From a Gap Year to a Full MOE Scholarship, Nim Boi Doanh, Shares Her Journey of Pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business Administration at the National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Taiwan

I am a Vietnamese undergraduate student majoring in Business Administration at National Tsing Hua University (NTHU), Taiwan, and a recipient of the Taiwan Ministry of Education (MOE) Scholarship, which fully covers tuition and living expenses for four years.
My academic journey has not been linear. While I maintained strong academic performance throughout high school, a gap year caused by poor planning challenged both my confidence and sense of direction. That experience became a critical moment of reflection and growth.

Turning Point

During my gap year, while preparing university applications to Taiwan, I began researching scholarship opportunities and discovered the MOE Scholarship. Beyond financial support, it represented a chance to redefine my trajectory through intentional preparation and self-awareness.
Rather than rushing the process, I approached it strategically—treating the application as a project requiring structure, discipline, and clarity of narrative.

How I Approached the Process

1. Strategic Preparation
   I followed official guidelines closely and prepared documentation early, accounting for long processing times for certificates such as HSK and TOCFL.
2.  Strong Fundamentals
   I completed language proficiency tests early to allow room for improvement and ensured my academic background aligned clearly with my intended major.
3. Depth over Breadth
   Instead of joining many short-term activities, I focused on long-term engagement, serving as a co-founder of an Environmental Club and participating in academic competitions relevant to my interests.
4.  Credible Endorsement
   I secured recommendation letters from individuals who understood my capabilities and growth, including my school principal and my English teacher, who mentored me to achieve third prize in a city-level English competition.
5.  Learning from Experience
   I actively sought advice from seniors who had received MOE, MOFA, and ICDF scholarships to refine my application and interview strategy.
6.  Interview Mindset
   Rather than memorizing answers, I focused on structured thinking and authenticity, understanding that interviewers value clarity, logic, and genuine self-awareness.

Academic Profile

GPA: 9.2 / 10
IELTS: 7.5
TOCFL: Level 5
Third Prize, City-level English Competition
Co-founder, Environmental Club

What This Experience Taught Me

Through interactions with fellow MOE recipients, I learned that there is no single ideal profile. Some candidates stood out academically, while others demonstrated exceptional clarity and logic during interviews. What consistently mattered was preparation, alignment, and confidence.

Why I’m Sharing This

I share my story to emphasize that setbacks do not define outcomes. With structure, discipline, and a clear narrative, it is possible to turn uncertainty into opportunity.
For students pursuing international education or competitive scholarships, my key takeaway is simple: build strong fundamentals, prepare intentionally, and own your story.