HCMC teen with IELTS 9.0 and top English awards for gifted students chooses teaching career

Winning first and second prizes in Vietnam's national English competition for gifted students, along with achieving a perfect IELTS score of 9.0, has earned a 12th grader direct admission to Ho Chi Minh City University of Education.

Nguyen Tuan Phong is a former English major at Tran Dai Nghia High School for the Gifted in Ho Chi Minh City.

He is currently enrolled in the university's English language teacher education program.

He said he began considering a career in teaching early in 10th grade, after being selected for the national English competition team and winning second prize.

Nguyen Tuan Phong, a former student of Tran Dai Nghia High School for the Gifted in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo courtesy of Phong

The achievement motivated him but also brought considerable pressure. Phong repeatedly questioned whether he could continue improving and maintain his performance.

Encouraged and inspired by the teachers who coached the competition team, he gradually regained his confidence and went on to win first prize in the competition for two consecutive years.

"I also want to become a friendly teacher with strong professional knowledge who inspires students, just like the teachers I have learned from," Phong said.

Phong took the IELTS test in 11th grade to strengthen his university application.

Because the test came immediately after the national English competition, he did not have much time to prepare and aimed for a score of 8.0.

He was therefore surprised to receive a perfect score.

"I couldn't believe my eyes. I thought the sheet showing a score of 9.0 was just a sample result. Only after reading it carefully did I confirm that it was actually mine," he said.

Phong said he had been exposed to English since the age of four and continued taking classes at language centers until the end of middle school.

Initially, he was eager to learn English so he could watch foreign reality shows, movies, and cartoons.

Over time, he shifted toward scientific content and materials related to his school curriculum.

English, to him, became a "gateway" that opened up a more diverse and expansive world.

Phong believes that practical application is essential to mastering a language. He regularly practices speaking English with classmates and native speakers whenever he has the opportunity.

In his view, learning a foreign language requires perseverance, and every small improvement deserves recognition.

"Don't put too much pressure on yourself or set too many goals. Haste makes waste, and the more stressed you are, the harder it becomes to absorb new knowledge," Phong said.

Tran Kim Duyen, head of the foreign languages department at Tran Dai Nghia High School for the Gifted, coached Phong for several years.

She described him as a well-rounded student who demonstrated creative thinking, independent learning skills, and a willingness to learn from teachers and peers without becoming arrogant.

"Phong is confident, independent and always willing to support those around him. He also helps teachers organize extracurricular activities," she said.

Building on his high school experience, Phong hopes to take part in a wide range of activities during his four years at university while striving for strong academic results.

He aims to become an English teacher at the high school level.

Vietnamese students currently take the same national high school graduation exams, but universities maintain their own admission standards.

Institutions are allowed to award additional points, or grant direct admission, to applicants for academic awards, language certificates such as IELTS or SAT, or extracurricular achievements.

However, the Ministry of Education and Training recently proposed eliminating university admission bonus points for IELTS certificates and excellent student awards starting next year.