From the lecture halls of ULIS to international conferences across Europe, Dr. Tran Hoai Anh, a lecturer at the Faculty of French Language and Culture, has carved a notable journey. Guided by her life motto, “Keep pushing forward, and the universe will lend a hand”, she embodies a strong dedication to learning and a determination to transcend boundaries. Having traveled to countries such as France, Romania, Singapore, Canada, and soon Belgium, Dr. Hoai Anh brings back not only knowledge but also a passion for multiculturalism, innovative teaching methods, and a deep enthusiasm for the French language.

Each journey enriched her perspective, enhanced her lectures with new perspectives and motivated her students, empowered them to reach for the world beyond. Let’s dive into the remarkable journey of Dr. Hoai Anh and uncover the secrets behind her enviable achievements!

The path of intellectual cultivation

With 20 years of teaching experience, including 13 years dedicated to the Faculty of French Language and Culture, Dr. Tran Hoai Anh is a lecturer who earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in French studies in Vietnam. She boasts not only a robust academic foundation but also several notable accomplishments in her teaching career. Through her unwavering dedication and relentless drive for innovation, she has clinched recognized awards, including the 2024 Creativity Award from the French Embassy and the 2023 Innovative Educator Award from Vietnam National University, Hanoi. These honors underscore not just her expertise but also her passion and tireless commitment to education. Her accomplishments reflect a progressive spirit, constantly seeking creative teaching methods to deliver the greatest value to her students.

Dr. Tran Hoai Anh vividly recalls 2013 as the year she truly immersed herself in the language and culture she adores. It was her first trip to France, a three-month journey to advance her teaching skills. “In 2013, I spent three months in France, deepening my expertise and soaking in the language and culture I love,” she shared. The opportunity came through a scholarship from Préfasse, an organization dedicated to young French-language educators, embodying a heartfelt mission to “shine a light on French teaching in Southeast Asia”—a meaning reflected in its name. That meaningful experience reshaped her worldview and redefined her approach to teaching.

While studying and attending workshops in France and other countries, Dr. Hoai Anh never felt out of place. Her curious nature and open-minded spirit made blending into new environments seamless, as she eagerly embraced fresh experiences. Brimming with positive energy, she has a positive open-minded perspective, steadfast in her belief that despite inevitable challenges, life is fair. She holds that hard work is rewarded with meaningful connections and well-deserved successes.

A Turning Point in Her Career

The 2013 trip to France was far more than a journey – it was a “pivotal experience,” a pivotal turning point that profoundly shaped Dr. Tran Hoai Anh’s life and career. In the “City of Light,” her passion was ignited, sparking an intense desire to live and teach with purpose. She was inspired by the locals and educators who lived wholeheartedly, embracing bold commitment. This philosophy became her guiding principle: “You may succeed or fail, but not trying is a failure from the start – just keep moving, and you’ll get there.” Their strong professional commitment to their values left a lasting mark, becoming the compass for her devoted teaching journey.

Beyond that transformative short-term study in France, Dr. Hoai Anh has seized opportunities to engage in prestigious international conferences, such as the French Teachers’ Congress in Singapore and events in the picturesque Eastern European nation of Romania. Each experience enriched her with new teaching methods and knowledge while allowing her to share her research with global peers. What she cherishes most is the engaged audience and professional dialogue from colleagues during her presentations. The respect and appreciation from the international academic community fuel her drive to continually grow as a researcher and educator. After each conference, she maintains connections with colleagues, fostering a well-connected professional network that exchanges ideas and supports one another.

Dr. Tran Hoai Anh’s evolving mindset and innovative teaching methods have led to positive outcomes. Her lectures have become increasingly dynamic and engaging, igniting a passion for learning in her students. She has inspired countless individuals to appreciate the beauty of the French language and culture, leaving a lasting impact on generations of learners.

Her success at ULIS stands as a testament to both her talent and relentless effort, embodying a daring spirit that embraces bold action and commitment. Dr. Hoai Anh proves that with passion and determination, any boundary can be surpassed, paving the way for remarkable achievements.

“Keep Pushing Forward, and the Universe Will Guide You”

Reflecting on her aspirations, Dr. Hoai Anh shared, “After years of focusing on family, I’m eager to resume research and present abroad. I’m honored to soon present in Canada, Belgium, and France, alongside a three-week scholarship in Belgium. Teaching French culture drives my desire to explore French-speaking countries, enriching myself and my lectures. Students thrive with teachers who share real-world experiences openly, and I believe that makes learning vibrant.”

Speaking on her favorite motto, “Aide-toi, le ciel t’aidera” (“Keep pushing forward, and the universe will guide you”), she offered advice to students dreaming of studying abroad or pursuing teaching: “To be a teacher, you need patience, diligence, and a love for people. Early in my career, I worked without pay for three years at an educational innstitution – a challenging time that shaped who I am today. I told myself that proving my worth would earn trust and opportunities. If I’d focused only on earnings back then, I wouldn’t have the fulfilling moments I experience now in teaching French. If you have the chance, study abroad and live in a new environment to embrace differences, uncover your potential, and build resilience. When you’re young, step out of your comnstitution – that’s when you discover who you are and what you’re capable of. Just dive in.”

Dr. Hoai Anh’s teaching journey is a rich and diverse journey, woven with threads of effort and exhaustion but bursting with vivid hues of joy, energy, and beauty. Her story sends a powerful message to students: Strive wholeheartedly for what’s worth it. Chase the unfamiliar to unlock hidden potential you never knew you had.

Đào Thị Thảo Vân