Thanh HIEN (Vietnam – GLODEP Cohort 2018–2020)

My first job after returning to Vietnam was as a project officer in development projects. I worked on projects funded by organizations such as AFD, ADB, and DFAT, focusing on issues affecting vulnerable groups, including children and women, the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, and climate change. I then decided to pursue a career in academia. I am currently a lecturer at Phenikaa University, where I teach microeconomics and macroeconomics and conduct research on cultural expenditure, household welfare, and multidimensional poverty. My experience at GLODEP played a significant role in shaping these career paths. The program’s strong emphasis on discussion and critical engagement with academic literature, an approach less common in my undergraduate program in Vietnam, enhanced my ability to read critically, engage with research, and develop evidence-based arguments. Studying in a multicultural environment also helped me move beyond the relatively rigid thinking I had as an undergraduate and enabled me to approach development issues from the perspectives of beneficiaries within their specific social and cultural contexts.

A fully funded Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s program has long been a dream for many Vietnamese students, including myself. The opportunity to study in a multicultural environment, access diverse and advanced educational systems, and experience life in Europe, widely regarded as a cradle of human culture, was particularly appealing. Among hundreds of Erasmus Mundus programs, GLODEP was the best fit for me in terms of my academic background, expectations, and career orientation. According to some sources, the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic is considered the third-largest ethnic minority group in the country. The program’s focus closely aligned with my interests in development economics and policy. Although Czech education is not widely known in Vietnam, I found its quality to be excellent. The curriculum at Palacký University is rigorous, with a strong emphasis on depth of knowledge and coherence across courses.

The program fundamentally changed my mindset. I became more aware of my political rights and the importance of political understanding. I also learned that being open to different ideas and perspectives allows me to learn more effectively and develop my knowledge more quickly. Beyond academics, the people I met, including friends and professors, as well as my experiences traveling and even relocating across countries, contributed significantly to my personal growth and maturity.

In Vietnam, there is a strong Erasmus Mundus alumni community that includes graduates from various programs. We often say about the two years studying in Europe: “It is not two years in our life; it is our life in two years.” This expression truly reflects my experience. Beyond academics, I built meaningful friendships that I deeply value. I am especially grateful to those who were not only my classmates but also my roommates and travel companions, as they made this journey both memorable and transformative.