Describe your education
I started primary school when I was 7. 5 years later, I went to secondary school at 12. Then at 16, I made it to a high school for gifted students in my hometown. In my country, highschool education lasts 3 years, then I went onto higher education at the Foreign Trade University where I’m currently studying economics.
What is your area of specialization?
Well, my major is External Economics. I have mastered the basics of economics and socio-economics, combined with business knowledge mainly related to the import and export business.
Why did you choose to study that major?
I think it would help to fulfill my dream of introducing my country’s agricultural products to the world. Vietnamese goods have a real potential, but they still struggle to make a name for themselves, you know.
Do you like your major? (Why?/Why not?)
Yes, of course. Studying economics, especially external economics is interesting and practical. It helps me to keep up with current affairs and it improves my analytical and problem-solving skills as well.
What kind of school did you go to as a child?
As a child, I attended a public elementary school. It’s quite a big school in my hometown which provides both high quality education and a supportive environment, so I think I was quite lucky.
What was your favourite subject as a child?
Well, I used to be very passionate about drawing when I was a little girl. It was fun to work with brushes and colors, you know, as it was the time when I could indulge in my own creative world.
Do you think your country has an effective education system?
To be honest, I don’t think so. Our system has somehow become unduly stressful, does not promote creativity and the ability to be critical due to the fact that our society still cares way too much about grades and schools consequently focuses on an exam-driven curriculum, which I find quite impractical.
(Possibly) Are you looking forward to working?
Absolutely! It’s great to join the workforce, especially when I can do the job I love. Not only will it pay the bills, but it’ll also give me the joy of making a contribution. It’s hard to be happy and fulfilled without working, you know.
VOCABULARY
Higher education: [n] post-18 learning that take places at universities
Example: According to a research, nearly 50 percent of Vietnamese students in U.S. higher education are studying either business or engineering, with business-related majors making up 38 percent of all enrollments in 2012/13
Master [v]: learn how to do sowmthing well
Example: She lived in Italy for several years but never quite mastered the language.
Make a name for oneself [idiom] : become famous and respected by a lot of people
Example: By the time he was thirty-five, he had made a name for himself as a successful railway contractor
Keep up with [idiom] be aware of
Example: Even though he’s been travelling, he’s kept up with what’s going on back home
Analytical [adj] using analysis or logical reasoning
Example: Analytical skills are essential in the workplace to ensure necessary problem solving occurs to keep productivity and other areas of the workforce functioning smoothly
Elementary school [n] primary school, school for children between 7-11 years old
Example: It’s essential that children at the official entry age for elementary school attend classes fully.
Unduly [adj] excessively/ to a level that more than is necessary, acceptable, or reasonable
Example:
For every new parents, the decision about whether to vaccinate his or herchild has been unduly stressful
Exam-driven curriculum [expression] the courses taught a school, college, which focus on teaching what will be on the exam
Example: Many parents believe that exam-driven curriculum can change their kid’s attitude towards school in profoundly negative ways.
Pay the bills [ idioms] provide enough income to sustain one’s lifestyle
Example: Being a dentist isn’t so glamorous, but it pays the bills.