'I've had amazing opportunities at ANU': Postgraduate student Binh Thanh Ho
International postgraduate student, Binh Thanh Ho, embarked on an inspiring journey from Hanoi, Vietnam, to pursue her passion for public policy at the Crawford School of Public Policy within the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific. Currently enrolled in the Master of Public Policy, she shares her enriching and rewarding experiences during her time studying with us.
What has your experience living in Canberra been like?
Canberra is a city that embraces diversity and offers a well-rounded experience for those seeking both academic and personal growth. Canberra offers an ideal combination of excellent education, a high quality of life, and a rich cultural experience for students. Despite being a relatively small city, Canberra has a vibrant cultural and social scene. The city is home to renowned attractions like The National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum, and the Australian War Memorial. These places offer opportunities to explore and appreciate art, history, and national heritage.
What has it been like living on ANU campus?
Picture a campus that's big, green, peaceful, and incredibly welcoming. Coming from a bustling city like Hanoi, I was blown away by how green and serene ANU is. Walking among trees that turn vibrant shades of red, yellow, and green in autumn is a sight you won't want to miss! If you're a sports lover, ANU has about three large soccer fields for you to practice and enjoy the beautiful game. If you’re more of a bookworm, ANU has five libraries with fantastic facilities. If you’re an introvert, there are great hiding places to relax with your closest friends. You can even do some star gazing at night on campus.
But ANU isn't just about academics and hobbies. The university goes above and beyond to provide a complete experience for students. They host a wide range of academic and casual events that cater to everyone's interests.
Have you lived in a group house off campus? What was that like?
I’m currently living in a share house. This experience helps me to become more independent and responsible. It also requires me to manage my time more efficiently because I live quite far off campus.
Why did you choose ANU?
The University's comprehensive program on public policy, coupled with its exceptional reputation, makes it an obvious choice for me. I am pursuing my master with a scholarship from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). ANU sent me a timely offer, and I was very happy with the result.
How did your scholarship influence your student journey?
As a scholar of the Australian Awards Scholarship network, my ANU experience has gone beyond the classroom. I've had amazing opportunities to participate in valuable events outside of academic life. Recently, I travelled to Newcastle to network with professors and learn about how Australia is tackling the UN Sustainable Goals. It's been eye-opening and inspiring to be part of such initiatives.
Upon completing my studies at the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific, I will possess a significantly enhanced capacity to address, frame and solve problems in public policy, which supports me tremendously in my role as a policymaker. Being a recipient of the Australia Award Scholarship affords me the chance to connect and forge significant bonds with talented young individuals across various fields of study. This opportunity not only enables us to collaborate and learn from each other, but also empowers us to collectively contribute towards improving the society we are living in.
What has your learning experience been like? Who or what has helped or inspired you?
My learning experience has been quite challenging, as I've been exposed to a substantial amount of academic material within a limited timeframe. Some of the concepts presented have been truly eye-opening, thought-provoking, and occasionally challenging to fully grasp and accept. However, despite the initial difficulties, this journey has proven to be immensely rewarding and transformative, pushing me to step outside my comfort zone and adopt a different way of thinking.
I attribute a significant portion of my growth and progress to the exceptional support I've received from my classmates, the professors, tutors, and the academic team at the College. They have consistently demonstrated openness and patience in addressing my inquiries and have generously shared their own perspectives on various issues.
Learn more about our Master of Public Policy here.