A former student of the Foreign Language Specialized School under Vietnam National University, Hanoi—the only high school in Vietnam specialized in teaching foreign languages, Truong Bao Anh was awarded the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) in late July.
Peking University, where she is enrolled, ranks 14th globally and first in China, according to the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Quacquarelli Symonds.
Truong Bao Anh (second row, 3rd L), with her teacher and classmates at Peking University, China. Photo courtesy of Truong Bao Anh |
Nearly a month into her studies, Anh is still adjusting to the new academic environment. She had anticipated some gaps in knowledge compared to her local classmates but only fully realized the extent of the differences after studying together.
Anh noted that her peers have been studying literature and history in-depth since high school, while her own understanding, despite years of reading Chinese literature, still feels lacking.
To catch up, she has been dedicating time to reading about historical dynasties and ancient Chinese literature.
“I’m feeling quite pressured,” she said.
Initially, Anh planned to ease into her studies, registering for 14-15 courses out of the 25 available in the first semester. However, after observing her classmates studying intensely—many taking 22 or more courses—Anh felt compelled to increase her course load to 20. Outside of class, she spends her evenings reading and taking notes, often staying in the library until 9-10 p.m. Her busy schedule leaves little time for socializing or meeting other Vietnamese students.
Anh’s passion for Chinese culture started when she was just 3 or 4 years old. At the time, she and her mother, a Chinese interpreter, watched popular Chinese TV series such as “Journey to the West” and “My Fair Princess.”
Fascinated by the characters, Anh even asked her mother to style her hair like theirs. Her mother further nurtured her interest by buying Chinese literature, stories, and poetry, and frequently speaking to her in Chinese, which helped Anh pick up basic phrases as a child.
“I found Chinese fascinating. Some words can convey their meanings just by hearing them,” she recalled.
Throughout primary and secondary school, Anh continued practicing Chinese by watching films and reality TV shows, using them to improve her listening and speaking skills.
Her formal studies in Chinese began when she entered the Foreign Language Specialized School, after moving from her hometown in Hoa Binh Province to Hanoi. She soon started participating in academic competitions, winning numerous awards.
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Truong Bao Anh in a portrait photo she provided to Read. |
In 10th grade, Anh took first place in the Northern and Central regional round of the “Chinese Bridge” competition, second place in the Chinese Olympic competition at Vietnam National University, and ranked in the top six of the Chinese debate competition at the Foreign Trade University. The following year, she secured second place in the national excellent student contest and third place in the global “Chinese Bridge” competition.
Anh had always considered studying abroad but initially lacked confidence. It was not until she began winning competitions that she felt more certain of her goals. In December last year, she began preparing her application for the CSC scholarship.
This year’s CSC application process underwent several changes, requiring applicants to be accepted by a university before submitting their applications, pass an entrance exam in Chinese, and attend an interview with officials from the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam. Although the intense process was overwhelming, Anh stayed motivated thanks to her mother’s encouragement.
For her application, Anh submitted a detailed study plan outlining her goals for the next four years. Rather than listing her objectives, she wrote an essay with a carefully crafted introduction and conclusion. She described her plan to solidify her knowledge during her first year, and in later years, focus on research and thesis preparation.
Though she applied in January, Anh did not receive the results until late July. By then, she had lost hope and was preparing to enroll at Beijing Normal University with a scholarship from the school.
“I was shocked when I found out I was accepted. I reread the notice multiple times to make sure there wasn’t a mistake. Once I realized it was true, I felt relieved and wanted to cry,” she said.
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Truong Bao Anh (3rd, L) and her mother (R) at the ceremony to present admission papers to successful candidates for the CSC scholarship at the Chinese embassy on Aug. 8, 2024 in Hanoi. Photo coutersy of Truong Bao Anh |
Anh sees this scholarship as validation of her hard work and the start of her future.
“I’m not surprised because Anh is highly capable,” said Le Thi Thanh Binh, Anh’s homeroom teacher at the Foreign Language Specialized School. Binh praised her student’s extracurricular involvement, teamwork skills, leadership abilities, and academic excellence. Anh also has a talent for dancing and excels in the social sciences.
Before receiving the scholarship to study abroad, she had already been accepted early by both the Foreign Trade University and the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.
After completing her degree, Anh plans to pursue a master’s degree and aims to build a career in teaching and research. Reflecting on her journey, she advises others aspiring to study in China to prepare early, aim for high academic performance, and participate in academic competitions.
“When you have a goal, you must pursue it to the end and be ready to face challenges,” she said.
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