My name is Doan Thi Dieu Thao, and I am from a small village in northern Vietnam. I initially pursued studies in social work, but soon discovered my passion for service. This led me to work in the accommodation sector of the tourism industry, where I have accumulated over four years of experience. Currently, I am enrolled in the Master of Hospitality Management programme at Technological University Dublin (TUD).

Prior to coming Ireland, I worked as an Operation Manager in Vietnam. My responsibilities included overseeing expenses, revenue management, and human resources. Additionally, sales played a crucial role in my position. I joined the company during its entrepreneurial phase and am proud of its growth and success. Working in a small family business provided me with valuable life lessons and a sense of purpose that I found more fulfilling than the prospects of a high salary in a large corporation.

In the rapidly evolving hospitality and tourism industry in Vietnam, where job requirements are increasingly demanding due to economic development, I found myself initially unqualified. Upon being promoted to a management position in an SME, I recognised the urgent need for a solid foundation to sustain my career growth. Learning from my experiences and mistakes, I decided to apply for the Ireland Fellows Programme to further my education and gain a comprehensive qualification in hospitality management.

The fellowship has provided me with numerous invaluable experiences that were previously beyond my reach. Over the course of more than a year, it has covered my accommodation, living expenses, tuition fees, and more. This opportunity has allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture, form new friendships, and acquire extensive knowledge. Through the programme, I have addressed many of my professional concerns about the hospitality industry. Additionally, my time in Ireland has broadened my understanding of the country and its people, enriching my personal and academic growth.

Without a prior background in hospitality or any formal English training, the programme has been relatively challenging for me. The most demanding aspects have been developing my English reading and writing skills, particularly for literature review assignments. Nevertheless, I am pleased with my progress after the first term. Reflecting on my experiences has allowed me to identify both my strengths and areas for improvement. The academic knowledge gained has enhanced my critical and holistic thinking, enabling me to approach problems from multiple perspectives. Additionally, I have significantly improved my self-learning skills, becoming more proactive in expanding my knowledge beyond the classroom.

This is my first time traveling and living outside of Vietnam. Despite my best efforts to prepare for this experience, I encountered culture shock and significant stress. However, with the support of my college and my beloved Fellows in the same accommodation, I was able to overcome these challenges. Experiencing culture shock and stress in a new academic environment and country is normal and can happen to anyone.

During my fellowship, I aspire to achieve the highest score in my programme by focusing intently on my studies and leveraging this period to enhance both my skills and knowledge for further development. Regardless of the outcome, I am confident in my ability to excel because of my commitment to doing my best.

One of the challenges I faced was missing Vietnamese cuisine. However, with the support of other Fellows, I have learned to cook new dishes using the available ingredients. One of my most memorable experiences was staying on an organic farm in Kells, County Meath, during a term break. For ten days, I lived with an Irish family and volunteered in their farming activities. This experience deepened my understanding of sustainable agriculture and offered a unique perspective on Irish rural life. Moreover, exploring and learning about travel is my passion. I have visited many famous sites in Dublin and other parts of Ireland, gaining insights into Irish culture and the local tourism industry. Observing how events are organised, tours are managed, and tickets for historic sites are handled has provided me with practical knowledge that is invaluable for my career.

As a student at TU Dublin, I have been immersed in an innovative academic environment that not only fosters academic excellence, and equips hands-on skills, but nurtures talents and provides substantial support. I had a chance to be involved in ENFUSE 2024, a practical consultancy project in collaboration with local enterprises facilitated by the Dublin City Council and my group was one of the finalists. These experiences and accomplishments are vital in cultivating the confidence to unlock a lot of opportunities along my career path, while also facilitating significant contributions to the hospitality area in Vietnam. They underscore the invaluable benefits offered by the Ireland Fellows Programme, representing it highly for prospective candidates from Vietnam in the future.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Ireland Fellows Programme to individuals in and outside Vietnam, based on my enriching and memorable academic experience. The academic environment in Ireland is an exciting journey for everyone, providing many pathways for personal and professional growth. I believe that every experience holds meaningful contributions to overall development, regardless of its scale. Be confident in yourself and your work. Do not be overwhelmed by perceived boundaries; your efforts are significant, and you are more important to the world than you may realise. I wish you luck and bravery in your preparation and application process. Remember to seek support from your family, friends, and classmates as you are not alone.