From the beautiful Land of a Million Elephants, Apor Thepvongsim came to Vietnam, carrying dreams and aspirations for education, and chose Nam Can Tho University (DNC) as the launching pad for her journey to pursue a degree in Pharmacy.
As part of its effort to promote international cooperation in education, DNC has implemented a scholarship policy covering 100% of tuition fees for Laotian students from disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstrate strong academic performance. This initiative is part of a broader partnership between the DNC and Laos, affirming a joint commitment to training high-quality human resources for the region. Apor Thepvongsim, a Pharmacy student at DNC, is one of the outstanding scholarship recipients. She exemplifies the image of a diligent, dynamic Laotian international student who has successfully integrated into the academic environment in Vietnam. DNC’s comprehensive support system and scholarship policy not only help international students feel secure in their studies but also contribute to building a diverse, friendly, and sustainable multicultural community.
Arriving in a foreign country with a new academic environment, a different language, and an unfamiliar culture posed significant challenges for Apor in her early days at DNC. However, the support and care of friends, teachers, and the welcoming spirit of upperclassmen became the catalyst that helped her gain confidence and integrate more smoothly.
One of the most remarkable milestones in Apor’s journey was her courageous decision to participate in Miss DNC 2025—a prestigious contest celebrating the beauty, talent, and intelligence of DNC’s female students. Overcoming self-doubt, language barriers, and stage fright, Apor not only made it to the Top 30 finalists but also won the title of “Most Popular Contestant”, thanks to her graceful charm, friendly demeanor, and positive energy.
Apor is not only an excellent student but also an enthusiastic member of the Faculty of Pharmacy’s Youth Union. She actively takes part in various extracurricular activities, competitions, and university events. She has even served as MC for many major faculty programs, acting as a “bridge” between international students and their Vietnamese peers, helping spread the spirit of unity and integration within the DNC community.
“When I first came to Vietnam, I was terrified, scared of not understanding the lessons, afraid of not having friends, scared I wouldn’t be able to fit in… But thanks to the love and support from everyone at the DNC, I’ve gradually learned to become stronger. I’m grateful to every friend and teacher who made me feel at home.
The Miss DNC 2025 contest was a turning point that made me believe that with enough effort, I can achieve anything. I want to encourage all international students to take bold steps forward, because DNC is always ready to open its arms, inspire confidence, and nurture our dreams.
Apor’s story goes beyond personal achievements and individual effort. She represents a generation of international students who dare to dream, dare to change, and strive to rise above challenges. Her adaptability, ambition, and desire to become the best version of herself have made Apor a role model admired by many international students currently studying at DNC.
With a strong focus on the internationalization of education, DNC not only offers modern academic programs and state-of-the-art facilities but also fosters a friendly environment that maximizes support for international students to integrate, grow, and shine easily. Stories like that of Apor Thepvongsim are a vivid testament to these humanistic values.
