While
it's steeped in tradition, the city has been gradually modernizing in recent years."
2. What's the most attractive part of your hometown?
"The Imperial City complex is undoubtedly Hue's crown jewel, with its magnificent architecture
and historical significance. Beyond this, the tranquil Thien Mu Pagoda and the poetic Perfume
River cruises offer visitors a glimpse into Vietnam's royal past. The local food scene, particularly
dishes like bun bo Hue, adds another layer of cultural appeal."
3. What's the weather like in your hometown?
"Hue experiences a tropical monsoon climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The most
challenging period is from September to December when heavy rains often lead to flooding,
while summer months can be oppressively hot and humid. Spring (February-April) is arguably
the most pleasant time to visit, with mild temperatures and blooming flowers."
4. Do you know much about the history of your hometown?
"As the former political capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue's history is incredibly
rich. The city served as the nation's cultural and educational hub for nearly 150 years until 1945.
Many historical artifacts from this period are preserved in the Royal Antiquities Museum, and
traditional crafts like conical hat making still thrive in nearby villages."
5. Has your hometown changed much these years?
"Hue has undergone significant transformation while preserving its heritage. Modern
infrastructure like the new international airport and riverside promenades has boosted tourism,
yet the city maintains its timeless charm. The most noticeable change has been the careful
restoration of historical sites combined with thoughtful urban planning."
6. Would you say your hometown is a big city or a small town?
"With a population of about 500,000, Hue strikes a perfect balance between being large enough
to offer urban amenities yet small enough to retain a relaxed pace of life. It's more compact
than metropolises like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but offers far more cultural depth than a
typical provincial town."
7. For you, what benefits are there living in a big city?
*"Big cities provide unparalleled access to career opportunities, cutting-edge healthcare, and
diverse entertainment options. They're melting pots of culture where you can experience global
cuisines, international events, and networking possibilities that simply don't exist in smaller
towns. The 24/7 energy and convenience of urban living are particularly appealing to young
professionals."*
8. Do you think you will still be living in your hometown in the future?
"While I deeply appreciate Hue's cultural heritage and quality of life, my career ambitions might
require relocating to a larger economic hub. However, I envision returning later in life, perhaps
to contribute to heritage conservation or open a boutique hotel that showcases traditional
Vietnamese architecture."
