The Wisdom of a Ph.D. Student: Mr. Nguyen Minh Tri on Finding Purpose and Recognition

Nguyen Minh Tri (Andy Tri Nguyen), the Ph.D. student and Director of English Language Studies at Hoa Sen University (HSU), was nominated by the U.S. Embassy as one of four Vietnamese educators for an exchange trip. The program, “Practical Strategies for Cross-Cultural Instruction in the English Language Classroom”, took place at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, USA, from July 13-28, 2025. Furthermore, he was also the youngest member of the delegation of 23 members from 13 countries.

Opening up multidimensional perspectives on education

As part of the English Access Scholarship Program, this exchange was sponsored by the Regional English Language Office (RELO), operated under the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Alongside other international educators, he participated in a series of in-depth training sessions on cross-cultural teaching methods. The training focused on learner-centered instruction and integrating Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) techniques. This training is designed to improve learning efficiency and help learners develop comprehensively to become responsible citizens in a global society.

The two-week program offered practical, interactive workshops to help learners build a more positive and inclusive classroom environment. In addition, the program’s modules on mental resilience provided teachers with essential mental health tools to address the challenges of today’s educational context.

Beyond their studies, they completed fieldwork at public schools, community organizations, and English language programs across the United States. Moreover, his frequent discussions with local teachers and experts provided new insights into education, particularly on how to foster a generation of global citizens with a strong intercultural understanding.

The U.S. Embassy has recognized his exceptional qualifications, nominating him for this valuable opportunity. An accomplished scholar, he holds a Master’s degree in Education from Edith Cowan University (Australia) and is a Ph.D. student in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at Ho Chi Minh City Open University. He pursues the fields of applied linguistics, English teaching, and intercultural studies in education.

Applying Lessons from the Trip to English Language Teaching

Sharing about his 2-week journey in the US, he called it “A Journey of Professional and Personal Growth”. He employed various teaching techniques to foster critical thinking, emotional connection, and cultural understanding in diverse learning environments.

The group activities, discussions, and experiential learning can be adapted for effective application in academic and interdisciplinary English classrooms in Viet Nam. My goal is to ensure students learn with both knowledge and empathy, developing not only intellectually but also emotionally.

Nguyen Minh Tri, Ph.D student and Director of HSU English Language Studies Program.

The trip was a valuable opportunity for his personal growth, helping him mature, gain confidence, and develop a stronger belief in the role of young people in international education.

He also said, “I feel so lucky to have been chosen for this trip. The vivid cultural experiences were particularly impactful, as they made me realize that to truly understand and connect with learners, we must first understand the world they live in—their context, culture, emotions, and voices.”

The trip was a transformative experience for him, helping the enthusiastic lecturer develop greater empathy and inspiring his ideal, effective teaching methods. Additionally, for the passionate Director of the HSU English Language Program, education was not just about imparting knowledge; it was about creating a safe, positive space for students to be themselves. Therefore, the purpose of education extended beyond grades and skills; it was about personal growth, recognition, and feeling understood.

“Lecturers are to empower students to develop their unique abilities, not to make them conform to a standardized way of thinking.” – Minh Tri claimed.

Applying his philosophy to his English classes at HSU, he has fostered an open learning community that builds a genuine connection between lecturers and students. Within this environment, students have been empowered to ask questions, make mistakes, and challenge themselves in a multicultural and academic space.

He is a very dedicated lecturer. Even with a busy schedule, he patiently provides detailed instructions, guiding students through complex concepts until they are confident in their understanding.

Mr. Vu Ngoc An, an English Language Studies student and Vice President of HSU English Club

His trip to the United States provided him with not only valuable expertise in SEL, but also a new conviction to build classrooms as happy learning communities. In the coming future, he plans to organize workshops on emotional education and SEL for HSU lecturers and students, to spread progressive and humane values in contemporary education.

Translated by: Mr. Do Tan Tai