Student turns a hobby into a career
Quynh Trang wants to join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. To achieve this aim, she must become proficient – first in Japanese, then in English. Trang was a former student at the Foreign Language Special High School under the University of Language and International Studies at Viet Nam University in Ha Noi. She came first in an examination to enter Ha Noi university in 2010. She talks to Ngoc Anh about her learning and living.
Inner Sanctum: Why did you choose Japanese first? Did your parents advise you to learn the language?
I could see that English was very popular throughout the world and that many people knew it well. I wanted to learn a new language and I chose Japanese. Moreover, I like and admire the country and people.
Japanese are tough, unyielding, united and responsible. They have developed their country to world standards and I believe Vietnamese have enough ability to do the same. My parents always advised me to learn Japanese.
Inner Sanctum: I understand you went to Japan while you were learning Japanese in high school?
Yes, I went there in 2008 because of my high achievements at school. I was one of five Vietnamese pupils selected to attend the cultural-exchange event for 10 months in Hiroshima. The programme was funded by the American Field Service (AFS), a volunteer group.
The organisation was set up to develop language skills in many countries. Talented students are sought at secondary schools and helped to foster the language abilities.
Inner Sanctum: Can you tell me about your time in Hiroshima? Was it difficult?
When I went to Japan, I learnt at a high school, took part in all subjects and extra-lessons. Moreover, three times a week I studied Japanese with native teachers.
When I had free time, volunteers introduced me to famous landscapes in Hiroshima and traditional food, including how to prepare it. At first, I was very shy and I lost two kilograms because of the stress.
I often did not understand what they meant – and they also didn't understand what I meant. Their ways of speaking seemed to vary from the knowledge that I had acquired. Sometimes, I had no idea what they were saying or asking. On top of this, I had some difficulty adjusting to a uniquely Japanese food diet. I couldn't eat some of it.
Fortunately, I received a lot of help from teachers and the American Field Service volunteers in Hiroshima, who were always full of enthusiasm. They not only taught me, but took care of me when I was homesick and had trouble with my studies.
Gradually, I built up my language skills through practice. I was able to speak bravely and open-heartedly with everyone and become much more self-confident. Learning became more interesting.
Inner Sanctum: What do you think about Japanese? Is it difficult?
I don't think learning Japanese is difficult. The language is very logical and interesting. For example, each person seems to have a different pronunciation, but it doesn't matter. It isn't the same with English.
Inner Sanctum: You have passed Japanese examinations and even taught Vietnamese to a Japanese. Is this being a little too daring?
No, I don't think so. Thank to the introduction and encouragement from my teacher as well as having 10 months learning in Japan, I decided to teach Vietnamese to a Japanese company director two sessions a week.
I think this is an opportunity for me to widen my knowledge and develop my own language skills. I usually talk about Vietnamese manners, customs and foods to him. I feel very happy and excited and, at the same time, have learned many things from him and brushed up my Japanese skills.
Inner Sanctum: What are your plans for the future?
I am waiting for details of a Vietnamese government scholarship to study Japanese in Japan again. There is also another scholarship, known as the Lawson, on offer. They both arose because I got top marks to enter Ha Noi University. My parents want me to accept the government scholarship.
Meanwhile, in the mornings, I continue my studies at Ha Noi University and take part in English courses at Upon Language Centre and other centres in Ha Noi. I have not studied English for a long time so I need to improve my skills.
Although I'm a junior at Ha Noi University, teachers often create conditions for me to learn with seniors to improve my capabilities.
Inner Sanctum: Did you spend all day studying before you sat for the entrance exam to Ha Noi University?
No, I didn't. When I was studying in year 12, my parents worried that I was not getting enough sleep and usually made me go to bed at 9pm. However, around December, I had to cram because I needed high marks to get into university. This has taught me that having a hobby, such as my fascination for the Japanese language, is a very positive thing.
Inner Sanctum: What do you plan in the future?
I want to become a staff member of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, specialising in Japan if possible. I also want to learn English to improve my skills. I think English will also be very important in my work as well as in my life. — VNS