Overcoming hundreds of candidates from a variety of different countries around the world, two students from the DTU Hospitality & Tourism Institute (HTi) - Dang Cong Duy, major in Tourism & Travel Management, and Nguyen Thi Hien, major in International Tour Guide in Korean - have outstandingly been awarded Global Korea Scholarship for exchange students at Chungbuk National University in 2025.
The Global Korea Scholarships (GKS) are a full scholarship program funded by the South Korean government for international students wishing to study at prestigious universities and research institutes in South Korea.
Dang Cong Duy: Continually striving with dream of stepping out into the world
Despite being born into a family with limited financial means, Dang Cong Duy has always worked hard with the encouragement from his parents. His heartfelt desire is to be able to continue his studies till the very end and fulfill his mother’s dream of securing a good job, traveling far, and seeing the world that his mother never could explore.
Cong Duy has arrived in South Korea and begun the academic journey of his dreams
Eager to learn, Cong Duy believes that the dynamic learning environment at DTU planted the first seed of his dream of becoming a successful hotel and tourism manager. Every day in class is another step closer to his dream to him, and an opportunity to explore, learn, and conquer new challenges.
“At DTU, the lecturers instruct me a lot on various skills, such as confidently giving presentations to an audience, communication, and conveying information clearly and understandably,” Cong Duy explains. “Their presentations about famous landmarks, the cultures, and the cuisine of Vietnam and other countries furthermore gave me a better understanding of the diversity of cultures, customs, and ethnicities, and a deeper insight into the tourism sector. I also learned how to use interesting information about famous tourist sites, how to organize and manage tours, etc. This knowledge not only gave me a better view of the work of a tour guide but it also equipped me with skills for management, organization, and problem-solving in real-life settings.”
Applying for the Global Korea Scholarship for undergraduate studies at Chungbuk National University was not easy for Cong Duy, especially with the stringent requirements, which included:
- a personal essay,
- proficiency in English, and
- a letter of introduction from the university.
The personal essay and study plan need to clearly reflect the candidate’s background, dreams, and future goals.
When he heard that he had won the scholarship, Cong Duy could not hide his joy and excitement: “I’m really happy because with this scholarship I’ll be able to study in a developed country like South Korea. I’m very much looking forward to the opportunity to learn and grow, and to bring back valuable knowledge and experience to the tourism sector in our country later on. This is the first step on my journey towards my dreams, and I’ll continue to work hard to live up to the trust placed in me by my family and the lecturers at the HTi, who’ve always supported me and been there for me.”
Nguyen Thi Hien: A new journey offering amazing learning and experience opportunities in the “land of kimchi”
Currently a third-year student in International Tour Guide in Korean at the DTU Hospitality & Tourism Institute (HTi), Nguyen Thi Hien is a determined and passionate girl who always gives her best on the path she has chosen.
Born and raised in Ha Tinh in a family of six, Hien always feels the warmth and love of her close-knit family. Her father’s love for and continuous learning of the Korean language, even at nearly 50 years old, has left a special and deep impression on her. Her father’s passion for foreign languages spurred the little girl to take her first steps on the path of learning Korean.
Hien is determined to study and become a tour guide with all her heart and enthusiasm
“My father studies Korean every day,” Hien explains, “and his passion and love for language learning have introduced me to a new world where language is not only a tool for communication but also a cultural bridge, a key to a vast world where I can learn and connect with the outside world, and expand my horizons and appreciate the beauty of different cultures. My father is not only my inspiration but also a great motivation for me to dream and to persist in foreign language studies.”
With encouragement and support from her family, Hien decided to study International Tour Guide in Korean at DTU, hoping to become a skilled tour guide and fulfill her dream of visiting the “land of kimchi” and experience the novelties South Korea has to offer, such as its unique cuisine and impressive traditional culture.
This diligent student understands that, to become an outstanding tour guide, she needs more than solid professional knowledge; she will need perceptiveness, communication skills, and a passionate love for the profession. Embarking on this journey with all her heart and enthusiasm, Hien says, “I still feel that DTU was the right choice. I’m learning with native lecturers to improve my Korean language skills, I’m acquiring solid professional knowledge about culture and language, and they inspire me and give me confidence for my future career.”
The Global Korea Scholarship marks a significant milestone and a new chapter in Dang Cong Duy and Nguyen Thi Hien’s academic journeys. This scholarship is not only a well-deserved reward for all their hard work but also a valuable opportunity for Hien to experience an international learning environment, learn more about Korean culture, and improve her language skills to access the best career opportunities later on.
(Media Center)