A Vietnamese educator's journey at National Institute of Education, Singapore

In today's competitive global education landscape, Singapore stands out as a favored destination for students from Vietnam. With its academic excellence, cultural similarities, and proximity, it offers a unique advantage for those looking to further their studies. For one English teacher from Vietnam, the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University (NIE NTU, Singapore), was the ideal place to deepen her expertise and transform her teaching career.

As a graduate of the Master of Arts (Applied Linguistics) program, Nguyen Hoang Thu Phuong's journey in Singapore has been one of growth, resilience, and learning. Her experience provides valuable insights for those considering overseas studies, demonstrating how a quality program can make a lasting impact on professional development and confidence.

Singapore's quality education

For Phuong, choosing Singapore as her study destination was a logical decision. With a background in English language studies and teaching experience, she knew that NIE, a top-ranking institution in Southeast Asia, would offer a world-class education.

"Singapore is not only known for its academic standards but also its proximity to Vietnam, which means I can return home if needed," Phuong explained. "Plus, with my husband working and studying here, it made the decision even more practical."

The cultural familiarity between Singapore and Vietnam made it easier for Phuong to adapt to her new environment. The shared traditions and social values reduced the potential for culture shock, making her transition smoother than it might have been in a more distant country.

A passion for teaching

Phuong's career began with a degree in English Language, specializing in Technical Interpretation and Translation. However, the program did not offer formal teacher training, which sparked her desire to gain practical insights into language instruction.

She began tutoring students part-time, finding fulfillment in helping young learners develop their English skills. This ignited her passion for teaching and motivated her to pursue TESOL certification, paving the way for a full-time career as an English teacher.

"Despite the positive feedback from students and colleagues, I felt that I could further deepen my knowledge. I was also curious about academia," Phuong shared. Her curiosity about how knowledge is created and shared led her to apply for a graduate program at NIE.

NIE offered Phuong exactly what she was looking for—a rigorous, comprehensive curriculum with a strong reputation. After thorough research and a recommendation from a friend who had previously studied there, she knew that NIE was the right choice.

She applied to several programs but was thrilled to be accepted into the Master of Arts (Applied Linguistics), which closely aligned with her goals of improving her teaching methods and understanding applied linguistics.

"At NIE, the experience was incredible," Phuong said. "The curriculum covered a wide range of topics, expanding my skills and knowledge. It's prepared me to handle diverse linguistic challenges effectively, and the guidance from faculty was invaluable."

Overcoming challenges and building connections

Being an international student came with challenges, especially as Phuong was the only Vietnamese student in her classes and surrounded by peers with more teaching experience. However, with support from her classmates and faculty, particularly Dr. Willy Renandya from the English Language and Literature Department, Phuong quickly found her place.

"Dr. Willy was a role model. He encouraged me to participate actively, patiently answered my questions, and made me feel valued," she recalled. His mentorship not only helped her adjust but also inspired her approach to teaching. "I aspire to be the kind of teacher he is," Phuong said, grateful for his support.

Prof. Icy Lee also made a lasting impact on Phuong's academic journey. Her expertise in academic writing and publishing helped Phuong improve her manuscript structure and navigate the publication process.

"Prof. Lee's mentorship was crucial," Phuong shared. "Her guidance gave me a clearer understanding of how to contribute to the field through publishing."

Growth beyond the classroom

Phuong's time at NIE was not only about academic achievements; it was also about personal growth. Over the course of the program, she gained newfound confidence in her teaching abilities. She began incorporating academic readings into her practice, constantly updating herself on the latest research to improve her lessons. This dedication to continuous improvement was evident to her students, who appreciated her engaging teaching style and in-depth knowledge.

"Being part of NIE's program has enriched my professional life and made me a more effective teacher," Phuong said. The program's strong reputation also opened new career opportunities. "With this degree, I've received better salary offers, which reflects the value it brings to my field," she added, noting how NIE's prestigious standing further validated the effort she put into her studies.

Phuong's journey serves as an inspiration for those in Vietnam considering advanced studies in education. "I wholeheartedly recommend the program at NIE," she said. "It's led by knowledgeable faculty members who provide invaluable guidance, and the environment is incredibly supportive. This program not only strengthens your skills but also boosts your confidence, making it a valuable investment."

NIE is currently accepting applications for Graduate Programs by Coursework until January 6, 2025, and Graduate Programs by Research until January 31, 2025. Scholarships are available; click here for more information and to apply.

The National Institute of Education is an autonomous institute under Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Consistently ranked among the world's top ten education institutions and Asia's top three education institutions by the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) ranking by subjects, NIE is renowned for its excellence in education research and teacher training.

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Source: VNExpress International. Permission required for reproduction.