Hoang Huong Giang, a Vietnamese student who had the highest score in the science track of her country's national college entrance exam, has chosen to attend the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).

By Uyen Nguyen
Photos = Hoang Huong Giang

A Vietnamese student who achieved the top score in the science track of her country's college entrance exam will enroll at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in Daejeon.

Hoang Huong Giang, 18, a senior at the High School for Gifted Students of Hanoi University of Education, tied for the highest score in Vietnam in the science and engineering track spanning math, physics and English of her country's high school graduation exam this year, earning 29.75 out of 30 points, the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training said on July 1.

Also pulling off a perfect 1,600 score on the Scholastic Assessment Test of the U.S. and eight out of nine on the International English Language Testing System, a global test of English-language proficiency, she was qualified enough to earn admission to prestigious universities in the U.S. and even earned a full scholarship offer from Seoul National University.

Yet she chose to major in computer science and engineering at KAIST to pursue her dream of becoming an artificial intelligence expert.

Korea.net on July 15 conducted a written interview with Jang on how she prepared to study abroad and why she chose KAIST.

Did you think about studying abroad before your academic results came out? If so, which countries or universities did you consider?

I was thinking of studying abroad before the exam results came out. I initially considered several universities in Australia and Europe.

How did you prepare to apply to colleges overseas?

I started preparing my college applications long before taking my final exams. I focused on my personal statement and tried to sincerely convey my experiences, dreams and passion for my field of interest.

Since you could have chosen any top global university, why did you pick KAIST?

There were several reasons. First, KAIST has a world-class educational environment. I spoke with several of my senior alumni who studied at KAIST about their experiences there, and they all spoke highly of it. I also like how the major courses there are taught in English.

Above all, I believe that I can build a diverse professional network and gain internship experience in college, as KAIST has active partnerships with major companies. I think this will be of great help not only in academics but also in preparing for my career.

Aside from academics, what about Korea do you find attractive for study abroad?

I am most attracted by Korea being a safe country with a low crime rate. I think it safer than Europe or the U.S. and has a more convenient living environment.

I also think that it will be easier to adapt to life in Korea than in the West, as it shares more cultural similarities with Vietnam. The familiar aspects include a culture of respecting elders and eating with chopsticks.

Korea is also renowned for K-pop and tourism. While studying there, I hope to travel to various regions and experience Korean culture first-hand on weekends or vacations.

What advice do you have for students who want to study abroad?

If you have a dream, it's important to make a realistic plan and stick to it consistently. Think about your career path in advance and steadily prepare through a personal statement and various activities. Talking to experienced mentors can also be a big help. I believe that with enough effort and clear goals, anyone can achieve their dreams in their own way.

Hoang will start her freshman year at KAIST in September. "I didn't get to wear Hanbok (traditional clothes) at Gyeongbokgung Palace on my last trip to Korea," she said. "I definitely want to do that this time."

Hoang Huong Giang poses with her diploma at her high school graduation ceremony.