Young woman from the land of Champa blossoms in Dong Nai

Malichansy Chinny, a young woman from Champasak Province in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, has completed six years of study in Dong Nai, earning two degrees with excellent academic results in the healthcare field. Having returned to Laos, she has secured a job at a hospital in her hometown and continues to cherish a special affection for Dong Nai.

Malichansy Chinny (center) at her graduation ceremony at Dong Nai Technology University.

“After six years in Dong Nai, my achievements go beyond two degrees with excellent academic results. I have also grown as a person and received so much affection from the teachers and friends at the schools I attended. Dong Nai has become an unforgettable and beautiful part of my memories,” Malichansy Chinny said.

Unforgettable memories

Recounting how she came to Dong Nai, Malichansy Chinny said that in 2020, she was among the international students sent by Champasak Province to Dong Nai to study in various fields. She and a friend chose to pursue a three-year program in medical laboratory technology at Dong Nai Medical College. All educational, meal and accommodation expenses throughout the program were covered by Dong Nai’s budget.

Malichansy Chinny recalled that when she first traveled to Vietnam to begin her studies, she took a bus from Laos through Kratie Province in the Kingdom of Cambodia before entering Vietnam via Hoa Lu International Border Gate, now located in Dong Nai City. Despite the journey of thousands of kilometers, she was struck by the dynamic and bustling pace of life in Dong Nai, a stark contrast to the peaceful atmosphere of her hometown.

Her new journey did not begin without difficulties. She arrived in Vietnam just as the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, disrupting her studies for several months. An even greater challenge was her lack of Vietnamese language skills, which made communication difficult. During the pandemic lockdown, she stayed in the college dormitory. Every day, military personnel and police officers brought meals directly to her room and offered her encouragement.

The warmth and sincerity of her teachers and classmates helped Malichansy Chinny quickly adapt to her new surroundings and gradually improve her Vietnamese. She recalled: “At first, I could only speak in simple sentences. But in every class and whenever we went out together, my Vietnamese friends were always eager to help me learn the language.”

After three years at Dong Nai Medical College, she graduated with excellent results in medical laboratory technology.

“As one of the few Lao students at the college, I received dedicated support from my teachers, who were always ready to answer my questions and help me with my studies. Beyond that, my teachers and friends treated me like a member of their own families. Once, when I fell ill, they took me to the hospital and cared for me attentively, just as my own family would,” she said.

Hoping to return

When Malichansy Chinny first arrived in Dong Nai, she planned to complete the three-year program and then return to Laos to work. However, after graduating, she decided to continue her education through a university bridging program, financing her studies herself. The encouragement of her teachers and friends, together with the favorable learning environment, motivated her to continue studying. She believed that further education would provide a solid foundation for her future career and enable her to contribute to the well-being of people in her homeland.

Dr. Phan Ngoc Son, Rector of Dong Nai Technology University, presents a bachelor's degree certificate to Malichansy Chinny. Photo: Cong Nghia

The decision to pursue a further three years of university study presented considerable challenges for the young woman from the land of Champa blossoms. Her family in Laos had modest financial means. Her parents were farmers, and her two younger siblings were still in school. Nevertheless, her family consistently supported and encouraged her decision to remain in Dong Nai for further study.

To cover tuition fees and living expenses during her three years at Dong Nai Technology University, Malichansy Chinny combined work with study. With help from fellow students, she found several part-time jobs at restaurants and private clinics during her free time.

Nguyen Dinh Thuat, Director of the Center for Business and Learner Relations at Dong Nai Technology University, said: “Malichansy Chinny is one of the university’s international students who has earned recognition for her perseverance, determination to overcome difficulties and commitment to independent learning. If she wishes to pursue postgraduate studies in the future, the university will provide her with the best possible support.”

She also recalled an amusing experience with a smile: “Once, while I was working part-time, a customer noticed my slightly accented Vietnamese and asked whether I was Vietnamese. When they learned that I was a Lao international student, they were very surprised and friendly.”

Six years of study, marked by both opportunities and challenges, have helped Malichansy Chinny become more confident, resilient and mature. At her university graduation ceremony, she spoke emotionally about her experience: “Since childhood, I had been familiar with the words ‘Vietnam’ and ‘Vietnamese,’ but I never imagined that one day I would come here to study for such a long time. Throughout this journey, I have felt proud and happy to have teachers and friends by my side, caring for me and helping me wholeheartedly.”

Having completed her six-year educational journey in Dong Nai, Malichansy Chinny has returned to her homeland to help care for the health of local people. She noted that Dong Nai offers favorable conditions for undergraduate and postgraduate education, particularly in terms of practical training facilities at public and private hospitals, many of which are relatively modern. She therefore hopes to return to the city to pursue a master’s degree if her financial circumstances permit.

By Cong Nghia – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho