UniMelb the launchpad for global success for this international student

Q&A with Le Thao Anh

What attracted you about the University of Melbourne?
The University of Melbourne not only provides amazing opportunities in study and research but also has an active network of collaborations and a high percentage of international students, which allow cultural and academic exchanges, thus creating global leaders in the industry. In addition to its world-class expertise, the school, located in the beautiful and energetic city of Melbourne, enables me to study in an environment where I can both pursue my main occupation and cultivate other various areas beyond sciences to make a difference in my career. Throughout the degree, I can also take science elective subjects and breadth subjects – in addition to my major subjects and prerequisites – to broaden my career outcome.

Why did you choose your degree and major?
Choosing Pharmacology as my major, I aim to initiate and develop both social and industrial changes the Vietnamese pharmaceutical industry needs. Through its flexible and comprehensive curriculum, the Bachelor of Biomedicine with a major in Pharmacology at the University of Melbourne will be a strong cornerstone for my goal, as it grants me the expert knowledge required and the chance to mature as a pharmacologist in one of the most prosperous and globalised pharmaceutical industries in the world.

You received the Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship. How will this help you in your study plans?
Thanks to the Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship, I get the opportunity to study my bachelors degree in one of the most prestigious research universities in the world without the worry of paying my tuition, which is considerably expensive as my major is a biomedical science. That means I have more time for studying, researching and doing jobs that are meaningful and complement my future career in science.

What do you look forward to the most in your studies?
There are many different things that I look forward to about studying at UniMelb so it's really hard to just mention one. For first year, I am excited about the global cultural and academic exchanges I can have with my faculty mates and also my first breadth experience with a philosophy and a language class. What's more, I have been reading about the Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology's research groups and many have caught my attention for their interesting approaches and topics so I really can't wait to work and learn in these laboratories.

What do you want to do after you graduate?
There are many opportunities after I finish my first degree. While I am determined to continue my studies (most likely as a researcher), I might take one or two years to work in the field, depending on offers available at the time, before starting my masters course, which can be in Australia or in other developed countries – as the Melbourne curriculum is one of the most recognised programs globally and I have always been interested in travelling and exploring myself. Most importantly, I believe wherever I choose to work or continue my study, with solid knowledge and experience in the field, I will earn the necessary skills to pursue a fruitful career in science and help influence the next generations of Vietnamese female scientists.

What advice would you give to other international students who may be considering studying at the University of Melbourne?
It's actually different for each student but my general advice would be that you should make a concrete plan to realise your aspiration to not miss the timing and, even when things don't go as planned, never lose trust in yourself. It is important that you find out what you want to study or what field you want to work in, but even if you're still lost about all the choices and opportunities, you can still consider a destination that can help you find your answer, whether it is in Melbourne or anywhere else in the world. Hard work and passion would make anywhere you go the place you belong to. Good luck to everyone who has a big dream and the courage to follow your dream!