1. Phuong Thi Vu
BA International Relations &
Asian Studies
Originally from the Phu Tho province in the north of Vietnam,
Phuong’s interest in literature led to her moving away from her
family at the age of 15 to attend Hung Vuong Gifted High
School. That experience of living away from her family helped
her to become more independent and confident about herself.
Since travelling to China with her dad, Phuong has dreamt of
studying international relations, politics and culture, and a
scholarship from the Vietnamese Government allowed her to
study this at Victoria University.
With an interest in leadership, social and volunteering
activities, Phuong thought that VILP truly matched her
personal characteristics and interests, and joined the programme in her first year.
“VILP not only helped me to improve my personal skills and personal experience, but
also enhanced my knowledge and awareness of other countries’ cultures. This is where I
can express myself, contribute my ideas, and give a hand to help and understand others.”
During her studies Phuong has held a vast number of volunteer roles, including as a
volunteer leader for Capital Safari tours, a buddy through the ELTO programme, a leader
of ExcelL, a delegate for the Wellington University Model United Nations, and as a
member of the VILP Inequality Project Team. She also assisted the Red Cross, Fair
Trade New Zealand, Youthline, and participated in the Australian Pacific Model United
Nations Conference. “I had exceeded the number of experiential points necessary to
complete the programme, however I think joining these activities is a great chance for
me to complete myself and gain personal skills.”
Phuong hopes to complete a Masters degree abroad in International Relations, and has
considered returning to Vietnam to work.