Open your own opportunities from each international exchange

Nguyen Hoang Phi was born in 2002 and has just graduated with honors in international relations from the University of Economics and Finance, Ho Chi Minh City.

Nguyen Hoang Phi on the ship of the 2024 Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program - Photo: NVCC

This Gen Z friend has participated in many international exchange activities, most recently returning from the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP) in December 2024.

Participating in international exchange programs is also an opportunity for Hoang Phi to explore many different cultures. For him, this is not only a personal interest but also an effective way to broaden his horizons and train himself with necessary skills in life.

I have loved working with books since I was a child, such as reviewing books, designing posters, and collecting good books, so whenever I look for a job, I always try to find an environment that allows me to be exposed to books as much as possible.

NGUYEN HOANG PHI

Expand your horizons through international exchanges

* Tell me about your first trip abroad, when was it?

- It was the holidays in early March 2023, I decided to use the money I saved and book a flight to Thailand. This was the first time I set foot abroad in my life.

I remember being immediately drawn to the mix of ancient temples and modern developments in Bangkok. It was then that I discovered a strong passion for travel, awakening my passion for exploring other cultures.

* Traveling, meeting many people, surely you also learn something from international friends?

- Of course. I realized that even though we come from different cultures, we share common values ​​such as love, family, and dreams of a better future.

Almost everyone has experienced happy, sad, and challenging moments in life, which helps us empathize and feel closer to each other.

On each journey, I also discover interesting differences for myself. It is the cultural diversity that helps me broaden my horizons and understand myself better.

Every culture has its own beauty that is worth learning. And through meeting and interacting with international friends, I learned to respect differences, learn new things, and pay more attention to building lasting relationships.

Seize every opportunity

* What do you like most about the SSEAYP 2024 journey?

- I remember the homestay activities in Vietnam, Indonesia and Japan the most. In each country, I made at least one new friend and a small family, and had stories that seemed strange but were very familiar.

My host families in all three countries were very loving to me and another delegate when we were with them. They would spend the whole day taking us around to introduce us to the unique features of their place of residence and the special dishes in their cuisine that we all missed when we returned.

I told myself I needed to study and work harder to have the opportunity to return to visit my foster family in the shortest time possible.

* If you had to draw a lesson for yourself after this voyage, what would it be?

- I realized that I have matured and understood myself more, including lessons in communication and multicultural behavior, as well as the ability to confidently and boldly present in front of a crowd.

I have met and connected with many talented young people who I believe will have many opportunities to work together in the future.

I also felt a strong sense of solidarity because although each delegate came from a different country, they all shared the same mission, joining the same journey on the same ship. This seemed to have broken down all invisible barriers and united all countries into a unified block on the Nippon Maru ship.

* Is there a favorite quote that always follows you on every journey of exploring the world?

- I really like the saying "When others give you an opportunity, accept it first and learn how to do it later". Opportunity is a priceless asset that does not always come. So instead of hesitating, doubting or refusing, let's be ready to accept it first.

Acceptance not only shows that you are confident but also appreciate what others have given you, and also shows that you are proactive, positive and constantly learning. Even if you do not have much experience, we can still succeed if we are determined and put in enough effort.

Start working early to gain more experience.

While still in school, Nguyen Hoang Phi experienced several jobs in publishing, F&B and design. He said that thanks to starting work early, he gained more experience, independence and expanded his relationships. Through each job, he discovered his strengths and weaknesses and more clearly defined the path he wanted to pursue as well as the job that suited his abilities and interests.

"To find a job, you need to be confident, bold and not afraid of challenges. It is important that you have a clear understanding of the job you want to apply for, consider your strengths and constantly learn from those who have gone before you," Phi shared.

Try, try hard, success will come

* What achievement are you most proud of so far?

- That is becoming one of the 15 delegates representing Vietnamese youth to participate in SSEAYP 2024. I proactively submitted my application after two months of preparation, passing each round of competition to realize my dream of officially setting foot on the legendary ship Nippon Maru. That achievement makes me believe more that when we constantly try and strive to improve ourselves, the distance to success will be closer.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tu-mo-co-hoi-tu-moi-lan-giao-luu-quoc-te-20250211093923005.htm