“"A college won't attract foreign students" is a common misconception. And Filipino student Danielle F. Galinato Gwen is a prime example proving this wrong. Gwen is a 2018 BTEC HND Graphic Design student at Viet My College. She dared to abandon her studies in her home country to pursue her passion for art and design. Currently, Gwen has just completed her course and successfully defended her final year thesis, receiving much praise from the judging panel. Let's chat with and learn more about this talented young woman.
APC: Hi Gwen, could you briefly introduce yourself?
Hello, my name is Danielle F.Galimato Gwen, and I'm from the Philippines. I came to Vietnam in 2007 with my family to facilitate my parents' work. Born into an artistic family (both my parents work in advertising), I was inspired from a young age and continue to pursue my passion to this day. My chosen path is graphic design because I enjoy creativity and innovation in my life.
APC: How did Gwen get into the BTEC International Bachelor's program?
In 2015, I returned to the Philippines to study communications at a college. During that time, I realized I wasn't comfortable with what I was studying there. So I decided to return to Vietnam and take a year off to think more carefully about my future. Coincidentally, I learned about the BTEC – APC International Bachelor's program through a recommendation from my parents. Because I didn't know much about graphic design schools in Vietnam, my parents did the research and found the school to be of high quality. Initially, I was skeptical about the quality of education; however, that doubt quickly disappeared after just a few weeks of studying there. And now, I am very satisfied with my experience at this school.
APC: So, after 2 years and 4 months studying in the BTEC International Bachelor's program, what are Gwen's impressions of the environment and the people here?
Viet My is indeed a small school; but precisely because of its "small size," I feel comfortable with everything here and easily make friends with most people. The lecturers are dedicated and helpful; especially whenever I want to ask about issues I'm interested in, they always try their best to explain things in the clearest and most understandable way. Despite the language barrier, the teachers are very good at English, and we communicate with each other in a global language. My classmates always welcome me with joy and enthusiasm, which helps me no longer feel isolated because I'm a foreigner. And now, they are my second family. The teaching and learning methods here are very progressive, the curriculum is always relevant to real life, and I have learned so much, not only knowledge but also skills and ethics; everything is very useful for my future.
APC: Regarding Gwen's project, we felt your thesis defense was very good. Do you think the project would be successful if you continued to develop it and turned it into a real project?
I've been researching this project for quite some time, so I want it to be successful. It's a project about human mental health, an aspect I'm particularly interested in because it relates to the health and right to happiness of every individual, so I want it to receive more attention and development in this area.
APC: Does Gwen have any plans for the future after graduation?
First of all, my project is a big one, and I can't develop it immediately after graduation. Therefore, in the near future, I still want to pursue and continue learning more about graphic design in all aspects so that I can become better and more confident in this field. Because once I become the best version of myself in graphic design, I can work anywhere and in any relevant position; from there, I will develop myself and gain the confidence to execute my project.
APC: Thank you, Gwen, for taking the time to chat with APC! We wish you much more success and wonderful experiences in life.
Author: Viet My College - Date written: September 18, 2020
Category: Student life
0 thoughts on “Danielle F.Galinato Gwen: cô sinh viên Philippines của BTEC HND Graphic Design “Cao đẳng và người ngoại quốc, tại sao không””