New Zealand scholarship programme empowers Vietnamese students and enriches local communities
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao’s New Zealand School Scholarships programme in Viet Nam, launched in 2018, has become a prestigious, top of the mind scholarship for Vietnamese students in New Zealand such as Ho Thi My Ha (Ha) and Gia-Huy Tran (Huy).
Each year, around 10 students from Viet Nam attend Mount Roskill Grammar School in Auckland. The school was delighted to be chosen by a New Zealand School Scholarships recipient, says International Director, Wendy Reid.
Wendy said local students are inspired by international students who leave their homes and familiar surroundings to study and achieve in a second language.
“Their work ethic is an inspiration for our students,” she said.
The school’s roll features students from over 90 countries, which Wendy said fosters a safe and supportive environment for students from all walks of life.
“We see students taking a keen interest in each other’s cultures, and our teachers are used to being flexible and responsive to the learning needs of each student,” she said.
The New Zealand Schools Scholarship enables middle and high school students from Viet Nam to study at select New Zealand schools. While the scholarship is offered for one year, many visiting students stay on in the country and transition to university study in New Zealand.
Celebrating past recipients of the New Zealand School Scholarships
Ho, Thi My Ha (Ha) a 2020 recipient of the Viet Nam School Scholarship, studied at Mount Roskill Grammar School. She’s from Da Nang, a coastal city in central Viet Nam.
Her decision to study with New Zealand came during a time when she was trying to decide whether to study abroad in Australia or Canada, but an opportunity to apply for a Viet Nam School Scholarship put New Zealand on the map for her.
Ha on a school trip organised by Mount Roskill Grammar School when she arrived in New Zealand.
Despite arriving in New Zealand at a time where the country would soon enter lockdown, Ha said her school transitioned well into online learning, and she felt very supported by her host family.
Ha appreciated the “laid-back” atmosphere of her New Zealand education, which enabled her to participate in extra-curricular activities and have a part time job without sacrificing her grades.
“Having a part time job was a huge thing for me, and I made a lot of friends as well. I was very close to my managers and bosses; it shaped my experience in New Zealand,” she said.
Ha was a high-achieving student, earning Excellence endorsements at all three NCEA levels.
She was described as having a strong, positive influence on her peers by Mount Roskill Grammar International Director, Wendy Reid.
“Her desire to achieve rubbed off on other students, whoever was with Ha was inspired to do their best, to study and utilise the opportunities available at school that would help them succeed,” Wendy said.
Huy completing a marathon in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Gia-Huy Tran (Huy), is from Ho Chi Minh City and also embraced the scholarship, eager to challenge himself and explore a different education system.
What drew Huy to New Zealand was the reputation of the education system, plus New Zealand’s nature and wildlife are a bonus.
Huy relished the flexibility and choice New Zealand offered.
“I got to choose the subjects I like and want to learn, and I had a lot of time for extracurricular activities,” he said.
His fondest memory from secondary school is being part of the school cross-country team and participating in the national championship in Nelson.
Huy has enjoyed his time in New Zealand so much that he’s staying on to pursue higher education. He is now studying Environmental Science and Psychology at the University of Canterbury.
He chose to stay because, “tertiary education in New Zealand will give me a brighter future, with more global opportunities”.
Huy encourages prospective international students to “make the most of your time and try to see the world.”