‘What I love most about being a Chevening Scholar in Wales’: An interview with Dang Thanh Van

With so many world-class universities to choose from, Wales is a popular choice for many Chevening Scholars.

Dang Thanh Van is one such scholar who is pursuing her master’s in Wildlife and Conservation Management at the University of South Wales.

Van’s Chevening Scholarship is generously co-funded by our partners at Universities Wales (Global Wales).

Universities Wales co-fund Chevening Scholarships for scholars from India and Vietnam to study any subject area at the following universities:

• Aberystwyth University
• Bangor University
• Cardiff Metropolitan University
• Glyndwr University
• Swansea University
• University of South Wales
• University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Awards are also available for Vietnamese students to study at Cardiff University.

We sat down with Van to find out what it’s like to be a Chevening Scholar in Wales.

What made you decide to study in Wales?

‘As a nature lover, studying in Wales has been a dream come true.

In Wales, there are so many things to do and so many stunning places to explore, including Kenfig, Pembrokeshire, Snowdon, and the Brecon Beacons. Even just being able to walk along the river helps me relax and clear my mind after studying. I really enjoy it.

But the reason I decided to study in Wales was not just because of its stunning landscapes; it was also because of its excellent educational quality. I really love my university course at the University of South Wales. We get to go on lots of field trips that not only enhance my environmental conservation skills but also expose me to more of the UK. Getting to experience all of this alongside classmates who share my passion for wildlife is amazing.’

What do you love most about studying in Wales?

‘The thing I enjoy most about studying in Wales is the hospitality of the people and the welcoming atmosphere. People in Wales are incredibly friendly, especially older people.

They create a supportive environment for students from around the world who come to study in Wales.

When I’m running in the park, people will stop and ask if I am a student at USW, followed by a very warm chat.

I’ve found that local people in Pontypridd also like to share their favourite restaurant recommendations. The reason I discovered my favourite places in Pontypridd (Le Crazy Croissant coffee shop and Janet’s Authentic Northern Chinese restaurant) is because of the recommendation of a lady I met in the local market.’

What’s been the highlight of your Chevening experience?

‘It’s difficult to pick a highlight from all the amazing experiences I’ve had, but I would say the events Global Wales/Study in Wales hosted for us were definitely up there.

As Welsh scholars, we got to take part in some very special experiences, including a Carol Concert at Llandaff Cathedral last Christmas, a talk with Mr. David Rees MS, Deputy Presiding Officer at the Senedd Cymru (Welsh Parliament), and a trip to Cardiff Bay on the Aquabus.

Being a part of Chevening is truly my privilege; it gives me positive energy to be the best version of myself.

I feel so grateful that Chevening chose me for this prestigious scholarship and that I got to live and study in such a beautiful part of the world.

If you’re on the fence about applying, my advice is to just go for it!

#ChooseChevening #ChooseWales’

Applications for Chevening Scholarships will open in September 2023. Subscribe to the Alphagram to receive the latest updates.