Study in Ireland profile: Vo Thi Kieu Oanh, Ireland Fellows Programme
My name is Oanh and I work as a Programme Officer at the Embassy of Ireland in Hanoi. I was born and grew up in Quang Tri province, Vietnam. My homeland was the site of many major battles during the war.
Although the conflict ended many years ago, its legacy – the explosive remnants of war – still claims the lives of many people, and poses significant threat to the livelihoods and development of my community.
In 2016, I started my first job in a humanitarian demining project, where I was able to observe the aftermath of the war and the valuable support from international development and humanitarian agencies.
In 2020, through the generosity of the Ireland Fellows Programme, I was given the opportunity to study for a Masters degree in Humanitarian Action at University College Dublin, Ireland. At that time, studying abroad had been my long-held dream.
The Government of Ireland scholarship was a privilege for me. It allowed me to attain a higher academic qualification in a subject that I am passionate about, and connected me to a broader world. It also led me to step outside my comfort zone and challenge myself.
The Humanitarian Action programme introduced me to the various bodies of knowledge in humanitarian response and intervention. It was so closely aligned with the career path that I have chosen. The studying environment encouraged learners to share different perspectives, initiate debates and cultivate self-reflection and learning.
After the course, I felt confident in my field of study. I was able to come back to my country and contribute further to the humanitarian and development effort in Vietnam.
In February 2023, I became a Programme Officer for the Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam. The job has given me the chance to continue my career path. My role is to support the management of development aid projects in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.
This job is deeply meaningful to me because it delivers support to the most vulnerable groups in my homeland. Part of this support goes to Quang Tri, my home area.
The Masters course in Ireland has changed my professional path. To potential applicants of the Ireland Fellows Programme, my advice is to sharpen your professional expertise in a field where you have both an interest and expertise.
Think hard to determine the specific contribution you will be able to make equipped with further knowledge from the given course. With thoughtful preparation and a clear aspiration for contributing to the development of your sector and country, you will get closer to the experience of joining an inspiring learning environment and immersing yourself in the culture of Ireland.